Head of Programmes Finance
Program Manager: 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 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.
The Program Manager develops cutting-edge, evidence-based grantmaking plans designed to achieve transformational and lasting change in support of the Climate Finance directorate’s impact goals and the Europe Portfolio. Reporting to the Program Director of Climate Finance, the Program Manager works closely with others across that team and the Europe Directorate.
This role collaborates across Sequoia Climate Foundation to manage grantmaking portfolios, fostering open communication, direct engagement, and productive relationships both internally and with grantees. The Program Manager develops, supports, and executes strategies; Collaboration with peer networks, policy officials, business and thought leaders, and other stakeholders helps assess emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities in the field. Support all aspects of strategy execution and strategic priorities, and set operational plans by conducting research and analysis on specific programs and climate sector trends.
Work closely with internal Sequoia teams to bring grantmaking forward to approval level, developing and articulating theories of change, helping to estimate emissions reduction impacts and managing grantmaking processes that involve setting forward workstreams linked to real world outcomes.
Support grantmaking portfolios, including initial screening of potential grantees, analyzing background information, soliciting, developing funding proposals, building and managing grantee relationships, advising on appropriate funding levels, preparing docket materials, monitoring and stewarding active grants, and preparing grant recommendations. Presents proposed grantees for funding to the Program Director.
Engage peer networks, funders, policy officials, opinion-formers within the climate change and finance and trade sector-specific community, and other stakeholders to help develop strategies and identify organizations best positioned to execute those strategies.
Identify appropriate partners and collaborations to advance grant-making strategies, including, as appropriate, active participation in collaboratives, conferences, and workshops.
Monitor developments in the field to identify emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities for driving ambitious climate action.
Support the forecasting of grant payments and serve as a compliance checkpoint to ensure grantmaking stays within yearly budgets. Supports the maintenance of annual administrative budgets for programmatic expenses.
Ensure adherence to internal grantmaking processes via appropriate documentation, grant budgeting, and reporting.
Represent Sequoia Climate Foundation at conferences and meetings with NGOs, funders, experts, and consultants where appropriate, ensuring follow-up as needed.
Support project and program management and handle simultaneous deadlines and assigned work.
Works integrally with staff in accomplishing tasks, managing junior staff as needed.
A minimum of eight years of professional experience working in climate finance, the financial sector (public or private), climate change, climate diplomacy / international cooperation or a related field.
Experience working in or with the European Union or a Member State country, with a track record collaborating with individuals and entities internationally.
Experience working on trade policy, climate finance (i.e., relevant financial accounting and reporting), in the financial sector, in the public finance sector on climate finance, or for a non-profit or governmental organization in this field is strongly preferred.
Strong communication skills: writing and verbal.
Enhancing skills, knowledge, and capabilities to excel in one's current role and prepare for future opportunities.
Works cooperatively and effectively with others (internally and externally), sharing information and building relationships to achieve goals. Remaining flexible and effective in response to changing circumstances, priorities, or environments. 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.
Maximizing efficiency and effectiveness to achieve optimal performance and output.
Requires the ability to periodically travel locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.