Sequoia Climate Fund is a new philanthropy that seeks to decarbonize the world economy at a speed and scale equal to the problem. 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.

China and the Southeast Asia region are undergoing rapid development while decoupling carbon emission with economic growth and are at the frontier of the global challenge of climate change. Sequoia Climate Fund is expanding our capacities to support police makers, scientists, NGOs, and citizens to accelerate the energy transition in this region.

We are actively seeking collaborative, bold, and innovative thinkers that can help us identify and evaluate ambitious climate strategies capable of driving transformative change in the world. The successful candidate will work with peer networks, government officials, thought leaders, and key stakeholders to assess emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities in the field. They will work with one or more Sequoia Program Directors to both develop and execute strategies responsive to those insights, compiling the research and evidence necessary to assess their potential impact and chances for success, and identifying the organizations best positioned to execute them. This is a great opportunity for a passionate individual with strong initiative towards contributing to a net zero carbon future. The role will provide the Program Officer with the opportunity to make a global impact while contributing to adoption of climate mitigation policies in high emitting countries. As Sequoia Climate Fund is a new, growing organization, this is a dynamic and fluid role. Key responsibilities are likely to include, but are not limited to, the following:

Program development, delivery, and performance

• 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 the results of global and regional strategic analysis verbally and in writing, through memos, background papers, presentations, graphs, and charts both internally and externally as required.
• Support all aspects of strategy execution and grant-making, including initial screening of potential grantees, analyzing background information, soliciting, developing funding proposals, and preparing grant recommendations.
• Serve 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.

Financial stewardship and administrative responsibilities

• Support the maintenance of annual administrative budgets for programmatic expenses.
• 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 team with planning and coordinating meetings, travel, workshops and convenings; make logistical arrangements as needed; manage consultant contracts.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as requested.

• Minimum five to seven years’ experience working in climate change or a related field, with at least three years of dedicated experience in at least one specific area within climate mitigation.
• Comfort with quantitative information and data in the context of climate mitigation, as well as with budgets and financial information,
• Mentor junior staff, as needed, and work integrally with staff in accomplishing tasks.
• Support the development of an annual administrative budget to anticipate and plan for programmatic expenses.
• Prepare and lead relevant Sequoia presentations.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as requested.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant field, or equivalent by experience.
• Understanding of grantmaking.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically about how to drive ambitious climate action.

• Thrives in an atmosphere where intellectual debates are encouraged and is passionate about using analytical tools as a decision-making tool to drive strategy.

You will be a part of an organization that promotes positive change in the world to minimize the impacts of climate change.  We provide competitive wages, health, and wellness benefits, paid vacation, holidays, and other perks to promote work/life harmony. We operate in a hybrid model which means, both workdays from home and in the office located in Irvine, California.

Other Information:

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Sequoia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe in the importance of cultivating teams with diverse backgrounds and offering equal opportunities to all. We strive to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where every team member feels valued, and diversity is celebrated.

COVID-19 Update: To ensure the safety and well-being of our employees, we will continue to monitor the situation and follow the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as local advisories from the California Department of Public Health and the Orange County Health Care Agency. As permitted under applicable law, all offers of employment will be conditioned upon new hires providing proof of vaccination prior to their start date, unless the individual qualifies for an accommodation. 

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