Main purpose of the role

To work with the Climate Director and Senior Manager covering China and the Climate team to manage a high-quality portfolio of investment proposals and active programmes that contribute to the delivery of the Climate sector team priorities and meet the corporate objectives of the CIFF Board.

Role’s responsibilities

This position will lead and manage CIFF’s initiatives at provincial and city level in China to promote a low carbon transition towards carbon neutrality. The role aims to drive the implementation of China’s carbon neutrality target at the local level by engaging with various global, national, and local partners and stakeholders to identify practical challenges and opportunities for philanthropic engagement. The successful candidate will work closely with CIFF’s China and global climate teams to integrate CIFF solutions into the regional collaboration on the ground.

Strategy & planning

• Provide insightful briefings and analysis on specific themes, trends, opportunities and risks with a focus on provincial and city level, to support the Climate team in determining strategic priorities and setting operational plans.
• Provide and communicate global and regional insights verbally and in writing, including developing graphs and charts to contribute to the strategy and planning process.
• Prior to approval of a programme proposal, assist the team in preparing aspects of the programme strategy and evidence base, working with wider teams and in country experts.
• Ensure coordination and alignment of CIFF’s global, sectoral and regional priorities and strategies into CIFF China climate mission.

Programme development, delivery & performance

• Lead the end-to-end oversight and administration of the management process of relevant grants (from concept formation, proposal development, ongoing management through to final payment), suggesting improvements where appropriate, and always seeking to add value, to enable the Climate team to deliver and monitor its philanthropic activity efficiently and effectively and ensuring impact.

• Against key corporate and / or sector team indicators and targets, monitor and report internally on the performance of assigned portfolio.
• Conduct structured feasibility analysis on investment proposals, using an appropriate range of methodologies and techniques, to ensure they are based on logical and robust assumptions, which can withstand scrutiny from the Executive Team (ET) and CIFF Board.
• Working either with sector and regional colleagues or independently, prepare summary reports, board reports and portfolio investment reports, ensuring these are produced to a high-standard and in a timely fashion, often within tight timeframes.
• Conduct regular reviews of the progress and performance of programmes under delivery to identify problems and delays, and work with partners to develop effective solutions (escalating to more senior colleagues for support and intervention, where required).
• Work as part of a team to shape and implement plans for scaling up, replicating or leveraging additional support for successful programmes and initiatives, in accordance with Foundation priorities.

Sector knowledge and profile-building

• Keep abreast of developments within the Climate and international development sectors, establishing appropriate information gathering networks and channels to deepen professional knowledge and skills.
• As required, contribute to the development of thought leadership, PR, marketing and advocacy materials, to support CIFF’s ambitions to scale-up, mainstream and leverage additional support for its initiatives.

Stakeholder and partner management

• Conduct rigorous research and evaluation of potential national and subnational partners, using agreed corporate protocols and techniques, to assess their suitability and credentials for collaborating on CIFF initiatives.
• Apply CIFF’s agreed account management disciplines and approaches in all dealings with programme partners and stakeholders, to ensure productive and professional relationships are maintained in a coordinated and strategic manner.
• Working alongside senior colleagues, help to develop strategic partnerships to support adoption, replication, co-funding or scaling-up of CIFF programmes.
• With a variety of external audiences, develop and maintain strong partnerships and act as a knowledgeable resource about CIFF’s programmes and priority areas.
• Organize field trips and conduct local investigations in key provinces to stay informed about local practices and challenges, while fostering and maintaining local partnerships.

Requirements

• A relevant Masters level degree (e.g. International Relations, Political Science, Global Energy and Climate Policy, International Political Economy) with strong analytical skills. Relevant additional work experience may be acceptable in place of a Masters degree.
• Relevant experience of working on climate change (preferably on regional and sectoral decarbonization), for example, this could include experience in an NGO, think tank, academia or the public sector.
• Previous analytical / research work in a relevant climate change field.
• Familiarity with statistical databases and competent data interpretation skills
• Familiarity with the geopolitical and economic landscape and how it relates to climate including multilateral processes, key regional dynamics.
• Experience multitasking and managing priorities to competing deadlines, thrives on diversity of a role.
• Strong communication skills and excellent oral and written English and Mandarin required additional language skills an asset.
• Track record of managing and building trust-based relationships internally and externally with a range of partners, operating across a range of cultural contexts
• Track record of strong interpersonal skills and working well as a team player.
• Passionate about driving systemic change for zero-carbon future.
• A self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, with resilience, pace, and interpersonal flexibility.
• Approach situations strategically, methodically and with a high degree of rigour.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, highly adaptive and energetic.
• Result-orientated, able to lead with humility and intellect.
• Capacity to work in a range of cultural and socio-economic contexts.

Benefits

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package here at CIFF that includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Annual leave – 25 days per annum.
• Bonus – CIFF currently operates a discretionary bonus scheme.
• Training allowance
• Wellbeing allowance
• Life insurance
• Medical insurance

Please submit your application on or before 30 November 2024.

Our approach to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

CIFF is a place where everyone can grow, develop and fulfil their potential, and we welcome applications from all candidates who meet the requirements of our roles, regardless of their sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, national origin, cultural or ethnic background, disability, marital status, religious identity, or age.

And we are committed to making reasonable accommodations for any prospective or existing CIFF employees with disabilities. If an accommodation is needed to participate in our recruitment process, or to perform essential job functions once in role, please make your recruiter aware so we can ensure you are given the support you need.