Job Description

ABOUT SEQUOIA CLIMATE FOUNDATION

Sequoia Climate Foundation is a climate philanthropy that believes in a world powered by clean energy, where all people are protected by policies that have averted the worst effects of climate change. We support bold strategies and efforts that will have both near-term impact and the greatest probability of long-term success. We believe that solving climate change requires the adoption of ambitious, evidence-based policy solutions that transform markets, advance clean technology, and lead to large‐scale change.

JOB SUMMARY

The Program Officer works with one or more Sequoia Senior Program Managers and Program Directors to develop and execute strategies aligned with the organizational mission and vision; with specific focus to advance climate and energy goals by reducing oil and gas use, accelerating investment in renewable energy, and promoting pathways to a decarbonized future. This includes compiling the research and evidence necessary to assess potential impact and success, identifying the organizations best positioned to execute them, and actively engaging with grantees to ensure alignment and robust execution. The Program Officer role partners with program leadership on key initiatives to make a global impact and engages with peer networks, government officials, thought leaders, and stakeholders to assess emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities.

In addition, 50% of the Program Officer’s capacity is dedicated to providing flexible support across program teams, offering additional coverage and assistance where needed to ensure continuity and impact.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & KEY OUTCOMES

Oil & Gas - 50%

• Support Sequoia’s efforts to determine strategic priorities and set operational plans by conducting research and analysis on specific programs and climate sector trends.
• Monitor developments in the field to identify emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities for driving ambitious climate action.
• Engage peer networks, funders, government officials, and other stakeholders to help develop strategies and identify organizations best positioned to execute those strategies.
• Present strategic analysis results verbally and in writing through memos, background papers, presentations, graphs, and charts both internally and externally.
• Support all aspects of strategy execution and grantmaking, including initial screening of potential grantees, analyzing background information, developing funding proposals, and preparing grant recommendations.
• Serve as the point of contact for select grantees to steward relationships, conduct site visits as needed, and monitor impact of grants.
• Support the forecasting of grant payments and serve as a compliance checkpoint to ensure grantmaking stays within yearly budgets.
• Maintain grants database, budget spreadsheets, and grant calendars, and coordinate grant processes for the team.
• Assist with program and goals development, tracking, and keeping the leadership team apprised of critical internal deadlines and external developments.
• Assist team with planning and coordinating meetings, travel, workshops, and convenings; manage consultant contracts and logistical arrangements.
• Support the maintenance of annual administrative budgets for programmatic expenses.
• Handle simultaneous deadlines and complete assignments.

Flexible Support - 50%

• Provide flexible support across program teams, including coverage for staffing gaps, additional workload, or emerging priorities.

Perform other duties as required.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & CREDENTIALS

• Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree preferred.
• A minimum of five years of professional experience working in the climate or energy sector (public or private), climate change, or a related field.
• Understanding of global climate and energy organization eco-systems preferred.
• Strong quantitative skills preferred.
• Experience working in government, non-profit, advocacy, or for a philanthropic organization is preferred.

COMPETENCIES

• Development: Enhancing skills, knowledge, and capabilities to excel in one's current role and prepare for future opportunities.
• Collaboration: Works cooperatively and effectively with others (internally and externally), sharing information and building relationships to achieve goals. Prioritizing creating and maintaining a trustworthy, transparent, and psychologically safe environment.
• Innovation: Embracing ambitious goals to foster a culture that supports bold ideas, continuous improvement, and visionary practices.
• Adaptability: Remaining flexible and effective in response to changing circumstances, priorities, or environments. Willingness to be nimble as we navigate complexity.
• Conflict Management: Actively addressing and resolving conflicts in a constructive manner to make decisions that are thoughtful and inclusive, consider the input of relevant stakeholders and align with the Sequoia’s goals and values.
• Risk Management: Systematically identifies, assesses, and addresses potential risks to minimize their impact.
• Productivity: Maximizing efficiency and effectiveness to achieve optimal performance and output.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 15 lbs. Requires the ability to periodically travel locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.

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