Position: Program Officer
Location: San Francisco, CA

Company:
The ClimateWorks Foundation is a worldwide network of philanthropic and non-governmental organizations whose goal is to prevent dangerous climate change. Our objective is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 billion metric tons per year by the year 2030, and ensure that global average temperatures do not increase by more than 2 degree centigrade - a threshold that most climate scientists describe as a dangerous tipping point. To achieve this objective, ClimateWorks promotes smart government policies that reduce reliance on carbon-intensive energy sources; rapidly deploy clean, efficient energy technologies and low-carbon infrastructure; and reduce the rate of deforestation in the world’s largest, most threatened tropical forests. We prioritize this work in the nations, regions, and economic sectors responsible for most greenhouse gas emissions - thus increasing our chances of success.

The ClimateWorks Foundation’s unique strategy rests on three organizational pillars:

- The ClimateWorks Foundation manages the Network, conducts in-depth policy research and economic analyses, raises needed funds, and sets funding priorities based on the most urgent challenges and largest opportunities for reducing emissions.

- Regional Climate Foundations manage grant portfolios in priority nations, focusing on local and regional politics and campaign-style advocacy. They draw on deep, in-country political expertise and understanding of local conditions to lay the groundwork for policy victories.

- Best Practice Networks put world-class knowledge to work in the sectors responsible for most greenhouse gas emissions. The policy analysts, technologists, and former regulators who staff Best Practice Networks are deeply embedded in the policymaking process and know how to work with decision makers to ensure policy efficacy.

Program Officer - Transportation:
ClimateWorks seeks a highly skilled and motivated Program Officer with transportation expertise, preferably in transportation systems, to provide institutional development and sector-based strategy support for the ClimateWorks Network. The Program Officer - Transportation will focus on design and implementation of vehicle efficiency standards and low carbon fuel standards, and the design of transportation and urban systems that aid mobility while reducing car use.

The Program Officer will provide support to the sector-based Best Practice Network for transportation as well as the Program Officers focused on transportation residing at the ClimateWorks Regional Foundations. The Program Officer will support the entire ClimateWorks Network on this topic, helping to develop and refine sector-based strategies and research, facilitate exchange between internal and external groups to uncover and address new issues within the sector, convene key decision-makers to increase the understanding of and commitment to implementing sound transportation policies, and help build internal Network capacities to deliver on our collective goals. The Program Officer will also provide support for the organizational development of the Best Practice Network, including the development of strategic plans, operational plans, staff and governance plans and mechanisms which increase the organization’s access to and impact in influencing key decision-makers.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

More specifically, the Program Officer will:
- Facilitate strategy implementation on transportation policy. This will require the development of strong relationships within the ClimateWorks Network and helping the Regional Climate Foundations and Best Practice Network identify areas for collaboration, knowledge-sharing and assistance.
- Manage the strategy development and oversee a grant portfolio and budget (approximately $10 million to start) for the Best Practice Network and Regional Climate Foundations to collectively accomplish targeted policy goals, including monitoring the results of collective and individual strategies and grants.
- Work with external organizations and/or experts to further develop the Best Practice Network on transportation, including advising on strategic and operational plans, establishing the Board of Directors and other advisory bodies, setting up new offices, establishing partnerships with other relevant organizations, advancing the collection and dissemination of information on best practices in the design and implementation of relevant policies, and providing outreach to the decision-makers these Networks will be looking to influence.
- Facilitate sharing of knowledge between organizations on program strategy, campaign approaches, organizational development and other areas, and help identify new areas for sharing that organizations would benefit from.
- Help identify research priorities and work with the ClimateWorks Network organizations and the ClimateWorks research team to conduct needed research.
- Help identify fund-raising priorities and work with the ClimateWorks Network organizations and the ClimateWorks development team to raise needed funds.
- Maintain relationships with the ClimateWorks Network, grantees, other funders, and other experts and leaders in the field.
- Solicit, review, and recommend strategic plans for funding.
- Write, and sometimes present, dockets for board consideration.
- Make presentations on Network strategy to internal and external audiences.
- Monitor the impact of individual grants.
- Initiate strategy calls and meetings as needed.
- Engage directly in the field as needed.
- Help prepare compelling proposals and reports for the ClimateWorks Foundation’s funding partners and broader stakeholders.

Professional Qualifications and Personal Attributes

The successful applicant will have the following minimum qualifications:
- A deep commitment to the mission and values of the ClimateWorks Foundation.
- Strong facilitation, convening, mediation, and negotiation skills.
- At least five to seven years’ experience in the field of transportation policy, either in policy development or execution. Focus on transportation systems preferred.
- Extensive experience in building new institutions or programs, including the development of strategic and operational plans, hiring staff and developing Boards of Directors, and building organizational partnerships.
- Comfort with qualitative and quantitative energy and transportation policy analysis.
- A strong track record of applying sound political and strategic judgment in complex situations.
- Experience in working or living abroad, particularly in developing countries.
- An insightful, independent, analytic mind; intellectual curiosity.
- Experience negotiating with government officials or business leaders.
- Experience creating collaboration among networks of organizations or companies.
- Proven ability to initiate and manage projects.
- Outstanding written and verbal communications skills.
- Ability to work well in a team.
- Enthusiastic personality; sense of humor.
- Willingness to travel.
- Multilingual applicants preferred.
- Masters or other advanced degree preferred.

Compensation and Benefits:
The expected start date for this position is in January/February 2010.  The position will be located in San Francisco, California. The ClimateWorks Foundation offers an excellent benefits package and a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience.

To Apply:
Please submit your resume and cover letter with salary requirements in confidence by clicking “Apply” at the top of this page.
ceaconsulting.com/what/position_details.aspx?client=CEA&jobId=61
Email: jamaica AT cearecruiting DOT com

Inquiries received via phone call or direct email will not be eligible for review.

The ClimateWorks Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.