Program Officer, Resilience Pathway

ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability USA, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Black, Indigenous and People of Color, veterans, and members of the LGBTQ+ and other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

About ICLEI 

ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) is the first and largest global network of more than 2,500 local and regional governments devoted to solving the world’s most intractable sustainability challenges. The worldwide network is active in 125+ countries, focused on influencing sustainability policies and driving local action across five key pathways: low emissions, resilient, equitable, people-centered,  nature-based, and circular development.

As the USA Office of the global ICLEI network, ICLEI USA develops and delivers leading-edge tools and resources, including its state-of-the-art emissions-management tool, ClearPath Climate Planner, to support local governments in their climate change efforts. Our standards, tools, and programs credibly, transparently, and robustly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve lives and livelihoods and protect natural resources in the U.S. communities we serve. ICLEI USA and our network partners are working to keep 1.5 ℃ alive through a data-driven approach and focus on just and equitable communities.

About Our Members

Local government members (cities, counties, towns, and regions) are the core of our organization.  This network of government professionals are the catalysts for a movement toward deep reductions in carbon pollution and tangible improvements in sustainability and resilience. For over 30 years, ICLEI USA has partnered with our members to reduce emissions and become healthier, stronger, and more prepared.

Your Role 

The Program Officer (Resilience) will work with the Resilient Development Pathway lead to deliver climate adaptation and community resilience projects (e.g. vulnerability assessments, adaptation plans, climate action plans, training cohorts) and provide technical support to ICLEI USA members. 

This broad and challenging set of responsibilities is best suited for an individual who has demonstrated abilities to take initiative, work independently and collaboratively, and who has a keen ability to “think on their feet” with quick decision-making aptitude.

This fully remote position requires video conference calls several days each week.  Success requires a high-energy and personable approach, with a healthy dose of technical acumen to guide and direct local governments through phases of a holistic sustainability framework.

Job Responsibilities 

• Interface with local government clients to lead completion of vulnerability assessments and adaptation plans 
• Advise members and clients in selecting climate adaptation strategies and approaches 
• Technical writing and research for guidance documents and funded projects
• Create charts, graphs, and maps to display information visually 
• Support the development and delivery of ICLEI USA’s resilient development pathway educational offerings (e.g. learning cohorts) 
• Serve as the primary point of contact for 10-20 local government members, with ability to talk about ICLEI USA’s services and offerings across all pathways (zero emissions, circular, resilience, nature, and equity); refer members to experts in other pathways as needed 
• Work with project stakeholders including e.g. city sustainability and community engagement staff and volunteers; excellent communication and client service skills will be required

Position Requirements

• Experience and/or education in community resilience and climate adaptation strategies, planning, and action
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and effectively; proven ability to produce accurate, well-structured, and engaging written materials
• Preferred: At least 2 years of work experience in the field of adaptation, community resilience, technical assistance, local government, sustainability, or a related field
• Applicants must possess excellent analytical, technical, organizational, interpersonal, work planning, time management, and communication skills

• An ability to work independently in a dynamic and evolving organization is required. Candidates must be comfortable working collaboratively in a virtual environment
• Proficiency with Excel
• Program Officers are expected to have a can-do attitude and be willing to problem-solve independently

Desired Qualifications

• Strong quantitative skills
• Experience working with local governments on the topics of sustainability, adaptation/resilience, or climate change mitigation
• Preferred candidates will have an advanced degree in planning, geography, environmental science, sustainability, or a similar field, or equivalent professional experience
• 4+ years experience in sustainability or closely related field, or 2+ years with advanced degree
• Familiarity with supporting underrepresented communities, neighborhoods, and populations who are at risk and vulnerable to climate change impacts
• Experience with delivering trainings and technical assistance or customer service

Compensation and Application Process

This is a virtual position, reporting to the Resilient Development Pathway Lead and the Deputy Director of Programs, and open to individuals legally authorized to work in the United States. The salary range for this position is $65,000 – $77,000, dependent on the applicant’s experience and location. We offer a generous benefits package and the opportunity to work with leading global city climate action experts. This position offers opportunities for growth and professional networking and learning.  ICLEI USA honors a “quiet Friday” work environment to provide team members with focus time. Our offices are closed for a break period in December and major holidays.

To apply, send a cover letter and resume to ICLEI USA (iclei-usa@iclei.org) by Dec 16, 2024, using the subject line: “Program officer (Resilience)”. Interviews with potential candidates will be scheduled on a rolling basis; candidates are encouraged to apply before the position close date. The position has an anticipated start date of early January 2025.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity

ICLEI is an equal opportunity employer.  We celebrate the diversity of our team, which is critical to our success. Studies from Harvard Business Review and others have shown that women, people of color, and other under-represented groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. Therefore, ICLEI encourages you to think broadly about how to apply your experience and skills to the role.