Program Associate for Asia Program – Charlottesville, VA
Organization: blue moon fund
Job Title: Program Associate – Asia
Location: Charlottesville, VA
Hours & Compensation: Full-time, salary commensurate with experience
Application Deadline: February 28, 2013
Posted On: February 5, 2013
Organization Overview:
The blue moon fund (BMF) is a private foundation which makes strategic grants and investments to environmental initiatives working to build sustainable landscapes and livelihoods. BMF supports biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation in Asia, the Tropical Americas, and the US through initiatives in three core areas:
- Markets and Enterprise: Improve the quality and scale of environmental conservation and development through market-mechanisms such as ecosystems services, innovative financial tools, and enterprise-oriented rural development.
- Institutional Solutions: Support policy and governance structures which incentivize environmentally and socially-sound decision-making.
- Energy and Transport: Identify and help commercialize game-changing low and high-tech innovations that will allow us to mitigate and adapt to a shifting climate.
Description:
BMF seeks a highly motivated, full-time Program Associate for Asia programs to be based at its office in Charlottesville, VA.
The Program Associate works directly with the Vice Presidents of Program and Program Officers on strategy and program development, grants management and monitoring, research, communications and travel, and general office support. It is the responsibility of the Program Associate to help design, implement, monitor, and evaluate a portfolio of grants addressing issues related to climate change, environment, and sustainable development that are consistent with the priorities of the program. The Program Associate should also develop and maintain close working relationships with existing and potential grantees, government leaders, philanthropic organizations, and private sector contacts. The Program Associate is expected to maintain the administrative aspects of program, conduct site visits, explore potential opportunities for grantmaking and investment, and work with other staff on the integration of program activities. This position directly reports to the Vice President of Program – Asia and has a close working relationship with the Program Officer – Asia.
- Works with Vice Presidents of Program, President & CEO, Program Officers, Program Associates and external consultants on program development and grant planning through a combination of field work, research, and networking
- Participates in the scanning process of prospective candidates for future funding and project execution
- Evaluates incoming letter of inquiry, grant proposals and program related investments with the Vice Presidents of Program, Program Officers, and external consultants
- Maintains primary communication and information flow with grantees and works with Grants Officer to track ongoing grants with grant management software
- Provides guidance to grantees and applicants on grant processes and procedures as requested
- Fields inquiries regarding proposed and funded programs
- Helps review, monitor, and assess existing grants and program related investments through, meetings, site visits, regular correspondence, and project reports
- Assists in the identification and presentation of potential opportunities for foundation investment both for below market rate and market rate opportunities to the investment team
- Uses grants management software to document the review Letters of Inquiry, grant requests and grant reporting; create docket write-ups and make other necessary notes regarding the request
- Supports communication and briefings with the President & CEO regarding prospective grants, grantmaking strategy, and program related investments, including the preparation of funding recommendations
- Drafts concept notes and research documents on foundation strategy and related program initiatives
- Works with other staff to ensure cross-program pollination and integration
- Provides travel and other logistical support for Vice Presidents of Program, Program Officers and external consultants; and general office support as needed
- Travels domestically and internationally as needed for meetings, field visits, training/conferences, and other program-related issues
- Helps to design, implement, and monitor Staff Directed Funding efforts and provide direct program support where needed
- Advises and assists in drafting and monitoring consulting contracts as they relate to specific program areas
- Supports outreach efforts with other foundations and related organizations to identify program synergies and to maximize grantmaking impact
- Produces web site content and assist in program-related site maintenance
- Stays current on relevant issues (science, policy, economic and political trends, institutional capacity, etc.) that influence grantmaking decisions
Qualifications:
- Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a field related to BMF programs
- Demonstrated understanding of energy and environmental issues
- Familiarity with current events and trends in Asia
- Understanding of macro-level issues related to global development
- Excellent oral and written communication, and interpersonal skills
- Strong organizational, analytical and time management skills with high attention to priority and detail
- Works well independently and within a team and demonstrates a high degree of initiative, flexibility and collaboration
- Excellent computer skills to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint and grants management database experience; familiarity with GIFTS or other grants management software is preferred
- Ability to work on multiple and varied projects under pressure
- Exhibits a good sense of humor
- International travel experience and cross-cultural competency
- Asian language skills, Mandarin highly preferred
- Ability and willingness to travel to challenging places under challenging conditions
