Technical Advisor, Climate Solutions

Position Title: Technical Advisor, Climate Solutions 

Location: Arlington, Virginia; Little Rock, Arkansas; or Remote within the U.S. 

Department:   Environment and Energy (E2) Group 

Reports To: Associate Vice President, Environment and Energy (E2) 

Winrock International is a non-profit organization that works around the world to increase economic opportunity, sustain natural resources, and protect the environment. Winrock strengthens the capacity of women, children, youth, civil society organizations, and businesses to actively participate in sustainable development and to positively impact society.    

The Environment & Energy (E2) Group is comprised of three units: Ecosystem Services, Clean Energy and Circular Economy, and Forestry and Natural Resource Management. The E2 group collaborates closely with other Winrock Groups, including Agriculture, Resilience and Water; Human Rights, Education & Empowerment; and Corporate Affairs, to identify and implement cutting-edge nature-based solutions.  

As a senior member of the E2 management team, the Technical Advisor will lead by example, fostering an environment that is collaborative, conducive to growth, respect, equity, and thought leadership.  

Winrock is a leading organization in climate mitigation and adaptation solutions, developing and supporting approaches that reduce and remove emissions, strengthen resilience and adaptive technologies, and promote market-driven investments. We have decades of experience in clean energy, ecosystem services, forestry, and nature-based solutions in the U.S. and around the world. We combine technical expertise with partnership development, innovative financing structures and community engagement to forge a holistic approach to climate change, addressing impacts and their underlying drivers.  

Environment & Energy Group  

Sustainable economic growth depends on a healthy planet. Globally, there is an increased commitment from governments, businesses, foundations, and non-profits to ensure that the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement are achieved. The E2 Group uses science-driven, evidence-based solutions to address the myriad ways humans use natural resources. From nature-based solutions to climate change, to community-based natural resource management, to market-driven innovations in clean energy and promoting ecosystem services, Winrock develops solutions to protect natural resources, address climate change and promote long-term economic well-being and health. Our approach empowers local communities, governments, civil society and the private sector, providing them with the information needed to develop sustainable solutions. Implementation is focused on partnership, as well as technical and data-driven innovations and learning, adapting, and scaling proven models.  

Essential Duties  

Leadership, Strategy, and Impact:  

• Strategically grow the Group’s portfolio, deepening impact, scale, and reach.  
• Contribute to the E2 Group’s strategic planning and positioning.  
• Work with the E2 team to identify, document, and promote technical best practices and methodologies for new business design, internal learning, and external promotion.  
• Contribute to the growth of the Group’s technical visibility with key stakeholders, practitioners, and donors with an eye towards identifying and engaging promising partners for collaboration and innovation through thought leadership activities including, but not limited to, penning op-eds; serving as a technical panelist, and identifying topics and convening technical fora/ensuring Winrock participation in relevant fora.  
• Work with the E2 team to develop core technical materials for the Group.  
• Provide perspective and expertise on emerging issues and trends in the environment/climate change sector.  

Proactive New Business Development:  

• Support and grow E2 new business by surfacing and recommending opportunities, leading proposals, and/or serving as a technical lead, contributor, or reviewer; and working closely with the Associate Vice President of E2, E2 Directors, and New Business Support team to ensure the delivery of quality proposals.  
• Utilize professional network to build and maintain relationships with current and prospective donors in the portfolio through regular engagement.  
• Represent Winrock at external events, nationally and internationally, and position Winrock for expanded work in relevant fields.  
• Identify, develop and uplift existing technical project tools and approaches that can be incorporated into the larger technical area.  
• Serve as a champion for Winrock’s Core Values (accountability, equity, innovation, integrity and transformation) and encourage upward feedback.  

 Education:  

• Master’s degree in international development, environmental science, natural resource management, forestry, climate change, or other related field required; terminal degree (PhD or equivalent) strongly preferred.  

Experience:  

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in climate change adaptation/mitigation/resilience required. Additional years of experience strongly preferred.  
• 10 years’ of USAID management experience required.  
• Management experience on large and complex USAID natural resource management projects ($15M+) strongly preferred.  
• Strong skills in strategy development, partnership building, project and team management, budget management, and facilitation required. 
• Established track record securing and/or designing USAID projects.  
• Overseas experience with technical and/or operational issues related to climate change; biodiversity conservation; natural resources management; ecosystem services; sustainability; biodiversity conservation, clean energy, private sector engagement, or related issues strongly preferred.  
• Demonstrated technical innovation and leadership in climate change programming, strategic planning, and capacity development.  
• Track record leading and designing winning multi-million-dollar proposals for major donors strongly preferred.  
• Proven experience working with host country governments and ability to foster and maintain good working relationships with officials at national and local levels strongly preferred. 
• Experience in public communication on technical issues including peer-reviewed publications, blogs, op-eds, podcasts strongly preferred.  
• Fluency in English and excellent communication skills (written and verbal).  
• Fluency in a language in addition to English strongly preferred.  
• Excellent leadership, problem solving, teamwork, interpersonal skills required.  
• Travel to developing countries required.  

This position has a salary range between $165,000 - $185,000 with most candidates falling at the mid-point of the range. Winrock provides an excellent benefits package including a 10% 403b annual contribution, excellent health care coverage and PTO/holiday leave plans.

Winrock is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all people and value diversity and inclusiveness. Winrock recruits, employs, trains, promotes and compensates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, or any other basis protected by law.
At Winrock we have a clear mission: Empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity and sustain natural resources through unwavering dedication to accountability, equity, innovation, integrity and transformation.
Winrock knows that its success comes from the hard work and steadfast dedication of its diverse workforce. Winrock remains committed to maintaining diversity, inclusion and equity across the entire organization