Program Officer for Asia Programs – Charlottesville, VA

Organization:  blue moon fund

Job Title: Program Officer – 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 Officer for Asia programs to be based at its office in Charlottesville, VA. The Program Officer joins a foundation team which seeks to make strategic grants and investments to support environmental initiatives working to conserve biodiversity and mitigate climate change. This individual works closely with the Vice Presidents of Program, President & CEO, Program Officers, Program Associates and external consultants on defining programs, identifying and nurturing potential grantees, being a catalyst for new ideas, and creating synergy among other organizations as well as internally integrating all of the foundation’s programs. S/He provides support to grantees through project development (if necessary), the grantmaking process and dissemination of results. The Program Officer consistently is identifying and exploring foundation investment opportunities as they relate to the foundation’s mission. Due to the international and holistic nature of the Fund’s activities, the Program Officer must work cross-culturally and often in another language. This position reports directly to the Vice President of Program – Asia and works closely with the program associate for the program area and the President & CEO .

Responsibilities:

• Works independently and with the President & CEO, Vice Presidents of Program, Program Officers, Program Associates and external consultants on program development through a combination of field work, research, and networking.
• Prepares concept notes and research documents on foundation strategy and related programs
• Stays current on relevant issues (science, policy, economic and political trends, institutional capacity, etc.) that influence proposed and ongoing grants
• Identifies and researches prospective candidates for future funding and project execution
• Works independently, with external consultants, and all program staff, to evaluate Letters of Inquiry and full proposals for grants as well as Program Related Investments
• Supports communications with the Vice President of Program – Asia regarding prospective grants, grantmaking strategy and program related investment opportunities, including preparing funding recommendations and docket materials for grant meetings
• Explores and presents to investment team potential opportunities for foundation investment both for below-market rate and market rate opportunities
• Helps to design, implement, and monitor Staff Directed Funding efforts and provides direct program support where needed
• Maintains primary communications and information flow with grantees, often cross-culturally and in a foreign language
• Integrates and manages work of external consultants into the overall program strategy
• Works independently, and with Vice President of Program – Asia, external consultants, and program staff, to evaluate grantee performance through meetings, site visits, and review of project reports
• Fields inquiries regarding proposed and funded programs
• Works with other staff to ensure cross-program pollination and integration
• Mentors Program Associates in all aspects of the job, as appropriate
• Works with Grants Officer to track ongoing grants within initiative using grants management software
• Uses grants management software to review Letters of Inquiry, grant requests and grant reporting; create docket write-ups and make other necessary notes regarding the request
• Produces web site content and assists in program-related site maintenance and formatting
• Advises and assists in drafting and monitoring consulting contracts as they relate to specific program areas
• Travels domestically and internationally as needed for meetings, meeting preparation activities, training/conferences, and program-related issues
• Leads outreach efforts with other foundations and related organizations to identify program synergies and to maximize grantmaking effectiveness
• Is a spokesperson for the purpose and interests of the blue moon fund, including at conferences and in other appropriate venues

• Organizes and facilitates meetings among grantees and other organizations to generate synergies and increase leverage and impact

Qualifications:

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree, preferably a Master’s degree, in a field related to bmf’s programs.
• At least five years of experience in an area related to bmf’s programs
• 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
• Cross-cultural competency and international travel experience as appropriate
• Verbal and written fluency in Mandarin
• Knowledge of current events and trends related to program areas
• Excellent computer skills to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint and grants management database experience; familiarity with GIFTS or other grants management software is preferred
• Proven ability to create and lead a team around specific issues so that all voices are heard and collaboration is fostered
• Understanding of grantmaking and the nonprofit sector, highly desired.
• Exhibits a good sense of humor, flexibility, maturity and an ability to work with grace under pressure
• Ability to travel to challenging places under challenging conditions

How to Apply:  Send a resume and a 3-5 page writing sample to [email protected].  No unsolicited phone calls, please.