Program Officer, Climate Finance/Flexible Support

The Program Officer at Sequoia Climate Foundation, based in Irvine, CA, supports program directors in executing climate finance strategies. Responsibilities include conducting research, engaging with stakeholders, and managing grants. The role focuses on identifying emerging needs in climate action and providing flexible support across teams. The position requires project management and collaboration with various partners to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
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 supports one or more Sequoia Program Directors and Managers to develop and execute strategies aligned with the organizational mission and vision. This includes compiling the research and evidence necessary to assess their potential impact and chances for success, identifying the organizations best positioned to execute them, and actively engaging with grantees to ensure alignment with the mission and robust execution.


The Program
Officer role will partner with Program Leaders on key initiatives to make a global impact.
The Program
Officer will work with peer networks, government officials, thought leaders, and key stakeholders to assess emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities in the field.
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


Climate Finance - 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 philanthropic interventions to drive ambitious climate action.
Engage peer networks, funders, government officials, and other stakeholders to help develop strategies and assess organizations best positioned to execute those strategies.
Present the global and regional strategic analysis results verbally and in writing through memos, background papers, presentations, graphs, and charts both internally and externally.
Support Program Leaders with all aspects of strategy execution and grantmaking, including initial screening of potential grantees, analyzing background information, developing funding proposals, and preparing grant recommendations.
Work towards serving as the point of contact for select grantees to learn from and steward the relationship, conduct site visits as needed, and monitor the impact of grants.
Support the forecasting of grant payments and serve as a compliance checkpoint to ensure grantmaking stays within yearly budgets.
Own project management of grants database, budget spreadsheets, and grant calendars, and grant processes for the team.
Assists with program and goals development, tracking, and keeping the leadership team apprised of the most critical internal deadlines and external areas of interest that impact Sequoia’s programs.
Assist team with planning and coordinating meetings, travel, workshops, and convenings; make logistical arrangements as needed; manage consultant contracts.
Handle simultaneous deadlines and complete assignments.
Performs other duties as required.

Flexible Support - 50%

Provide flexible support across program teams, including coverage for staffing gaps, strategic projects or emerging priorities.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & CREDENTIALS

Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree preferred.
A minimum of five years of professional experience working in a relevant role, ideally in or related to climate change, the financial sector (public or private), government or a related field, for example, in the private sector or at a non-profit or philanthropic organization.
Understanding of global climate organization eco-system preferred.
Ability to work flexibly across timezones, especially with London-based team members.
Strong quantitative skills preferred.

COMPETENCIES

Development: Enhancing skills, knowledge, and capabilities.
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.