| Position | Program Officer - Climate Change - Natural Assets |
| Date Posted | 25 Mar 2009 |
| Application Deadline | 29 May 2009 |
| Location | New York, USA |
Summary Description
The Program Officer will be responsible for implementing, monitoring, and coordinating grant making activities in the Responses to Climate Change that Lift the Rural Poor portfolio, which seeks to promote international and national climate change policies related to forests and rural land use that benefit low-income rural communities, particularly indigenous communities, while reducing Green House Gas emissions. The program strategy within this portfolio is designed to influence the outcomes of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations, the climate change policies of major international agencies and organizations, and national governments in ways that favor disadvantaged rural communities. This includes policies that help such communities to gain secure access to land and forests, earn income from carbon payments, and improve their local institutions while providing safeguards that ensure climate change policies don't affect them adversely. Particular attention will be given to policies related to Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD) and to biofuels. Working closely with the Director and other Program Officers in the Natural Assets Unit, the Program Officer will develop grant making and other program activities to implement four strategies to achieve program goals: 1) supporting research and development efforts to build the case for appropriate policies; 2) promoting communications campaigns and other activities that directly advocate a pro-poor approach to rural climate change policies; 3) training leaders and practitioners from government, civil society, funding organizations, academia, and the media in aspects related to rural land use and climate change; and 4) strengthening networks of groups and individuals that support pro-poor climate change approaches.
Specifically, the Program Officer will review the current status of the field, the recently developed program strategies related to Natural Assets, and the status of the grants in the Foundation's existing portfolio; formulate plans to implement grant making in the new program strategy; solicit, review, and respond to grant proposals; prepare recommendations for Foundation funding; and work with other Foundation staff to develop learning strategies related to the role of rural climate change policies and practices. The Program Officer will be expected to provide intellectual leadership in the field of climate change policies related to rural land use and to work closely with other Program Officers throughout the Foundation whose work relates to the central mission of the portfolio, particularly those in the Brazil, Indonesia, and Mexico and Central America offices. The Ford Foundation’s work in this area will be closely coordinated with the Betty and Gordon Moore and Packard Foundations, and the Program Officer will be expected to work closely with staff from those foundations. The Program Officer is also expected to collaborate broadly with scholars and practitioners, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other donors on issues of common program concern.
Qualifications
Significant experience in the fields of environmental policy, community-based natural resource management, and / or rural development with a combination of policy analysis, advocacy, communications, and implementation experience. Demonstrated capacity to understand and influence policy processes, work with organizations representing low-income rural communities, and work effectively in multiple countries. Substantial experience with environmental / natural resource policies and coalition building and a nuanced understanding of the links between environmental issues and social justice are required. Demonstrated commitment to collaboration, evidence of effective accomplishment as part of a team and a proven track record of achieving change are also required. Excellent analytical, organizational, and oral and written communication skills. An advanced degree in public policy, natural resource management, social sciences or other relevant field is preferred.
Salary
Salary is based on experience and the Foundation’s commitment to internal equity. A generous benefits package is included.
Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at the Ford Foundation, where employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/affectional preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under law.
Apply for this Position