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 support the development and 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 in Beijing in accordance with applicable laws.
NRDC is seeking a Deputy Country Director to work with the Country Director in our Beijing office.
Position Summary
The Deputy Country Director will be responsible for providing leadership in the China Program on the team building, staff development, team management, and strategic thinking on China Program branding, in consultation with the Country Director. S/he will also support the Country Director’s efforts in strategic planning, programmatic coordination, fundraising, and networking and partnership building. The position’s responsibilities will be divided 40% external and 60% internal.
Responsibilities
With the Country Director, build collaborative relationships and agreements with funders, partner organizations and others working in China to optimize project outcomes. Represent NRDC at public forums and functions to convey NRDC positions, and engage and influence stakeholders.
Lead and collaborate with project leaders on team building and staff development for the China Program;
Lead and collaborate with project leaders on analyzing, designing, and/or improving strategies for China Program branding;
Work closely with the Country Director on strategic planning, programmatic coordination, fundraising, networking, partnership building, and addressing management and personnel issues, as needed.
Guide, coach and develop team members, and find ways to help them succeed. Foster teamwork and help enhance team satisfaction with the work and work environment. Monitor work quality and give timely feedback as well as rewards and recognition. Supervise employees to ensure compliance with NRDC policies and standards.
Work with the China program leadership team to develop overall program strategies and priorities, liaise with NRDC US offices, identify funding opportunities, write proposals, make staffing decisions, and establish management practices to create a culture of teamwork, high performance, and accountability.
Directly manage one or two project teams, by guiding the project directors, overseeing the team’s strategy, and ensuring a strong team dynamic.
Perform project administration duties including budgeting, staffing, reporting, expense approval, etc. and ensuring all obligations and deliverables to funders are met.
From time to time, interact with relevant NRDC staff in other offices in the U.S. and in India.
Qualifications
Required
Education & Experience
Master's 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 thought leader in energy field with a well-established professional stakeholder network.
15+ 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 and Abilities
Excellent people management skills, with aptitude for developing talent and supporting a positive and diverse team culture.
Proficient in English (speaking, listening, writing, reading).
Strong planning and project management skills.
Budget management skills.
Demonstrated commitment to and competence in equity and inclusion principles, including contributing to an inclusive working environment and advancing DEI.
Ability to build relationships, effectively collaborate, and engender trust from peers and colleagues.
Ability to handle complex discussions and processes with diplomacy.
Ability to interact with teams in other countries and time zones.
Team player who can handle multiple conflicting priorities and ambiguity.
A motivated self-starter.
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.
