Project Director, Energy Transition

Overview

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online supporters. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world's natural resources, public health, and the environment. For over two decades, the NRDC has worked in China as a thought leader and trusted adviser to our partners. With a highly effective team of more than 40 members based in our Beijing office, we have worked hard at both the national and local levels to recommend, develop, and support the implementation of innovative laws, policies, technologies, and market tools that curb pollution and accelerate China’s transition to a clean, low-carbon economy. NRDC's Beijing Representative Office is registered under the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau and supervised by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration of China in accordance with applicable laws. 

NRDC is seeking a Project Director, Energy Transition Project in our Beijing office. 

Position Summary 

This position may work together with another Director/Deputy Director to co-manage the Energy Transition Project (hereafter “the Project”). The Project cooperates with Chinese partners at the national level and in selected provinces and cities on the research, design and implementation of effective climate and energy transition policies. The new hire will be responsible for managing the Project’s budget, coordinating project implementation, communicating with external partners on work progress and supporting the project’s strategic direction, under the overall guidance of the China Program Director and Deputy Director. The position will also support the overall project implementation by working closely with the senior leaders of the project and the overall China Program team. 

This position is based in NRDC’s Beijing office and is an integral part of NRDC’s China team in the International  Program. 

Responsibilities

The Project Director will co-lead the Energy Transition Project under the guidance of the China Program Director and Deputy Director. Specifically, the Project Director will: 

• Manage the Project’s budget, including coordinating budget development, monitoring project expenses, and preparing expense reports and analysis for internal and funder purposes;  
• Manage Project implementation toward successful completion of Project goals and commitments, coordinate the management of the Project’s contracts and deliverables, and track and coordinate project activities to ensure that the work schedule and progress are on target; 
• Lead the preparation of periodic reports project progress and grant reporting to funders; 
• Lead the development of new fundraising proposals with high quality, coordinating with relevant project teams where applicable; 
• Act as direct manager of members of the Project team, foster teamwork within and cross teams, provide guidance and support to help team members succeed, and help enhance team satisfaction with work and work environment; 
• Help build and maintain relationships with existing and potential partners and funders for advancing China’s climate and clean energy policies and initiatives; 
• Facilitate and contribute to the development of project strategies, and manage the Project’s work planning in response to internal and funder requests;  
• Stay abreast of China’s energy trends and related policy developments for responding to internal and external inquiries or discussions; and 
• Help shape NRDC's messaging and communications on China energy transition issues, including advocacy through publications, presentations, and interviews; 
• Occasional overseas and domestic business travels required; 
• The above list of duties is not comprehensive but generally demonstrates the types of matters under this position’s responsibility. Other duties may be assigned.  

Qualifications

Minimum Education & Experience:   

• Masters’ degree in a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience required.  
• Deep subject matter expertise in energy transition, renewable energy, climate resilience, climate policy and other climate and environment issues.  
• Recognized as a leader in energy field with a well-established professional stakeholder network.   
• 10+ years of related experience.  
• Minimum 5 years professional experience supervising support staff or others.  
• Preferred: minimum 5 years of experience working internationally or collaborating with international teams.  

Skills, Abilities, Competencies  

• Strong knowledge of China’s and international energy and climate change issues, including both policy and general technical aspects of the issues; 
• Excellent people and team management skills, with aptitude for developing talent and supporting a positive and diverse team culture.   
• Excellent English and Chinese language skills, including the ability to speak and write persuasively in both languages as well as bilingual translation ability; 
• Ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with partners and stakeholders;  
• Ability to build relationships, effectively collaborate, and engender trust from peers and colleagues；   
• Ability to handle complex and sensitive discussions and processes with diplomacy； 
• Care for details, accuracy, and quality of work output;  
• Team player who can handle multiple conflicting priorities and ambiguity. 
• Self-motivated and able to work independently and efficiently with multiple tasks and pressing deadlines； 
• Good skills in using spreadsheet, PowerPoint, and other common computer tools; 
• Commitment to NRDC’s mission, values, and DEI principles. 

We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment. Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and commensurate with skills and experience.  

To apply, please visit www.nrdc.org/careers and upload your resume and cover letter through our online portal. We would like you to upload any additional papers or project work that you think would showcase your abilities. Due to the high volume of applications NRDC receives, we will only contact candidates we would like to progress through the search process. Please no phone calls, emails, faxes, or in-person resume drop-offs. Please reference where you saw this posting. NRDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Applications will be accepted until filled. For further information about NRDC, please visit www.nrdc.org and www.nrdc.cn.