Job Description

Program Specialist, Climate Justice

REPORTS TO: Senior Manager, Climate Change Policy and Programs, matrixed to the Director, Climate Justice

DEPARTMENT: Climate Justice

LOCATION: Washington, DC or Boston, MA

Oxfam America employees are able to work remotely, but to be considered applicants must reside in one of the following states that are within a 200-mile radius of an OUS office which are located in Boston and Washington DC: ME, NH, VT, MA, RI, CT, NY, NJ, PA, DE, WV, VA, MD, NC or DC.

COORDINATES WITH: All members of the Climate Justice Department, working with the Financial Planning & Analysis team (FP&A), Oxfam Partnership Platform (OPP) team, and Institutional Support Department. Liaising on specific grants and activities with other teams in the Global Partnership and Impact Division, staff in Oxfam country offices, regional offices, affiliate offices, and Oxfam International.

BACKGROUND: The Climate Justice Department, under the leadership of the Director, Climate Justice, is a cross-organizational unit within Oxfam America’s Global Partnerships and Impact division. The Director, with the wider Climate Justice team - a network of colleagues from different departments - is responsible for Oxfam’s strategic commitment to climate justice. The program specialist, working with the Senior Manager, Climate Change Policy and Programs, supports the Climate Justice Director and team to ensure effective grant, budget, logistical and knowledge management.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: The new Program Specialist role will provide program support to ensure the smooth operation of the Climate Justice team. The position supports grant development, management and reporting, financial budgeting and tracking, maintenance of team spaces such as shared folders and calendars, and effective internal communication and knowledge management.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: Grant and budget management and analysis  Take a lead role in preparing departmental financial reports for internal management; help develop, maintain, and manage departmental budget to reflect plans of the department and wider climate justice team; work with Oxfam’s UBW-based budget tool, and lead in the department’s annual budget forecasting and planning processes. 

 Support the restricted fund management life cycle from proposal stage through reporting on actual use of funds; coordinate the Climate Justice department’s grant budgeting and monitor restricted grants.  Manage the department subgrants through the grant life cycle, supporting country offices in collaboration with grant managers to deliver on grant deadlines.  Provide bi-weekly grants and finance analysis to the Director and Senior Manager to support effective and timely decision-making. Knowledge Management and reporting:  Maintain department information management systems, including shared folders, team calendar and report reminders.  Support the regular updating of the quarterly internal report, and produce summaries for donor and partner meetings as requested.  Work with Climate Justice team and Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) MEAL Advisor, Climate Justice, to plan and execute regular planning, learning, and evaluation activities.  Co-lead on quarterly reporting and assessment of progress against climate justice team annual operating plans.  Set-up and support the Oxfam America Climate Justice listserv and regular communications.  Conduct additional ad hoc research, special projects and other tasks for the Climate Justice team as needed. Connecting, Supporting, and Representing the Climate Justice team:  Support the team’s work, including planning team retreats, and ensuring that team meetings have agenda, rotating facilitator and note-takers  Coordinate the team’s internship program including recruitment, training, and oversight of interns.  Liaise with Operations business group to ensure that the department remains current on IT, HR, and other operational matters.  Provide overall logistical, communications, and administrative support to the department, including scheduling, planning, and facilitating meetings; recording and communicating proceedings; coordinating with staff and consultants; and managing logistics for workshops and events.  Provide support to the department’s Director, including scheduling and arranging travel.

EXPECTATIONS FOR THE POSITION:  Will stay abreast of professional standards, trends and issues affecting this set of responsibilities, demonstrating continuous learning of the field.  Will work effectively and collaboratively in support of building a team-based, problemsolving work culture performing all duties appropriately for a multi-cultural environment, treating all persons with dignity and respect; be familiar with and committed to Oxfam America’s mission, values, and goals.  Will be available for periodic domestic and international travel up to a maximum of four weeks per year.

 Will have a fundamental understanding of gender justice and diversity within key areas of responsibility and a commitment to promoting gender justice, racial equity, and diversity in our workplace and programs.  Within key areas of responsibility, will have a commitment to providing a safe environment for staff, partners, and beneficiaries, and a commitment to promoting safeguarding in our workplace, programs, and the communities we serve.  Must have current qualifications to work in the United States.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:  Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.

Experience and Core Competencies:  Minimum 3 years relevant experience in program coordination, project management, planning and facilitation.  Experience in budgeting, financial management, and analysis, including organizational financial systems.  Demonstrated proficiency in computer skills, including use of Microsoft Office Suite, email, Salesforce, Smartsheet, and the ability to support various software applications and databases used in work efforts.  Demonstrated ability to effectively organize, prioritize work, and handle multiple demands at one time in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.  Excellent written communications skills.  Strong listening, comprehension, and documentation abilities.  Comfort operating in a multi-cultural, international environment.  Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.  Ability to use discretion, confidentiality, and good judgment.  Detail-oriented, organized, and proactive.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:  Experience in a non-profit organizational setting.  Exposure to the field of international development and human rights.  Spanish and/or French language skills.

Additional Information

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Oxfam America is a Gender Just organization and an equal opportunity employer. We have a zero tolerance policy for any sexual harassment, exploitation, and/or abuse. We welcome all persons to apply and do not discriminate. We take measures to prevent discrimination against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

We are an E-Verify employer.

For more information, please click on the following links: E-Verify Participation Poster: English / Spanish E-Verify Right to Work Poster: English | Spanish