Snr. Program Officer

Description Institute for Sustainable Communities is seeking a Senior Program Officer to support the implementation of its climate and energy programs in China. In particular, the person in this position will be the primary VT-based staff person working on the community-based elements of ISC’s two programs in China: the Guangdong Environmental Partnership (GEP) and the US-China Partnership for Climate Action (PCA). These programs are working intensively with communities – cities, towns and metropolitan regions – in two Chinese provinces (Guangdong and Jiangsu) to identify, assess and implement effective actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by increasing energy efficiency and bolstering the supply of, and demand for, renewable energy. We are doing this by providing training and peer-learning services to local climate and energy practitioners; linking Chinese practitioners with their US counterparts and leading experts; accelerating the transfer of promising practices in local climate and energy solutions; and building the capacity of Chinese partners to serve as learning and networking hubs.

The successful candidate will possess strong and proven abilities to design and implement complex programs in collaboration with multiple US and Chinese partners. Exceptional research, analytical, communications and project management skills are required. Qualified applicants will have extensive experience with community-based action to increase energy efficiency and reduce climate pollution. The person in this position works closely with other ISC staff based in both the US and China.

Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of the Community-Based Energy Efficiency (CBEE) component of the Guangdong Environmental Partnership. This program is working closely with three pilot communities in China’s Guangdong Province, helping them identify, assess, fund, implement and measure the impact of energy efficiency improvements
• Support the design and implementation of the Clean Energy Cities component of the US-China Partnership for Climate Action. Modeled on ISC’s US-based Climate Leadership Academy initiative, this program will provide intensive training and peer-learning services to local and regional climate and energy practitioners in selected cities in the Guangdong and Jiangsu provinces
• Provide technical and program support – research, analysis, program design assistance, strategic advice, etc. – to counterparts in ISC’s offices in Guangzhou and Shanghai
• As appropriate and feasible, provide technical and program support to ISC’s US-based Climate Leadership Academy
• Keep ISC’s VP of Climate & Environmental Programs informed about progress, issues, challenges and opportunities

Requirements Master’s Degree and at least five years of professional experience in a field related to ISC’s mission and its Climate & Environment Program;
• Experience with, and demonstrated success in, promoting effective community-scale action to increase energy efficiency (related to both building and transportation-related energy use) and/or reduce climate pollution;
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills;
• Program design and implementation experience;
• Research, analytical and budgeting skills;
• Strong work ethic, personal integrity, and sensitivity to people from different countries/cultures;
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively;
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and meet deadlines;
• Above average skills in Microsoft Office suite, data processing (SAGE), email, Internet browsers, and other software; and
• Willingness and ability to travel.
• Knowledge of, and experience in, China – including language skills and understanding of local climate- and energy-related challenges and opportunities, is a strongly preferred.