Energy Program Officer

Position description

The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) has an opening for a Program Officer in the International Programs Department. The department seeks to empower the global community of regulators to drive meaningful change in their energy sectors. Working in partnership with U.S. and international government officials, our projects support real improvements in the quality and effectiveness of energy regulation in foreign countries through dialogue and collaboration. International program staff have an opportunity to learn first-hand about the importance of the energy sector in economic development, including topics such as electricity pricing, mini-grids, and regional energy market development. NARUC utilizes the talents and expertise of state commissioners and staff in our work, sharing the best of what the NARUC community has to offer.

The position is responsible for planning and implementing results-oriented national and/or regional level energy regulatory support projects. The position works with the program team and foreign partners to develop strategic goals and milestones for individual projects and coordinates with Program Managers (PM) to forward plan and implement the project vision and work plans. Works closely with other program staff from the International Department, especially with the assigned PM who serves as the team lead for each project. The position reports to a PM in the International Department.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES

The Program Officer works closely with PMs and successfully develops and implements all aspects of assigned projects, in accordance with the terms of the cooperative agreements and NARUC policies. The Program Officer manages the progress of several projects to ensure planning, implementation, and reporting meet specified project timelines.

Project Management

• Works closely with the PM to ensure harmonized approach to project design, implementation, and communication for each project.
• Collaboratively develops strategic goals for project work plans in coordination with PMs, Technical Advisors, and/or Supervisors.
• In close collaboration with PMs and Technical Advisors, develops technical program agendas for activities, builds knowledge of energy regulatory issues, and incorporates input from PMs and Technical Advisors to inform project work.
• Assists PMs and/or Supervisor in identifying results, developments, or constraints that impact project implementation and planning, provides updates internally and to clients as appropriate.
• Solicits and prepares NARUC volunteer experts for online and overseas activities.
• Works towards increasing regulatory knowledge to serve as a moderator/facilitator during activities, engaging the international and US regulators in discussions with a goal of identifying concrete deliverables/actions.
• With PM guidance, organizes and facilitates in-person and virtual engagements with partner regulators; coordinates NARUC expert volunteers in preparation for and during these engagements.
• Ensures high-quality activity implementation through strategic planning and coordination/review of project-related materials.
• Organizes travel arrangements including airfare, hotel bookings, ground transportation, supplemental medical insurance, etc.
• Utilizes and/or develops program management tools, such as project charters, work breakdown structures, RACI, etc., to improve planning and workflow.
• Provides backstopping to other programs and/or staff as needed.

Reporting and Coordination with Clients and Partners

• In coordination with PMs, liaises with clients as well as US Embassies and other USG partners to align NARUC projects with strategic initiatives.
• Implements NARUC’s Monitoring Evaluation & Learning Plan for projects and gathers timely information from partners to showcase results and progress.
• Builds and sustains relationships with partners.
• Contributes to program reports, portfolio reviews, and feature stories; updates project descriptions and other associated marketing materials.
• Conducts research on emerging issues and provides project updates/briefings/concept papers internally and to clients.

Leadership & Training

• Supports the wider program team, shares best practices and lessons learned in planning and implementation.
• Promotes peak performance culture.
• Contributes to the department’s culture of having a supportive work environment, open communication accountability, collaboration, and decision-making.
• Supports improvements in administrative and programmatic performance.
• May serve as a mentor to new program staff.
• Supports program staff in identifying project visions.

Compliance & Financial Management

• Ensures compliance with NARUC and USG policies.
• Ensures budget adherence and timely submission of expenses.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• BA/BS from an accredited college or university in energy/environmental science, international relations, public administration or other related field. Minimum 3 years of related and/or similar professional experience. Knowledge of the energy sector and issues facing emerging and transitioning economies.
• Knowledge of the nonprofit field and/or USG grant/contract requirements is a plus.
• Previous program implementation experience.
• Language proficiency in geographically relevant regions strongly preferred (French, Spanish, or Russian,). In-country living or travel experience beneficial.
• Demonstrated experience in event planning and management, experience coordinating workshops in developing countries is preferred.
• International travel of up to 6-8 trips per year is required. Travel time is approximately six to 10 days per trip.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for any type of sponsorship now or in the future.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, juggle multiple projects, and meet tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated organizational and problem-solving abilities under tight deadlines are essential.
• Ability to multi-task based on fluctuating priorities and requirements.
• Leadership and management skills, with the ability to develop and manage collaborative business relationships both internally and externally, are a must.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and diplomacy for working with all levels of staff, external entities, and NARUC leadership.
• Excellent proficiency in analytical, verbal presentation, and writing skills.
• Ability to handle and maintain the confidentiality of highly sensitive information and issues.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The position is grant-funded and continued employment is based on client funding and satisfactory work performance. This is an exempt position. Salary is commensurate with experience. NARUC has an excellent benefits package.

This posting is not an attempt to list all essential functions of this position. Job duties may change over time, based on NARUC’s needs.

The work hours for this position must adhere to the East Coast time zone. Residency must be in the continental U.S. contiguous states including the District of Columbia, but not Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or other U.S. territories.

The salary range is $65,000 to $75,000 based on experience.

NARUC will not provide any form of visa or work sponsorship for this position.

The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Application instructions

Please be sure to indicate you saw this position on Globaljobs.org