Greenhouse Gas Removal Director

5 months ago
Full time role
Remote · Washington, DC, US... more

Director, GHG Removal

In addition to rapid emissions cuts, we must remove greenhouse gases (GHG) from the atmosphere if we are to have a fighting chance of meeting the Paris Agreement’s goals. And yet, public and private investment in GHG removal is far short of what is needed, despite growing investment in some approaches like direct air capture and storage. The Bezos Earth Fund is looking to advance promising technologies and drive public and private investment. While the Earth Fund has a significant restoration portfolio, this position focuses on technological GHG removal (GHGR).

Key Responsibilities 

The Bezos Earth Fund is seeking a Director of Greenhouse Gas Removal to lead the Fund’s efforts in this space. The position requires an adept senior strategist, who is well versed in GHGR research and practice, and can lead the Earth Fund in developing, refining, and executing its strategies in the GHGR space for maximum impact. We seek someone with broad interdisciplinary knowledge and exposure to multiple aspects relevant to scaling technological GHGR.

The position will report to the Director of Tech Acceleration. The GHGR Director will have the following responsibilities:

  • Develop, secure buy-in, and implement the Bezos Earth Fund’s GHGR strategic vision, range of activities, and internal and external partnerships.
  • Build a thriving ecosystem of researchers, companies, and stakeholders to leverage efforts for catalyzing GHGR scaling efforts.
  • Align the Earth Fund’s work with the best evidence from research and practice, and develop evidence-based, well-vetted theories of change to scale GHGR.
  • Catalyze new GHGR partnerships with philanthropy, NGOs, the private sector, and government.
  • Facilitate adaptive management to address changing conditions in the space, enabling the Earth Fund to leverage cutting edge advancements and technologies, and learn from our own experience and the experience of others undertaking this work.
  • Stay well informed on the latest knowledge, analysis, and research related to GHGR.
  • Lead on grantmaking that advances GHGR, especially with regard to early-stage research, development, and demonstration (RD&D).
  • Represent the Bezos Earth Fund at meetings and engagements with external partners.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and experience:

  • Significant experience, and ideally a postgraduate qualification, in engineering, environmental science, or policy with knowledge of climate issues, and ideally an interdisciplinary background.
  • At least 15 years’ experience in energy, environmental, climate or related fields, with current knowledge and experience related to GHGR; note the Earth Fund is focusing its GHGR efforts on carbon dioxide removal and exploring methane and nitrous oxide removal, so deep experience in at least one of these areas is highly desirable.
  • Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and execution of complex, multi-stakeholder programs.
  • Strong understanding of technology and how it applies to climate solutions, ideally with regard to GHG removal.
  • Relevant international networks, and experience engaging actors from different geographic and sector backgrounds.
  • Deep understanding of what it takes to bring technologies from lab to market.

 Skills and abilities:

  • Demonstrated ability to translate concept into action, with a proven record of success in developing and implementing innovative strategies and solutions with the engagement of stakeholders from different backgrounds and with differing levels of expertise.
  • Experience developing programs and strategies related to greenhouse gas removal, ideally using an interdisciplinary lens.
  • Proven effectiveness in working collaboratively as part of a team, demonstrated through a willingness to adapt based on team member input in the development of projects or initiatives.
  • Ability to integrate knowledge and learning, and the capacity to effectively use research and evaluation developed internally and externally.
  • Ability to inspire collaborative partnerships; demonstrated experience working with a broad range of stakeholders to address complex systems and challenges.
  • High quality written and oral communication skills, interpersonal awareness and excellent listening skills; a communication style that reflects clarity, authenticity, transparency, and approachability.

 Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

  • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • May require extended hours for urgent issues or to meet established deadlines.
  • This position is located in Washington, D.C.
  • May undertake domestic and/or international travel.

 To Apply:

This position offers a competitive salary with a range of $320,000 - $350,000 per year and includes a comprehensive benefits package.

The Bezos Earth Fund is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination. The Earth Fund recognizes diversity as an asset essential to accomplishing its work. We actively welcome all qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, gender identity or expression, genetic information, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin, ethnicity, disability, military/veteran status, compensation history or any other basis prohibited by law.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply here as soon as possible through our recruitment partner, SCHC Advisors, with a) an up-to-date CV and b) cover letter of no more than two pages, explaining why you wish to work for the Bezos Earth Fund and how you meet the requirements of the role. For further information on the role, please email Sophia Copeman at sophia@schcadvisors.com.

For further information on Bezos Earth Fund, please visit https://www.bezosearthfund.org/