Job Opportunity: Program Director, Energy Transition & Climate

TITLE: Program Director, Energy Transition & Climate

REPORTS TO: President & CEO

For over four decades, the Inter-American Dialogue has worked to shape policy debate, devise solutions, and enhance cooperation within the Western Hemisphere. The Dialogue sets itself apart by the reach of its influence, the quality of analysis, and our unique identity as a truly hemispheric organization. Based in Washington, DC, we conduct work throughout the Americas in partnership with leading institutions in areas of crucial importance, such as education, the rule of law, energy and climate change, migration, and the region’s relationship with the rest of the world, particularly Asia.

One of our most valued assets is our select membership of over 100 distinguished citizens from the United States, Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. Members actively participate in our work, informing and advancing our vigorous debate. Eighteen Dialogue members served as presidents of their countries, over three dozen have held cabinet-level posts, and twenty-five have served in national legislatures. Our members also come from the business, finance, media, civil society, and academic sectors.

On an annual basis:
• More than 8,000 leaders attend the over 80 forums organized by the Dialogue.
• Dialogue experts publish more than 40 articles and op-eds in 20 media outlets, and their analyses were referenced more than 1,100 times in 600 news sources from over 75 countries.
• The Dialogue’s website is accessed by over 270,000 people in 160 countries.
• The Dialogue’s Latin America Advisor publishes 325 editions with unique insights from more than 1,000 government officials, academics, civil society members, and private sector leaders.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Inter-American Dialogue is seeking an experienced professional to shape, manage, and oversee the Dialogue’s longstanding and recognized work on energy and climate across the Western Hemisphere.

The Energy Transition & Climate Program aims to accelerate a just energy transition and expand access to clean, secure, and affordable energy in the Western Hemisphere. By convening experts, policymakers, corporate leaders, and civil society across the hemisphere to share balanced, innovative, action-oriented analysis, and best practices, the program aims to enhance energy security, mitigation, adaptation, and resilience to the climate crisis in line with the objectives and timeline of the Paris Agreement.

The program director is expected to identify priorities and lead fundraising efforts for this critical program. They leverage and expand the Dialogue’s networks of senior policymakers, industry experts, and civil society leaders to manage the publication of high-quality policy reports, roundtables, and public events. The program director represents the Dialogue externally on energy and climate issues, participating in conferences and media interviews and publishing articles and op-eds.

The program director also manages the Dialogue’s Energy & Resources Committee, a group of corporations that support and engage with the Dialogue on critical energy, climate change, and extractive industries issues in the region.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design innovative research and prepare timely, high-quality, and evidence-based analyses on the most salient program issues. Produce articles, interviews, blogs, and reports and engage with US and Latin American media to help disseminate information and constructively shape the policy debate.
Convene leading experts with diverse perspectives to formulate and advance actionable recommendations on hemispheric energy and climate issues via public and private fora, and briefings for public officials.
Establish and maintain networks of experts and other stakeholders from government, civil society, multilateral organizations, and the private sector in the United States, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Identify, pursue and secure fundraising opportunities for the program with corporate, foundation and multilateral donors.
Travel periodically to the region to support program efforts and represent the Dialogue in various external policy discussions and external engagements.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Thought leader with a proven track record of developing and implementing cutting edge programming.
Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects to effective and timely outcomes.
Expertise of key issues related to energy, climate, and extractive industries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
8-10 years of work experience as well as graduate training in relevant field.
Background in effective leadership and managing teams.
Prior experience with fundraising including success in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting support from foundations and corporations.
Background in the development and oversight of budgets.
Excellent verbal and written skills, able to present themselves as an articulate and knowledgeable spokesperson for the organization.
Network of contacts and ability to work effectively with variety of stakeholders in both the Latin American and Washington, DC policy communities.
Full professional fluency in both Spanish and English (Portuguese is a plus).

TO APPLY:
For consideration, please submit your resume, a cover letter, two writing samples in English and Spanish to jobs@thedialogue.org, and indicate the position and last name in the subject line. No phone calls, please. Position will be open until filled.

Compensation consists of a competitive salary and benefits package. This position is hybrid, required to be in the office three days a week; Tuesday, Thursday, and a floating day.

The Inter-American Dialogue is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation or any other legally protected status.