Senior Director, Climate Action

FHI 360 is looking for a climate expert and visionary leader for the role of Senior Director, Climate Action. Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Strategic Growth, the Senior Director will have a unique opportunity to launch FHI 360’s new Global Center for Climate Action and grow our existing Asia Pacific Climate Action hub. This position is critical to shaping FHI 360’s strategic vision and operational activities to address climate change. As a recognized thought leader, the Senior Director will leverage our global multi-sector portfolio to design integrated climate solutions and increase the scale and impact of our climate research, programming and advocacy efforts.

The Senior Director will work closely with program and technical experts across FHI 360 Global Operations to identify, develop, and drive evidence-based, high-impact approaches to address complex climate challenges. The selected candidate will be expected to lead the development of long-term operational plans and overall organizational strategy critical to achieving impact on the climate crisis and work closely with organizational leaders (including the Chief Impact Officer and Chief Strategy and Evidence Officer) to identify priority growth areas, build partnerships, secure coalitions, manage portfolio growth, facilitate thought leadership, shape markets, and secure new business.

This position may be performed in any country where FHI 360 has a head office and where the candidate holds the relevant work permit.

Responsibilities / Tasks:

Complexity and problem solving:

Navigate complex issues within the international development landscape and draw on expertise to define and address challenges specific to the Centre’s area of focus.
Develop and execute long-term operational plans that align with FHI 360’s organizational strategy and address climate action challenges.
Translate FHI 360’s overarching organizational strategy into actionable plans for the Center for Climate Action.
Identify priority areas to grow FHI 360’s climate action practice based on market analysis and FHI 360’s competitive strengths.
Select opportunities to pursue across multiple funders to expand the portfolio and secure funding for research, programs, and advocacy.
Stimulate innovation and encourage the adoption of evidence-based practices across the portfolio.
Ensure lasting impact on the Center’s portfolio by delivering high quality results.
Achieve operational goals and business development objectives in support of organizational strategy.

Expertise and influence:

Serve as an internal and external expert and spokesperson for FHI 360’s climate action portfolio, including research, programs and advocacy.
Work with senior management, executives and key stakeholders to develop partnerships critical to the Center’s success.
Align the 3-year resource mobilization plan for climate action with the Center’s 3-year operational plan to ensure strategic integration with existing FHI 360 core product lines.
Develop indicators and provide data for monitoring and measuring climate action metrics.
Oversee the implementation of market shaping and advocacy strategies to drive future business and lead efforts for new business lines.

Collaboration and interaction:

Identify and create new partnerships with funders, government agencies and key stakeholders to enhance the reputation and credibility of FHI 360.
Engage senior management, executives and key stakeholders in developing partnerships critical to the Center’s success.
Work with the business development and technical teams in operating units to contribute to the 3-year resource mobilization plans and lead the development of the 3-year operational climate action plan.
Participate or arrange for FHI 360 employees to participate in external outreach events, conferences, meetings and visits to present FHI 360’s work and build FHI 360’s reputation in the marketplace.
Represent FHI 360 to current and potential financiers, partners and government representatives.
Create and maintain partnerships with global operational teams.
Facilitate the collection, documentation and dissemination of evidence and best practices.
Share best practices and contribute to the knowledge base by participating in scientific forums and technical networks.
Stay informed about funding opportunities and support/lead business development activities.

Task management and efficiency:

Lead a multidisciplinary team and promote a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous learning.
Provides leadership to senior staff, directs team activities, builds capacity and implements annual work plans.
Manage and coordinate the implementation of strategic and operational plans for the Center.
Promote capacity building of global staff engaged in climate action in programme implementation.
Encourage locally-driven development and support thought leadership efforts of employees at the national level.
Leverage the expertise within the organization for analysis, technical support, knowledge products, and strategic and operational plans.

Perform other tasks as assigned and contribute to the team’s diverse and evolving responsibilities.

Qualifications

Knowledge and skills:

Broad knowledge of climate change and its consequences for the development sector. A relevant area of expertise (e.g. energy) is a plus.
Expertise in leveraging digital technology, AI and geospatial data in research, programs and advocacy.
Visionary, progressive and strategic thinker with a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving.
Extensive experience in leading the development and implementation of strategic objectives.
Effective knowledge of the design, implementation and management of climate action projects financed by various sources, including corporations, foundations, multilateral development banks, etc.
Business acumen, with knowledge of various financing mechanisms, general contracting and reporting requirements, financing planning and reporting systems.
Knowledge of business development processes, in particular proposal development, within an international NGO context.
Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and positively with customers and staff.
Demonstrable project and personnel management skills.
Must be able to read, write and speak English fluently. Proficiency in additional language(s) is a plus.
Experience in monitoring and evaluation, as well as in strategic planning, capacity building and team management.

Minimum qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree or international equivalent in environmental or climate sciences, or a related field.
Minimum 15 years of relevant experience in environmental or climate science, change management, strategic planning, consulting, internal corporate strategy, non-profit program management and technical delivery in international development environments; 12 years and a Master’s degree; 9 years and a PhD; or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience to effectively perform the responsibilities of the position.

Desired qualifications:

Master’s degree or its international equivalent in a related field.
We invite candidates with relevant certifications or international equivalents, which underscore their commitment to excellence in international nonprofit development and related fields such as international development, strategic management or related areas.

Travel

Travel requirements vary, but can be up to 40% depending on project needs and global engagement requirements. This includes both international and domestic travel.

Typical physical demands

Typical office environment. Constantly uses computer and other office productivity equipment, such as calculator, copier, and computer printer. Must be able to remain stationary 50% of the time.

Technology

Computer/laptop, Microsoft applications (e.g. Office 365, SharePoint, Skype/Zoom/Teams), mobile phone/mobile technology and standard office equipment.

This job posting summarizes the primary duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor limits the exact tasks that may be assigned to perform these duties. This document should not be construed in any way as a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity employer with an affirmative action policy. We do not engage in practices that discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Our Values and Commitments to Protect: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any form of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to protect the well-being of everyone involved with our organization and programs and requires all personnel, including staff and volunteers, to share this commitment and sign our Code of Conduct. All offers of employment are subject to appropriate screening checks, including references, criminal records and terrorist financing checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In accordance with the MDS, we will request information from applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s time with previous employers. By applying, applicants confirm that they understand these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.

FHI 360 will consider all qualified candidates, including candidates with criminal records, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local law.

FHI 360 will never ask you for your career site username or password, and we will never solicit money, goods, or services during the application, hiring, or employment process. If you have questions or concerns about correspondence from us, please email [email protected].

FHI 360 promotes the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development, and policies and programs that support a healthy work-life balance. Join our global workforce in making a positive difference for others—and yourself.

Click here to continue searching on the FHI 360 career portal.

Originally posted on Himalaya