Sequoia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or legally protected status. We strive to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where every team member feels valued and diversity is celebrated.
China Operations Manager
Location: Beijing, China
Status: Full Time
Position: China Operations 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 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 and implementation of ambitious, evidence-based policy solutions that transform markets, advance clean technology, and lead to large‐scale change.
For more information on Sequoia Climate Foundation, please visit the website here.
Job Summary
Reporting directly to Sequoia’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), and working closely with the China Chief Representative Officer, the China Operations Manager will be directly responsible for supporting core operational functions within China including Finance, People & Culture, IT, Grants Management, and Facilities for the Beijing office.
The China Operations Manager will ensure effective and coordinated alignment with the Foundation’s mission with a local operation that fosters cooperation, accountability, efficiency, and impact. As a key operational team member for the Beijing office, this role will support the broader organization to deliver on its ambitious vision of urgent decarbonization locally. They will ensure that the Beijing office is well managed, staffed, aligned, secure, and fully compliant with local laws and requirements as well as relevant US laws. They will also ensure that the Beijing office operates as effectively as possible in line with Sequoia’s standards, policies, protocols, and cultural values in close collaboration with Sequoia’s central office in Irvine, California.
This role will also support the Chief Representative Officer and Representative Officer in all matters related to the undertaking of their duties to ensure compliance with the obligations of the Chief Representative Officer and where relevant their deputy on such matters, the Representative Officer.
The China Operations Manager will enable and equip the local office for results through ensuring effective and aligned work processes and systems are in place with high‐quality data, information, and knowledge sharing to empower and support staff. This role will need to stay abreast of professional standards, trends, issues, and any laws affecting the local office and incorporate the latest thinking into a process of continuous learning with colleagues throughout the organization. This role collaborates with Sequoia’s leadership and staff to identify best practices in order to leverage opportunities and enhance the potential for delivering greater value in each of the operational areas, while ensuring that the local office and broader organization has put in place all the appropriate policies, practices, and systems required to ensure legal compliance and optimize the use of its financial resources toward the achievement of its core mission. This role is critical to ensuring that Sequoia’s cultural values are instilled into the local operations.
Essential Job Functions & Key Outcomes
- Financial Management and Accounting, Reporting, Tax, and Audit
- In coordination with Sequoia’s Finance team, COO, and the local accounting firm, support the set-up and ongoing maintenance of Sequoia’s accounting system, chart of accounts, and related systems (including online banking and payments, payroll and tax filing) for management of the Beijing office’s finances.
- Support the design and implementation of appropriate internal controls, including documented policies and procedures appropriate to the Beijing office, to include compliance with local and state laws and regulations.
- Collaborate with the Finance, Grantmaking, and Legal teams at the central office to ensure adherence to organization-wide financial policies and controls, including those related to US legal and other international compliance.
- Ensure full reports of any operational or compliance incidents and KPI dashboards as determined, are sent to the COO at the central office.
- Contribute to the development and review of local operating budgets and participate in quarterly and annual budgeting, forecasting, and planning processes as needed.
- Maintain the organization’s banking relationship in China, including reviewing all monthly bank statements, querying and resolving any issues, and ensuring monthly bank reconciliations are completed. Coordinate with the central office on international transfers.
- Monitor cash balances and prepare quarterly cashflow forecasts and transfer requests as needed to fund operations and grantmaking. Make transfers between USD and RMB accounts to manage currency needs.
- Oversee the payments cycle, to include (1) ensuring contracts and purchase orders are approved and filed; (2) managing accounts payable, including preparation of templates and payments via online banking, documented approval for payments in line with internal control requirements, and issuing tax receipts and other compliance documents needed for all payments; (3) managing grants payable, including liaison with central office on grant approvals, preparation of templates and grant payments via online banking, issuing tax receipts and other compliance documents needed, and communicating with grantees as needed.
- In coordination with the payroll provider, process payroll payments and related payroll taxes as needed.
- Ensure all transactions are recorded in the accounting system, including appropriate coding and classification, and filing of supporting documentation. Research and analyze transactions to resolve any issues.
- Review the monthly reporting package prepared for central office, including bank statements and reconciliations, invoices and tax receipts to support all transactions, appropriate posting of transactions, and currency conversions. Assist central office with quarterly budget-to-actual analysis and queries on budget variances.
- Work with local accounting firm and tax preparers to provide information and supporting documents in support of quarterly and annual tax filings.
- In consultation with the Director of Finance, schedule the annual audit, prepare financial statements for interim and final audits, and work with the accounting firm and auditors to provide documents and information, answer queries, and ensure timely completion of the in-country audit. Liaise with central office as needed for assistance.
- Assist central office with consolidation of the China accounts into internal reports, the US financial statements, and US tax returns as needed.
- Maintain knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technology affecting accounting in a local context and apply as needed to keep the organization up-to-date, efficient and legally compliant. Provide support to local employees and consultants on accounting and payroll-related topics.
- Work with the COO and the Director of Finance to ensure the organization holds all necessary insurances required to operate in-country.
- IT & Document Management
- In coordination with Sequoia’s IT team and COO, support the planning, administration, and implementation of technology systems/tools, programs, and processes following directions and requirements of Sequoia’s IT team.
- Troubleshoot or escalate issues promptly, ensuring clear and effective communication throughout the support cycle and providing end-user assistance until the issue has been resolved.
- Be the first point of contact for local end users to receive IT support and escalate matters to Sequoia IT Manager as necessary for collaboration towards resolution. Support the IT needs of any international visiting staff.
- Implement and manage adherence to controls and other requirements from Sequoia IT Manager including local data retention and information reporting as needed.
- Demonstrate solid understanding of Sequoia’s grants management system including how the system interfaces with other IT systems and functional activities.
- Lead local implementation of programs to ensure maintenance and sound operations of facilities.
- Support the design and implementation of systems and controls that ensure full compliance with Sequoia’s document retention policies.
- Ensure proper recording, documenting, and closure of trouble tickets as you grow your knowledge of IT processes, products, and services.
- Project manage specific IT components related to operational goals (new offices, office relocations, etc.).
- Participate in vendor, supplier, and contractor management.
- Work proficiently with minimal guidance.
- Develop and nurture strong customer relationships with stakeholders to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for Sequoia.
- Provide consultative support to employees and leaders in IT-related topics.
- Maintain knowledge of laws, regulations, and compliance requirements from a technical and security viewpoint and recommend best practices; create and maintain policies to ensure compliance.
- Maintain knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies.
- People & Culture
- Collaborate with Sequoia’s People & Culture team to support hiring managers with recruitments.
- Facilitate local onboarding process, including new hire orientation, new hire documents, training coordination, welcome package preparation, facility tour, scheduling of meetings, office access setup, etc.
- Answer staff inquiries around policies, benefits, and processes.
- Serve as the local point of contact for all employment-related technology platforms.
- Collaborate with Sequoia’s People & Culture team to support local integration of cultural commitments, open enrollment periods for employee benefits, performance reviews, training opportunities, etc.
- Support Sequoia’s Finance and People & Culture teams in ensuring accurate payroll processing including performing all necessary steps to process pay for all local employees.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date employment records, documentation, and databases for all local employees to ensure compliance with local legal regulations.
- Immediately report all known employment related issues to Sequoia’s People & Culture team and follow the direction of People & Culture to resolve such matters. Help prepare employment-related reports, metrics, and analytics as needed.
- Help colleagues translate documents (e.g., annual work plan, contracts, etc.) and interactions (written and spoken) between English and Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) languages.
- Legal & Local Governance
- Facilitate and coordinate with others, including the CRO and General Counsel, for HQ approval, the writing up and submission of the annual work plan and work report per the requirements of China’s Overseas NGO Law.
- Liaise and respond to inquiries and requirements from local supervisory authorities, coordinating with the CRO and General Counsel, as appropriate.
- Ensure implementation of and full adherence to institutionally-set data sharing and communication protocols.
- Collaborate with Sequoia’s Legal Team to draft, review, and negotiate agreements, including consulting and vendor contracts, confidentiality agreements, and contract amendments.
- Collaborate with Sequoia’s Grantmaking Operations team to support compliance procedures related to local grantmaking.
- Act as a business partner by applying combined business and legal judgment to proposed contracts, relationships, and other issues requiring legal or compliance attention.
- Manage compliance with regulatory filings.
- On short notice, work closely with Sequoia’s Legal team, outside counsel, and a wide range of staff to respond to document requests and subpoenas.
- Handle confidential or otherwise sensitive information.
- Produce internal communication materials associated with Legal team projects and presentations.
- Create, update, and/or maintain an accessible and organized system for filing corporate records.
- Securely maintain the organization’s registration certificate, seals/chops and other corporate documents.
- Help administer policies, including Sequoia’s conflict of interest database and certification tracking, document retention, etc.
- Collaborate with Sequoia’s Legal and Communications teams for crisis response and media monitoring matters; serve as the on-the-ground liaison for Sequoia when necessary.
- Office Management & Facilities
- Oversees daily workflow of office activities and functions to maintain efficiency and compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
- Collaborate with the Legal team and COO to ensure plans are in place for risk management, disaster response, and data retention.
- Serve as the main point of contact for Chief Representative Officer (CRO), the Representative Officer, and local staff with ISOS and security related inquiries or matters, including ensuring the safety of staff while working in the local office.
- Assists and collaborates with Sequoia’s Chief Operating Officer and Director of Finance to promote and ensure compliance with local office plans and policies.
- Responsible for requisition of general office supplies, front desk, files, catering, vendor relationship and contract management, property maintenance, and other facility-related duties.
- As requested by CRO, support the planning and coordination of logistical arrangements such as events, meetings, producing materials for participants, agendas and minutes, travel, and workshops.
- Provides support in preparing and tracking event budgets, coordinating with external and internal stakeholders, and supporting the execution of events (onsite and offsite).
- In partnership with Sequoia’s People & Culture team, serves as the point of contact for the local office’s health and safety programs including compliance with applicable local laws and with Sequoia’s policies and procedures.
- Ensure Sequoia’s central branding and communication policies are applied to the extent permitted locally and provide support as needed from time to time by Sequoia’s central Communications team.
- Ensure all other Sequoia policies are applied locally, to the extent permitted under local law.
- Performs other duties as required.
Education, Experience & Credentials
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- A minimum of five years of accounting or finance or operational management experience is required.
- Excellent proficiency in written and spoken English and Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) languages required.
Competencies
- Integrity: Commitment to Sequoia Climate Foundation’s mission and values.
- Inspirational Leadership: Demonstrated values-based, results-driven leadership.
- Collegiality: Strong work ethic and experience working collaboratively with a team.
- Efficiency/Initiative: Ability to learn quickly, juggle multiple tasks, prioritize effectively and meet deadlines.
- Quality/Compliance: Attention to detail and timelines.
Working Conditions
This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 15 lbs. Requires the ability to periodically travel locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Please visit this job posting to apply for the role: Apply to Sequoia Climate Foundation.
If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please reach out to the HR Team at [email protected].
Sequoia Climate Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.
Evidence and Learning Officer
Location: Irvine, CA
Type: Hybrid Role (In-person 3 days per week and remote 2 days per week)
Status: Full Time
Position: Evidence and Learning Officer
Compensation: $129K/yr – $145K/yr
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.
Our office and staff are based in Irvine, California.
For more information on Sequoia Climate Foundation, please visit the website here.
Job Summary
The Evidence and Learning Officer supports Sequoia’s organizational learning practices, helping to synthesize complex information into actionable insights. They provide support to implement structured reflection processes, and provide relevant capacity building on evidence and learning practices to Sequoia staff and partners. The Evidence and Learning Officer provides substantive reviews to support grantmaking in multiple portfolios. They are additionally responsible for managing the workflow of the Evidence and Learning (E&L) team, ensuring alignment with priorities and deadlines, and serving as the central point of contact for project management activities.
Essential Job Functions & Key Outcomes
Supporting Sequoia’s organizational learning practices [50%]
- Support the synthesis of complex information, research findings, and data into insights ahead of routine reflection and learning sessions, and in support of key organizational products (e.g., quarterly insights documents, annual reflection documents).
- Provides and communicates insights on relevant global, national or sectoral trends verbally or in writing on the basis of careful synthesis.
- Supports implementation of structured processes for reflection and evidence-based briefings within Sequoia and with external partners, oriented toward distilling actionable insights that maximize climate impact.
- Convenes Sequoia’s monthly learning series, with a thoughtful series of short and long-form topics that (a) foster cross-organizational learning, and (b) reflect and reinforce Sequoia’s organizational culture.
- In collaboration with others in the Evidence and Learning team, fosters a culture of iterative experimentation and learning among Sequoia staff and our partner organizations.
Supports project and program Management [30%]
- Supports and manages the workflow of the Evidence and Learning (E&L) team and assists the Chief Evidence and Learning Officer in aligning time with top priorities, deadlines, and decisions to maximize execution.
- Serve as a central point of contact for day-to-day project management on the Evidence and Learning team to ensure clear coordination and communication, including tracking project milestones, progress and timelines.
Support grantmaking [20%]
- Embedded within two of Sequoia’s programmatic teams to support outcome, objective and milestone reviews for those grantmaking portfolios, provide targeted support to their grantees on E&L related topics, and act as Evidence and Learning’s primary point of contact with that team.
Performs other duties as required.
Education, Experience & Credentials
- Advanced degree in policy, science, engineering, or mathematics required.
- A minimum of three years working in climate policy, climate philanthropy , or a related field is required.
- Demonstrated experience with synthesizing and translating technical content into actionable insights delivered verbally or writing or verbally required.
- Demonstrated experience with project management and coordination across a team required.
- Knowledge of learning and reflection practices preferred.
Competencies:
- Collegiality: Strong work ethic and experience working collaboratively with a team.
- Efficiency/Initiative: Ability to learn quickly, juggle multiple tasks, prioritize effectively and meet deadlines.
- Quality/Compliance: Attention to detail and timelines.
- Analysis: Comfortable applying mathematical concepts, including calculus, statistics, and Bayesian probability.
Working Conditions
This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 15 lbs. Requires the ability to periodically travel locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Please visit this job posting to apply for the role: Evidence and Learning Officer.
If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please reach out to the HR Team at [email protected].
Sequoia Climate Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.
Program Officer, China
Location: Beijing, China
Status: Full Time
Position: Program Officer, China
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 and implementation of ambitious, evidence-based policy solutions that transform markets, advance clean technology, and lead to large‐scale change.
For more information on Sequoia Climate Foundation, please visit the website here.
Job Summary
The Program Officer works with one or more Sequoia Program Directors 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 the Program Director 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.
Essential Job Functions & Key Outcomes
- 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 global and regional strategic analysis results verbally and in writing through memos, background papers, presentations, graphs, and charts both internally and externally.
- Support all aspects of strategy execution and grantmaking, 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Supports the maintenance of annual administrative budgets for programmatic expenses.
- Handle simultaneous deadlines and complete assignments.
- Performs other duties as required.
Education, Experience & Credentials
- Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree preferred.
- A minimum of five years of professional experience working in the climate or energy sector (public or private), climate change, or a related field.
- Experience working in China or Southeast Asia is required.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in both English and one additional language that is spoken in China, Korea, Japan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, or another Southeast Asian country preferred.
- Understanding of global climate organization eco-system preferred.
- Strong quantitative skills preferred.
- Experience working in government, non-profit, advocacy, or for a philanthropic organization is preferred..
Competencies
- Collegiality: Strong work ethic and experience building and working collaboratively with and across a team.
- Efficiency/Initiative: Ability to learn quickly, juggle multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines.
- Innovative: Problem-solving aptitude; Actively stays on top of industry innovations and shares such findings with the broader team. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Integrity: Commitment to Sequoia Climate Foundation’s mission and values.
- Resilience: Ability to maintain confidence and composure in the face of adversity.
- Quality: Attention to detail and timelines in a fast-paced environment with the ability to organize and prioritize tasks.
- Systems savvy: Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and virtual meeting software, with the ability to learn new or updated software.
Working Conditions
This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 15 lbs. Requires the ability to travel locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Please visit this job posting to apply for the role: Apply to Sequoia Climate Foundation.
If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please reach out to the HR Team at [email protected].
Sequoia Climate Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.