Program Associate, Climate Initiative; WPF

Posted on November 20, 2020

Wellspring Climate Initiative (WCI) seeks to avoid the worst impacts of climate change by dramatically reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating the transition to a clean energy future. The Climate Initiative’s investments are aimed at decarbonizing the world economy as quickly as possible and are focused on the strategies and venues where philanthropy can have the highest impact. Wellspring Climate Initiative is active in multiple geographies based on opportunities for cost‐effective mitigation.

WCI believes 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. WCI is dedicated to building the political will and powerful coalitions needed to achieve these bold policy solutions. WCI was recently launched and is actively building its team. WCI is based in Irvine, California.

Wellspring Climate Initiative is part of the Wellspring Philanthropies and an initiative of Wellspring Philanthropic Fund (WPF), which opened its doors in 2001 with a mission to improve the realization of human rights and social and economic justice for all people. The organization is supported by donors who share a common belief in and respect for the inherent worth and dignity of every person.

Further information can be found here: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Program development, delivery, and performance

• Conduct research and analysis on specific programs and climate sector trends to support WCI in determining strategic priorities and setting operational plans.
• Provide and communicate global and regional analysis verbally and in writing, including developing presentations, graphs, and charts to contribute to the strategy and planning process.
• Assist the Executive Director, Program Director, and leadership team in preparing aspects of the program strategy and evidence base to support grant approval processes.
• Support the oversight and lead administration of the grant management process to enable WCI to deliver and monitor its philanthropic activity efficiently and effectively and ensure impact.
• Assist the program officers as needed with tracking grantee work and outcomes, including reviewing grants reports, and participating in meetings with grantees.
• Support the preparation of strategy recommendations, background papers, summary reports and portfolio investment reports, to ensure these are produced to a high standard and in a timely fashion.
• Assist program directors with drafting of summaries and analysis of grant proposals.
• Participate in all aspects of grant making, including initial screening of potential grantees, analyzing background information; soliciting and developing funding proposals; preparing grant recommendations; serving as focal point on select grantee relationships; and conducting site visits.

Administrative

• Assist team with planning and coordinating meetings, travel, workshops and convenings; make logistical arrangements as needed; manage consultant contracts.
• Maintain grants database, budget spreadsheets and grant calendars, and coordinate grant processes for the team.
• Support strategic planning, reflection and learning processes, including through research, analysis, preparation of materials, and note taking.

Sector knowledge and profile-building

• Proactively build and maintain external knowledge and networks to ensure decision-making is shaped by up-to-date insights and research.
• Monitor developments in the field to identify emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities.
• Support geographic or sector-relevant research and analysis to inform the effective development, delivery, and evaluation of programs and initiatives.

Financial stewardship, supervision, and management

• Coordinate the development of grant agreements closely with the Wellspring Philanthropic Fund team including the forecasting of grant payments, to enable effective grant management and reporting.
• Support the maintenance of annual administrative budgets for programmatic expenses.
• Prepare and support relevant WCI presentations.
• Serve…