About the Oak Foundation
Oak Foundation www.oakfnd.org is a leading international philanthropic organisation which commits its resources to address issues of global social and environmental concern, particularly those that have a major impact on the lives of the disadvantaged. With offices in Europe, Africa, and North America, Oak Foundation makes grants to organisations located in over 40 countries worldwide.
Background to role
We are seeking a highly experienced and knowledgeable professional with extensive experience in the climate change field. The successful candidate will have a proven professional background and the credibility to be a respected player in the climate change fora and debates and with an extensive network of NGO, government and corporate experts in the climate change and energy solutions world.
Geographically, Oak Foundation’s climate change activities are currently focused in North America, Europe, India, China and Brazil. Under the supervision and guidance of the Environment Programme Director, the Programme Officer will manage a portfolio of international projects aimed at mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. S/he will supervise a growing portfolio of grants with an annual budget of US$ 6-10 million. The position will work closely with other environment programme staff with the Oak Foundation.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
• Maintain a strong network of relationships with key players in the climate arena (NGOs, scientific, philanthropic, government, private sector) and particularly within his/her geographical focus area.
• Follow and assess key scientific, legislative and regulatory developments within his/her area of geographical responsibility and internationally.
• Provide strategic direction as part of the Environment Programme team and help shape the climate components of the programme’s high level goals.
• Develop new grant making opportunities and programme activities in line with the climate programme’s strategic directions.
• Manage all aspects of grant making: conduct research; develop new grant opportunities and a cohesive portfolio; conduct due diligence and make grant recommendations; manage grant relationships; assess impact, including enlisting the support of technical expertise for monitoring and evaluation when appropriate.
• Review letters of inquiry and proposals received by the foundation and respond in a timely manner to all applicants, regardless of the foundation’s interest.
• Review budgets submitted by applicant organisations as part of the due diligence process.
• Assess organisational development needs, and propose appropriate measures.
• Conduct site visits to applicants, grantees and projects, as required.
• Represent Oak Foundation at external climate change meetings, and contribute to internal and key constituent communications on climate change.
• Convene partner NGOs, scientists, government and/or peers from other foundations when programme implementation so requires.
• Attend relevant workshops and seminars in connection with current and new initiatives when appropriate.
• Work with Oak Foundation administrative and program management staff to ensure efficient progress in grant making, monitoring and reporting, as well as other administrative activities related to the programme.
• Perform all other relevant duties that may be assigned from time to time, including answering phones and coordinating travel, meetings and seminars.
• Interact routinely, professionally and collegially with Oak Foundation’s Environment Trustee, Finance/Administrative staff, and other Environment Programme staff.
• Help drive organisational efficiencies, impact, and overall improvements
Candidate requirements
• University degree or equivalent work experience in political, social and/or relevant environmental or, natural sciences;
• At least 7-10 years experience, and a track record of significant achievement in a discipline related to climate change.
• Strong personal and professional networks in the climate change arena
• Ability to translate from strategic imperatives to tactical realities.
• Experience in field programme implementation and in making, managing, and measuring grants is preferred.
• Understanding of non-profit and/or governmental financial reporting and budgeting.
• Proven research and analysis skills; outstanding organisational abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; desire and ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills; comfort expressing opinions in a setting that encourages a vibrant exchange of ideas.
• A strongly developed sense of integrity, humility and discretion; poise maturity and a good sense of humor.
• Available for international travel, sometimes for extended periods
• Excellent written and spoken English required. Knowledge of Mandarin, Hindi or Portuguese would be advantageous.
• Eligibility to live and work in Switzerland is required.
Reporting lines
The position is based in Geneva (Switzerland) and reports to the Environment Programme Director. The position routinely interacts with Oak’s Environment Programme Trustee, and also collaborates closely with other climate programme officers positions within the organisation.
Salary
A highly competitive salary and benefits appropriate for Geneva and based on experience will be offered to the chosen candidate.
To apply for the post, please send a letter of application stating the skills and approach that you would bring to the post, and your suitability for this role, along with your CV/resume (no photos) in English in strict confidence BY EMAIL ONLY to Isabel Leal at Daryl Upsall Consulting International at: rrhh@darylupsall.com Applications sent by other means will not be considered.
Please ensure that they are sent as Word documents with the titles “your name cover letter” and “your name CV”. Please put “Oak Programme Officer – Climate Change” in the email subject line and also state how you found out about the job announcement.
Deadline for applications: Monday 12 December 2011
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