Program and Operations Manager

Who is Solar Cookers International?

Solar Cookers International (SCI), started in 1987, improves human health, economic well-being, women’s empowerment, and the environment by promoting climate-friendly solar cooking for vulnerable populations worldwide. SCI leads through advocacy, research, and strengthening the capacity of the global solar cooking movement. SCI has the highest ratings from Charity Navigator, GuideStar/Candid, and the BBB, and received the Keeling Curve Prize, which recognizes “the most impactful climate projects.”

The Position

Solar Cookers International is seeking a Program and Operations Manager (POM). This position is responsible for the management of program and operational activities to help implement SCI’s mission. SCI is working to increase the use of solar cookers globally to address the scale and complexity of accessing clean cooking and reaching approximately 2.4 billion people cooking with polluting fuels. This position will support and significantly contribute to numerous aspects of achieving SCI’s mission and effective operations.

The POM will help execute SCI’s Strategic Plan and Operation Plan and work cross-functionally with SCI staff in communications, development (fundraising), administration, research, advocacy, capacity building, and other programs. This position will receive direct supervision from the Executive Director. A candidate who takes initiative, shows responsibility, has strong communication and leadership skills, and has experience in management and program work for an NGO will be a good fit for this position.

Essential Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the duties described below are examples and are not exclusive or all-inclusive:

• Draft proposals for specific opportunities including funding, event participation, etc.
• Organize and/or participate in events and/or webinars, including inviting appropriate guest speakers, making presentations, etc.
• Represent SCI by participating in working groups, conferences, events, and meetings.
• Facilitate meetings and opportunities with SCI’s working groups, Global Advisors, and other solar cooking groups.
• Provide written content and proofreading for communications such as newsletters, briefings, reports, press releases, etc.
• Maintain SCI’s highest ratings with accountability and transparency organizations such as the Better Business Bureau, Charity Navigator/Encompass, CANDID/GuideStar, and InterAction.
• Complete annual renewals to maintain SCI’s approved status as a charitable organization in all required states.
• Maintain existing SCI resources such as the Global Map of Solar Cookers, the Solar Cooking Economic Impact Summaries, the Nationally Determined Contributions Report, and the John Collentine Solar Cooking Toolkit.
• Support ongoing relationships with influential organizations such as the World Bank, United Nations Climate Technology Centre and Network, the Clean Cooking Alliance, the World Health Organization, country governments, and USAID; coordinate and conduct regular communications through mailings, phone calls, meetings, and events.
• Analyze countries’ interest and financial support for clean cooking.
• Maintain eligible status for development efforts such as Our Promise and Giving Edge.
• Oversee the monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of SCI solar cooking initiatives and gather evaluation results of other solar cooking initiatives.
• Provide Human Resources (HR) support to the Executive Director as needed, such as posting job announcements and researching HR needs.
• Explore and support organizational needs regarding office space, storage space, operational contracts, and service providers.
• Implement data collection, sharing, and analysis to increase the solar cooking evidence base. Identify opportunities to promote solar cooking and provide information, resources, and support to do so (as appropriate).Address inquiries from the public through phone, email, social media, and in person.
• Implement and contribute to SCI’s 5-year Strategic Plan and Annual Operational Plan.
• Integrate with and cross-promote SCI programs and services such as the SCI Association, data sharing, and Performance Evaluation Process testing.
• Utilize positive media opportunities to strengthen organizational relationships.
• Manage volunteers and interns as needed.
• Support the Executive Director in coordinating the Board of Directors (for example by helping track term dates)
• Provide utility support to coworkers as needed such as thanking donors, updating the website and organizational documents (like letterhead)
• Provide input to the Executive Director regarding the annual budget cycle and strategizing opportunities for growth and the steps to achieve that growth.
• Conduct special projects as requested to help the smooth functioning of the organization.

Essential Knowledge and Skills Required

Knowledge of:

• SCI’s mission and approach.
• Effective ways to cause positive global change, especially concerning improving health, the environment, economic well-being, and women’s empowerment.
• Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills within all organizational levels and with outside constituencies including with people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
• Best practices in non-profit operations including human resources, sound financial practices, communications, etc.
• Effective planning, critical thinking, analytical problem-solving, and follow-through.
• Working with a high-performance, collaborative, constructive peer group.

Ability to:

• Prioritize, plan, schedule, and coordinate work activities necessary to fulfill responsibilities.
• Write and edit clear, concise, compelling proposals, status reports, and applications.
• Develop and deliver compelling executive-level presentations.
• Demonstrate professionalism in work produced and interactions
• Be proficient with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, PowerPoint, and content management systems)
• Be self-motivated and self-directed.
• Take initiative in problem-solving and information finding; being proactive.
• Take direction well.
• Work independently and as a part of a team.
• Exhibit flexibility.
• Provide excellent attention to detail and accuracy including proofreading.
• Effectively contribute to SCI’s fundraising efforts, for example by maintaining appropriate documentation to facilitate various revenue streams.
• Build relationships and collaborate with influential organizations in the renewable energy, environment, health, and clean cooking sectors and the United Nations System.
• Exhibit experience with, or learn, programs such as Salsa, Concrete 5, Google Drive, and CartoDB.
• Provide strong project management skills managing projects resulting in measurable successes and program growth.

Qualifications

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying.

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as international relations, environmental sustainability, communications, organizational management, and/or social science.
• At least 3-4 years of relevant program/operational work experience in a non-profit or relevant setting.
• An elevated level of organizational leadership skills.
• Effective communication and personal skills.
• Demonstrated strategic and analytical thinking.
• Strong command of Microsoft Office Suite programs such as Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
• The ability to communicate in multiple languages is preferred but not required.

Compensation

This is a full-time position. The Program and Operations Manager position will be salary based (not hourly), paying in the range of $51,000 – $61,000 annually. Compensation is based on experience.

SCI covers up to $622/month towards health insurance premiums, life insurance, paid vacation, 80 hours of sick leave/year, twelve paid holidays, and other benefits, including retirement. Paid vacation begins accruing at a rate of 80 hours a year and increases up to 160 hours a year based on tenure with SCI. Based on the employee’s location and the applicable state laws, there could be additional remote work benefits as well.

Work Environment

SCI offers room for growth, professional development, and a supportive and competent team in addition to a flexible and dynamic work environment. SCI’s headquarters and many SCI supporters are in Sacramento, California, USA. However, the staff team is based across the US and is adept at working remotely. Most SCI staff are working remotely most of the time, with occasional on-site activities. This position does not need to be based in Sacramento but will need to be able to work with co-workers and collaborators in a variety of time zones, including the Pacific Time Zone. This position could potentially involve travel opportunities.

Solar Cookers International does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or an individual’s status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. SCI strives to include diversity, equity, and inclusive principles.

Visit https://www.solarcookers.org/about/team to learn more about the SCI team.

Timeline

This is a new position that is available immediately.