Location:             Flexible – Washington, D.C. or at Asia Society Centers in U.S., India, Korea, Japan, Australia, France or Switzerland*

Department:         Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI)

Position:               Senior Program Officer

Reports To:           Director of Asia-Pacific Sustainability

Job Type:               Full Time

FLSA Status:         Exempt

Salary Range:       Dependent on location and country-specific market rate. 

SUMMARY:

The Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI), a solutions-oriented think and do tank headquartered in New York, seeks a Senior Program Officer to support ASPI’s carbon markets work. ASPI’s climate team plays a key role in the development and implementation of ambitious and effective climate policies in Asia through accelerating the transition to net zero emissions, carbon pricing, clean energy and climate diplomacy. ASPI is a leader in the development of greenhouse gas emissions trading systems (ETS) across major Asian economies to cost-effectively achieve Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets and net zero goals under the Paris Agreement. 

A Senior Program Officer of Carbon Markets will support the development, coordination and implementation of pioneering projects that help shape climate policy in Asia, especially the development of successful national emissions trading systems. The position supports the Director of Asia-Pacific Sustainability.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Working with the Director of Asia-Pacific Sustainability, help develop, coordinate and deliver ASPI projects to support the introduction and implementation of emissions trading systems in major Asian economies, and other relevant areas of climate and energy policy.
• Coordinate and contribute to drafting reports, policy papers, media articles, and other project deliverables on ETS development, energy transition, net zero emission goals and other climate policy topics, within quality, time and budget constraints.
• Conduct desk research on the status of ETS development in Asia and best practice in ETS design, applicable to specific Asian contexts. 
• Develop high quality materials for publication and coordinate their dissemination through various media outlets.
• Support development and delivery of online and in-person meetings, workshops, seminars and conferences, including all organizational and logistical aspects.
• Build and maintain relationships with key project stakeholders at Asian and international levels.
• Support development of project concepts and proposals for new fundraising.
• Provide administrative support and budget tracking for ASPI climate projects. 
• Engage in other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree or higher in subject relevant to climate change mitigation policy.
• Three years of relevant professional experience in a government, consulting, research, or NGO environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in GHG emissions trading systems, including compliance and voluntary carbon markets. 
• Understanding of GHG emission mitigation options for power and industrial sectors as well as carbon market interactions with these sectors. 
• Experience in economic, social and environmental impact assessment.   
• Track record in developing high quality and impactful written products for policy decision-makers.
• Experience with organisation and delivery of events such as workshops, panel discussions, roundtables, etc.
• Experience in project management including administrative and financial support to projects. 
• Excellent team working, able to work within multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams spread across several countries and time zones. 
• Strong technical and analytical skills in relevant areas.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills and self-motivation, able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to prioritise, multi-task and work to strict deadlines. 
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Fluency in English required.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Compensation and job title is determined by location, skills, experience, and organizational equity.

For DC-based applicants: Asia Society offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, and vision coverage, a 403(b) retirement plan, numerous paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, self-development hours, and more. Please visit www.asiasociety.org/about/careers and click on “Employee Benefits” to view our full benefits summary

Benefit package highlights:

An HRA plan is available to supplement our medical plan.After 1 year of service (1,000 hours), Asia Society contributes 6% of gross earnings to an eligible employee’s 403(b) account, regardless of whether the employee makes their own contributions.Asia Society offers Self-Development time off, including Self-Development Summer Fridays between July 4th and Labor Day.

For applicants in all other locations: Benefits will be administered by the local Asia Society Center in line with location regulations and laws.

*Acceptable locations:

Washington D.C., San Francisco, Delhi, Seoul, Japan, Sydney, Melbourne, Paris or Zurich

ABOUT ASIA SOCIETY:

Asia Society, founded by John D. Rockefeller the 3rd in 1956, is a global non-profit dedicated to identifying future pathways for Asia and the world which enhance peace, prosperity, freedom, equality, and sustainability. Headquartered in New York City, with 15 centers located in Asia, Europe, and the U.S., the Asia Society has a dynamic and impressive board of trustees of more than 70 international leaders representing thought leadership in policy, the arts, and education as well as in governance and philanthropy.

The Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) is a think- and do-tank that tackles major policy challenges confronting the Asia-Pacific in security, prosperity and climate. ASPI’s climate work supports the development and implementation of ambitious and effective climate policies in Asia. Major areas of work relevant to this position include raising climate ambition and action, identifying solutions for overcoming barriers to achievement of net zero emission goals, developing successful national emissions trading systems, and leveraging major international convenings including the G20, UN General Assembly, COP and others as vehicles for accelerating just and sustainable energy transitions in Asia.

Asia Society is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and empowering workplace. We believe that engaging staff, interns, and volunteers with diverse backgrounds enables us to better realize our mission of navigating shared futures.

HOW TO APPLY:

To be considered for this role, all interested applicants must submit a completed application to the following email: [email protected]

A completed application must include:

• Resume or CV
• Cover Letter
• Salary Requirements
• Subject line containing: job title

Asia Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer who values diversity in the workplace. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.