FHI 360 is seeking 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 pivotal in 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 multisectoral portfolio to design integrated climate solutions and enhance the scale and impact of our climate research, programming and advocacy efforts.

The Senior Director will collaborate closely with program and technical experts across FHI 360 Global Operations to identify, develop and drive evidence-based, impactful approaches to addressing complex climate challenges.

The selected candidate will be expected to spearhead the development of long-term operational plans and overall organizational strategy essential for achieving impact on the climate crisis and will work closely with organizational leaders (including the Chief Impact Officer and Chief Strategy and Evidence Officer) to identify priority growth areas, establish partnerships, secure coalitions, manage portfolio growth, facilitate thought leadership, shape markets, and secure new business.

This position can be based in any country where FHI 360 has a registered office, and where the candidate has relevant work authorization.

Responsibilities / Duties:

Complexity & Problem Solving:

• Navigate complex issues within the international development landscape, leveraging expertise to define and address challenges unique to the Center’s focus area.
• 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 area based on market analysis and FHI 360’s competitive strengths.
• Select opportunities to pursue across diverse funders to grow the portfolio and secure funding for research, programs, and advocacy.
• Foster innovation and drive the adoption of evidence-based practices in the portfolio.
• Achieve lasting impact for the Center’s portfolio by delivering high-quality results.
• Achieve operational goals and business development targets in support of the organizational strategy.

Expertise & Influence:

• Serve as an internal and external high-visibility expert and spokesperson for FHI 360’s climate action portfolio, inclusive of research, programs, and advocacy.
• Engage with senior management, executives, and key stakeholders to cultivate partnerships crucial 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 strategies for market shaping and advocacy to drive future business and lead efforts for new business lines.

Collaboration & Interaction:

• Identify and establish new collaborative partnerships with funders, government entities, and key stakeholders to build FHI 360’s reputation and credibility.
• Engage with senior management, executives, and key stakeholders to cultivate partnerships crucial to the Center’s success
• Collaborate with business development and technical teams across operational units to contribute to the 3-Year Resource Mobilization Plans and lead the development of the 3-Year Climate Action Operational Plan.
• Participate in or secure FHI 360 staff participation in external outreach, conferences, meetings, and visits to showcase FHI 360’s work and build its reputation in the market.
• Represent FHI 360 to current and potential funders, partners, and government representatives.
• Forge and maintain collaborative relationships with global operations teams.
• Facilitate the collection, documentation, and dissemination of evidence and best practices.
• Share best practices and contribute to the knowledge base through participation in scientific forums and technical networks.
• Stay current on funding opportunities and support/lead business development efforts.

Task Management & Efficiency:

• Lead a multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Supervise senior staff members, directing team activities, capacity strengthening efforts, and the implementation of annual work plans.
• Manage and coordinate the implementation of strategic and operational plans for the Center.
• Foster capacity strengthening of global staff working on climate action in program delivery.
• Foster locally led development and support national staff thought leadership efforts.
• Leverage expertise across the organization for analysis, technical support, knowledge products, and strategic and operational plans.

Embrace other duties as assigned, contributing to the team’s multifaceted and evolving responsibilities.

Qualifications:

Knowledge & Skills:

• Broad understanding of climate change and its impacts on the development sector; a relevant area of expertise (e.g., energy) would be an advantage.
• Expertise in leveraging the use of digital technology, AI, and geospatial data in research, programs, and advocacy.
• Visionary, forward-looking, and strategic thinker with a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving.
• Substantial experience in leading the development and execution of strategic goals.
• Effective knowledge of the design, implementation, and management of climate action projects funded by various sources including corporations, foundations, multilateral development banks, etc.
• Business savvy, with knowledge of various funding mechanisms, general contracting, and reporting requirements, funder planning, and reporting systems.
• Knowledge of business development processes, specifically proposal development, within an international NGO context.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to articulate and communicate clearly and positively with clients and staff.
• Demonstrated project and personnel management skills.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak fluent English.Proficiency in additional language(s) a plus.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation as well as strategic planning, capacity building, and team management.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or international equivalent in environment or climate science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 15 years related experience in environmental or climate science, change management, strategy planning, consulting, internal corporate strategy, managing nonprofit programs and technical delivery in international development settings; 12 years and a master’s degree; 9 years and a Ph.D.; or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience to perform job responsibilities effectively.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or its International Equivalent in a related field.
• We welcome candidates with relevant certifications or their international equivalents, underscoring their dedication to excellence in nonprofit international development and related fields such as international development, strategic management, or related areas.

Travel

Travel requirements may vary but could involve up to 40%, depending on project needs and global engagement requirements, encompassing both international and domestic travel.

Typical Physical Demands

Typical office environment.

Constantly uses a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.

Technology

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

The expected US Based hiring salary range for this role is listed below. Candidate FHI 360 pay ranges represent national averages that vary by geographic location. When determining an offer amount, FHI 360 factors in multiple considerations, including but not limited to: relevant years of experience and education possessed by the applicant, internal equity, business sector, and budget.

Base salary is only one component of our offer.

FHI 360 contributes 12% of monthly base pay to a money purchase pension plan account. Additionally, all US based staff working full-time, which is calculated at 40 hours/week, receive 18 days of paid vacation per year, 12 sick days per year, and 11 holidays per year. Paid time off is reduced pro rata for employees working less than a full-time schedule.

US Based Hiring Salary Range: $180,000 – $225,000

International hiring ranges will differ based on location.

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job.

It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment 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 under applicable law.

Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment.

FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers.

By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.

FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

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