Guided By Science, Driven to Action

Sequoia Climate Foundation is building a team of experts committed to preventing the worst effects of climate change.

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.

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.

To Apply

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.

Grants Officer, China & Southeast Asia

Location: Irvine, CA

Type: Hybrid Role (In-person 3 days per week and remote 2 days per week)

Status: Full Time

Compensation: $110,000 – $150,000 a year

Position: Grants Officer, China & Southeast Asia

About Sequoia Climate Foundation

Sequoia Climate Foundation is a new philanthropy that seeks to decarbonize the world economy at a speed and scale equal to the challenge. We support bold strategies and efforts that will have both a 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 focus areas include power, transportation, buildings, industry, land use, agriculture and forestry, finance, communications, movement building, and public engagement. Sequoia Climate Foundation is active in major emitting geographies, including China, the United States, India, and the European Union, among others. We are dedicated to building the political will and powerful coalitions needed to achieve these bold policy solutions.

Our office and staff are based in Irvine, California.

For more information on Sequoia Climate Foundation, please visit the website here.

The Opportunity

The Grants Officer, China & Southeast Asia will work across Sequoia’s program areas to ensure effective and efficient grantmaking, while providing dedicated support to the China & Southeast Asia program team. They will be responsible for partnering with program staff and serving as a resource and thought partner on anything related to grants operations and management. Additionally, they will lead and support on various projects with in the Grantmaking Department. This role will support the day-to-day operations of the grantmaking process in both compliance and best-practices. The Grants Officer is also responsible for understanding grant compliance and grantmaking practices supporting the programmatic goals across the foundation.

This position requires strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, comfort with ambiguity in a changing environment, relationship-building, and project management skills. They will report to the Director of Grantmaking Operations and work closely with colleagues across Sequoia Climate Foundation and external partners, including peer funders and grantees.

This role will provide support to the China & Southeast Asia team, which will include the flexibility to work across time zones as needed and bring a cultural competency lens to their work. Fluency in language spoken in Chinese (Cantonese or Mandarin) is strongly preferred. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who is self-starter and will enjoy supporting Sequoia’s portfolio in the growing and emergency body of work.

Candidate Profile

The Grants Officer will be responsible for the following:

• Supports the full lifecycle of all grants, from concept through all diligence and compliance processes to reporting and grant close.
• Promote and create a learning and knowledge-sharing culture around grants and grant practices to support program staff.
• Project management for various grantmaking operations projects across the organization.
• Helps translate the Sequoia mission and values into grantmaking process and practice.
• Partners with program and legal staff to ensure that all administrative, legal, and tax compliance of grants are met.
• Collaborates with the Evaluation and Learning (E&L) Department to ensure that strategic reflection and reporting requirements are met.
• Drive proactive communication across internal stakeholders to promote effective change management. Help set norms for internal collaboration.
• Understand the roles and workflows across the entire grantmaking process and strive for continuous improvement around gaps/barriers. Facilitate input gathering from staff for improvements and efficiencies.
• Ability and flexibility to support grantmaking across different time zones and geographies, specifically China & Southeast Asia.
• Manages and ensures data integrity for Sequoia’s grants management platform.
• Provides counsel and support to staff on how to solve potential issues and challenges that may be presented by a grant or grantee, such as organization status, certain legal requirements, and other questions.
• Approaches the work with a grantee-centric and collaborative mindset.
• Represents the Grantmaking Operations team in foundation-wide initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• Integrity: Commitment to Sequoia Climate Fund’s mission and values.
• Inspirational Leadership: Demonstrated values-based, results-driven leadership.
• Project management experience, particularly with large-scale projects.
• 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.
• Communication: Ability to communicate effectively, collaboratively, and diplomatically across a broad range of internal and external constituents.
• Agility: Comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty; the ability to adapt nimbly and lead others through complex situations while exercising good judgement.
• Data management experience, familiarity with data systems and business processes.

In addition, strong candidates will offer:

• A minimum of five – seven years of professional experience working in a similar position.
• Experience with grants management systems is required.
• Experience in effective project management is required.
• Experience in international grantmaking is preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in both English and one additional language that is spoken in China (Mandarin or Cantonese).
• Bachelor’s degree is required.

Compensation & Benefits

For positions filled in the United States, the typical salary range for this role is $110,000 to $150,000 USD. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, job level, internal equity and budget. Exact salary offers will be determined by factors such as the candidate’s skills, qualifications, experience and geographic location.

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.

Please note, at this time, our preference is that applicants have the authorization to work in the United States.

Covid-19 Vaccination

Sequoia Climate Foundation encourages its employees to be fully vaccinated and up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.

To Apply

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.

Program Officer, Diplomacy & Super Pollutants

Location: Irvine, CA

Type: Hybrid Role (In-person 3 days per week and remote 2 days per week)

Status: Full Time

Compensation: $130,000 – $137,000 a year

Position: Program Officer, Diplomacy & Super Pollutants

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.

For more information on Sequoia Climate Foundation, please visit the website here.

Job Summary

The Program Officer works with one or more Sequoia Program Leaders to develop and execute strategies aligned with the organizational mission and vision. This includes compiling the research and evidence necessary to assess 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. This Program Officer role will collaborate with Program Leadership on three key global initiatives: advancing diplomatic efforts, addressing super pollutants, and supporting industry work. 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 three years of professional experience working in the climate or energy sector (public or private), climate change, or a related field.
  • Prior experience on at least one of the super pollutants (methane, HFCs, black carbon, tropospheric ozone, nitrous oxide, and other F-gas) or environmental/climate science background is highly preferred. Experience on more than one pollutant preferred.
  • Understanding of international climate governance is preferred, this includes but not limited to UNFCCC, Montreal Protocol, United Nations Environment Assembly, Climate and Clean Air Coalition, and Arctic Council.
  • Developing countries’ experience is highly preferred.
  • Experience working in an international setting or engaging with diverse cultures is preferred.
  • Understanding of the global climate organization ecosystem is preferred.   
  • Experience working in government, non-profit, advocacy, or for a philanthropic organization is preferred.

Competencies

  • Strong quantitative skills preferred.
  • Integrity: Commitment to Sequoia Climate Foundation’s mission and values.
  • Inspirational Leadership: Demonstrated values-based, results-driven leadership.
  • Innovative: Problem-solving aptitude; Actively stays on top of ecosystem innovations and shares such findings with the broader team. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • 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 travel locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.

To Apply

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.

Program Officer, India

Location: Irvine, CA

Type: Hybrid Role (In-person 3 days per week and remote 2 days per week)

Status: Full Time

Compensation: $130,000 – $137,000 a year

Position: Program Officer, India

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 will work with Sequoia’s Program Director for India to support the development and execution of 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, supporting the identification of the organizations best positioned to execute them, and actively engaging with grantees to ensure alignment with the mission and robust execution. The Program Officer will partner with the Program Director and Program Managers for India on key initiatives to advance impact. The Program Officer will support the Program Director and Program Managers as they engage 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 the India Program Director and team towards determining strategic priorities and setting 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 the team as they 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 screening of potential grantees, analyzing background information, soliciting and, supporting the development of funding proposals, and preparing grant recommendations.
  • Serve as the point of contact for select grantees to learn from and steward the relationship 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 India or South Asia.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in both English and one additional language that is spoken in India, preferably Hindi.
  • Experience managing Google Sheets and Excel worksheets for budgets, project timelines, etc.
  • Understanding of the global climate organization ecosystem is preferred.
  • Strong quantitative skills preferred.
  • Experience with energy transition and super pollutants is 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.

To Apply

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.