Environmental Jobs Finder

Program Assistant, Climate & Environment Program - Washington - at Institute for Sustainable Communities

2009-09-20 00:47:22

Location: Washington
URL: www.iscvt.org

Description:

Since 1991, Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC) has carried out 75 projects strengthening communities in 23 countries. The organization has an annual budget of $12M and 85 staff in 7 offices. In 2007, ISC launched a Climate and Environment Program to help hundreds of communities in the US and China- which together are responsible for 40% of the world’s total green house gas emissions — transition to a low-carbon economy and become more resilient to climate impacts. ISC has a major program in China and a rapidly growing initiative in the US. We build the capacity of communities and institutions – including governments, businesses and nonprofit organizations – to develop and implement effective climate solutions through intensive training, technical assistance and peer-learning services. Position Overview: The program assistant provides programmatic and administrative support to the Institute for Sustainable Communities’ Climate & Environment Programs Team, to help ensure the successful development and implementation of ISC project activities. ISC’s Climate & Environment Programs include the Climate Leadership Academy – a training, technical assistance and peer-learning initiative serving local, regional and state climate practitioners and focused on accelerating local climate and energy solutions – and the Guangdong Environmental Partnership, which is helping communities and factories in China’s heavily industrialized Guangdong Province increase energy efficiency and reduce global warming pollution. The Program Assistant position requires a person who is committed to ISC’s mission, able to communicate effectively with a diverse group of people, works well under pressure, thinks strategically and acts proactively. Performance requires administrative, organizational and logistics management skills, excellent oral and written communications, the ability to prepare, review and track budgets, attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines, and the capacity to track and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities: Administrative Support: Provides administrative support to the program team as needed. Scope includes: Organizing internal and external events and/or meetings, including logistics, materials, refreshments and meals, and transportation as appropriate; Helping to develop and track project budgets; Developing, maintaining, and improving the quality of ISC’s database programs and other filing systems; Coordinating travel schedules, purchasing tickets and making travel arrangements, preparing travel itineraries, and arranging for visas for staff, partners, and consultants; Facilitating communications among all program staff and assisting with team logistics; Covering telephones and securing the office when needed. Program Support: Works with the program team to assist in the successful development and implementation of international and U.S. based programs, expansion into new regions and countries, and implementation of new initiatives that support ISC’s strategic goals. Scope includes: Conducting intensive web- and telephone-based research and analysis on “promising practices” in local climate and energy solutions; Assisting with the preparation of reports, proposals, training materials, grantee agreements and other written documents to produce high-quality materials; Assisting with the production and completion of project proposals including copy editing and formatting, assembly of attachments, tracking of proposal information; Supporting consultant and grants management activities, including preparation of agreements and amendments, communications, and review of program and financial reports; Maintaining communication with project partners, funders, and consultants under the direction of program staff; Organizing program events, seminars, training workshops and study tours; and Assisting program staff in managing the day to day activities of ISC projects. Relationships: Supervised by a Climate & Environment Program Officer; Coordinates work activity with program officers, project accountants, and the operations associate; and Interacts with all ISC employees, including members of the overseas offices, on matters related to the program team. Qualifications: BA degree with 2 years minimum experience in a field related to ISC’s work; Specific knowledge of, or experience in, local climate and energy issues (e.g., building energy efficiency, climate-friendly transportation and land use, climate adaptation, green jobs creation) is a big plus. Strong organizational and administrative skills that reflect ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks; Ability to prepare, manage, and review budgets and financial reports; Able to develop successful outcomes and products from concepts; Research and analysis experience and skills; Ability to work independently and collaboratively and adapt to changing priorities; Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills; Strong work ethic, personal integrity, and sensitivity to people from different countries/cultures; and Above average skills in Microsoft Office suite, data processing (SAGE), email, Internet browsers, and other software helpful in advancing the efficiency of the team Working Conditions: This position may be located in either ISC’s Montpelier, VT or Washington, DC offices.

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Climate Project Specialist - Metro Regional Government - Oregon - at Metro Regional Government

2009-07-22 05:49:45

Location: Oregon
Description:

The Climate Project Specialist will assist with the implementation of key projects that support Metro’s commitment to climate change work throughout the Portland metro region. The Climate Project Specialist will spend half of their time working with Metro’s Regional Climate Initiative to implement projects that support the creation of a regional action plan on climate change. The other half of the position will work with Metro’s Sustainability Program and will focus on projects that directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the agency’s internal operations.

General Responsibilities (to include, but not limited to):
•Identify greenhouse gas emission (GHG) reduction projects in Metro’s internal operations, develop project proposals, and identify funding sources.
•Provide technical assistance for implementation of internal projects to reduce GHG emissions.
•Develop stakeholder engagement and communications plans for climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.
•Participate in development of regional climate change adaptation strategies with key stakeholders and Metro staff.
•Complete and submit all necessary NWSA and AmeriCorps paperwork and reports in a timely manner.
•Wear an NWSA uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.

Position Requirements:
•Four-year college degree and at least three years of work experience in a professional setting.
•Ability to organize projects, prioritize tasks and work independently.
•Knowledge of climate change issues and greenhouse gas emission reduction methods.
•Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
•Ability to perform analysis and make recommendations.
•Project management skills and abilities.
•Desire to serve with people to promote sustainability, environmental stewardship and an ethic of service.
•Communicate and interact in a positive, professional manner with various populations such as: project partner(s), colleagues, students and the general public.
•U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
•Ability to commit to the full term of service for which you are applying.
•Successfully pass a fingerprint criminal history background check provided through NWSA.
•Regular and reliable attendance.
•Have not previously served two terms in an AmeriCorps*State or National program. Members may serve up to three terms in a National Service Program, but only two terms may be within an AmeriCorps*State or National program. Members are only eligible for an education award for their first two terms of service, regardless of the type of term (full or part-time) and regardless of the successful completion of that term.

Preferred Qualifications:
•Presentation skills (written and oral).

Member Benefits Include:
•A taxable, monthly living allowance (before taxes, approximately $1,250).
•Training fund of up to $500.
•Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible members receive an education award of $4,725. The education award can be used to repay qualified student loans, for further education in an accredited institution of higher learning, vocational or trade schools. The education award is taxed in the year that it is used.
•Loan forbearance (after successful completion of a term of service, AmeriCorps will pay the accrued interest on qualified loans, which is taxable).
•Basic medical insurance (covers members only, not dependents; vision and dental not included).
•Child care allowance for those who qualify.

Transportation Information:
•Organizational vehicle is available for service activities.
•Project site is accessible by public transportation (both TriMet buses and MAX light rail train).
•Metro is a bike-commuter friendly workplace. The Metro Regional Center (MRC), located in the Central Eastside neighborhood of Portland has showers, lockers, and ample bike parking.

Application Deadline: Friday, August 7
NWSA Center: Lower Columbia Center
Interviews: August 17 – 21 Type of position: Professional Placement (P2)
Service Dates: September 14, 2009 – August 13, 2010

How to apply:
Step 1: Submit an interest letter and resume to Molly Chidsey molly.chidsey@oregonmetro.gov. Please write “AmeriCorps Application” in the subject line of your email. Electronic submissions only. No phone calls or visits please.

Step 2: Complete your application and send it to Margi Guilfoyle at margi@p2professional.org: (All application materials can be found on the “How to Apply” page of our website)

•Application – Complete the AmeriCorps Application. It may be submitted by mail, fax or email

•Two Written References – Please ask your recommenders to complete the NWSA Reference Form. It may be submitted by mail, fax or email.

•Certification Form – Print, sign and date the Certification Form. This document MUST be submitted by mail or in-person to our offices at 55 SE Main, Portland OR 97214.

Questions about the position?
Contact: Molly Chidsey molly.chidsey@oregonmetro.gov or Heidi Rahn heidi.rahn@oregonmetro.gov

General questions about P2, Northwest Service Academy, or AmeriCorps?
Contact: Margi Guilfoyle
Professional Placement Coordinator
NWSA Lower Columbia Center
55 SE Main Street, Portland, OR 97214
503-234-2383 ext 118
fax 503-232-0166
margi@p2professional.org

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