Program Director, Bhutan. Search conducted by: waldronhr.com

Transcription

1 Program Director, Bhutan Search conducted by: waldronhr.com

2 THE ORGANIZATION Eric Lemelson started the Karuna Foundation in 2010 to support visionary organizations in developing nations working to both mitigate carbon emissions and help human populations and the ecosystems they rely on adapt to climate change. Karuna is the Sanskrit word for compassion. Rapid economic development in Western countries, which have been profligate users of fossil fuels for several hundred years, caused most of the changes to the atmosphere that we are witnessing today. As a farmer and a career environmentalist, Eric Lemelson is both intimately familiar and deeply concerned with the consequences of climate change. At home, he has seen the world in his backyard literally change before his eyes; as a frequent traveler to developing countries, he has seen first-hand that people who bear no responsibility for creating the problem in the first place are often the same people who suffer the most. The Karuna Foundation s mission is therefore rooted in concepts of climate justice, which are based on our ethical and arguably our legal duty to assist developing countries in mitigating the impacts of our choices and lifestyles in the developed world. The Karuna Foundation has focused initial funding efforts in Bhutan, a small country in the Himalaya region that has made a major long-term commitment to preserving its environment. High-elevation regions, like the Himalaya range, are already witnessing dramatic changes in temperature, and this trend is forecast to only increase in the coming decades. Karuna s modest resources are well-suited to a small, Buddhist country like Bhutan, where intent and effort are often as important as dollars in getting things done. The Karuna board is employing a range of strategies in their efforts to help the Bhutanese adapt to climate change, including: energy efficient building design and construction; sustainable agriculture; weather and climate data collection, monitoring, and analysis; renewable energy; education in the fields of climate science and the environment; urban planning and sustainable development; scientific research; and other areas. The bedrock of this work, integral to the world view of the founder and board members, is a deep commitment to a just, equitable, and sustainable world. The Karuna Foundation is led by its President and Founder, Eric Lemelson, and advised by a board of directors, all of whom live in either Portland or the Bay Area. The Foundation s office is located in One North, an energy efficient, mixed use office and retail complex in Portland s Boise neighborhood. One North, itself the product of Eric Lemelson s vision for energy efficiency in the built environment, was completed in 2015.

3 THE OPPORTUNITY Working in close partnership with the foundation s president, the program director will manage an existing grant portfolio, help to identify and analyze new funding opportunities, and represent Karuna with government officials, NGO partners, and other leaders in the field. This is a new position that has been created to help the president advance Karuna s initiatives in Bhutan with greater urgency and efficiency to have a transformative impact on the people and environments being most profoundly affected by climate change. Karuna has been actively making grants to support climate change (adaptation and mitigation efforts) in Bhutan for eight years. To date, the Foundation has relied largely on the president to build relationships, nurture connections and see projects through from conception to implementation. The Foundation is well respected in Bhutan for its approach, commitment, and track record of accomplishments. The opportunity for the new program director will be to maintain the positive momentum underway and ensure that Karuna s work on the ground in Bhutan continues to move forward. This will require traveling to Bhutan four to six times each year to actively engage with grantees and maintaining dialogue with dignitaries, government officials, and NGO leaders to advance critical projects. The program director will also represent Karuna at conferences, in meetings with donors who share an interest in the work, and with senior leaders in climate policy nationally and globally. Karuna has focused on Bhutan because of its strong commitment to the preservation of its forests, flora, and fauna in the face of economic development pressures and its sincere intentions to improve the lives of all of its citizens, grounded in its deep commitment to Buddhist principles. The president and board hope that the learnings gleaned from work in Bhutan will translate to other regions facing similar challenges. The program director will be actively involved in conversations and explorations about additional ways Karuna can influence climate policy in the developing world.

4 IDEAL CANDIDATE We seek candidates who are motivated by Karuna s mission and are passionate about working to mitigate the impact of climate change. Deep familiarity with the current state of climate policy and sustainable development positions you as a credible champion in the field and as a trusted partner to the Karuna s president. The successful candidate is an individual who approaches new ideas with humility, is open to learning from others, and who favors collaboration. You enjoy wrestling with big ideas, translating them into action, and executing on them. The ability to advance complex projects when information is imperfect, the agility to adapt and change direction as needed, are your strong suits. You are a skilled generalist who is as adept at strategy as you are managing the details of a multi-year grant or the administrative requirements of operating a small family foundation. Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to readily establish rapport and trust with Eric Lemelson, existing and prospective partners, dignitaries in Bhutan, as well as influential stakeholders engaged in climate policy and sustainable development, are critical to success in this role. You are as comfortable speaking to a Ministry official or member of Bhutan s Royal Family as you are with leaders and staff members of grassroots grantee organizations. Networking is in your DNA and you are energized by connecting on a personal and professional level. You have extensive experience working in the developing world, which has given you the capacity to navigate complex cultural situations with grace and aplomb. Defining personal characteristics include humility, diplomacy, professionalism, graciousness, and trustworthiness. A strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, a sense of humor, and an entrepreneurial spirit are essential.

5 QUALIFICATIONS A minimum of 5 to 7 years of experience in progressively responsible, hands-on program management roles in climate policy and sustainable development with a focus on the developing world. Deep knowledge of current climate policy, including mitigation and adaptation strategies, as well as an understanding of the intersection of policy with sustainable development theory and practice. Experience living and working in the developing world; some knowledge of the Himalayan region is an asset. An aptitude for handling business operations and comfort working with attorneys and accountants on compliance and fiscal matters. Past experience in business, philanthropy or the social sector, or some combination thereof. A bachelor s degree or equivalent work experience; an advanced degree in climate policy, sustainable development, or a related field is preferred. The position is based in Portland, Oregon and will require travel to Bhutan 4 to 6 times each year. TO BE CONSIDERED Karuna is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse, multicultural work environment. Karuna welcomes a diverse pool of candidates and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, creed, gender, religion, marital status, veteran s status, national origin, disability or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Please submit your resume and cover letter expressing your passion for the mission and fit for the role via Waldron s candidate web portal. Letters should be addressed to Sarah Meyer. The search for Karuna s Director is being assisted by a team from Waldron: Sarah Meyer Search Director Direct: sarahmeyer@waldronhr.com Joanne Machin Senior Associate Direct: joanne@waldronhr.com

6 Waldron is honored to work with the Karuna Foundation in the search for a Program Director, Bhutan. We believe in and support the work of the Karuna Foundation. We are doing our best to recruit a talented leader who will accelerate their mission. As the consulting partner strategic leaders choose to help attract, engage, and inspire effective leaders, Waldron provides a unique combination of executive search, leadership development, and career transition services across sectors and industries. Our passion is helping people and organizations realize their full potential and increase their impact. Seattle Portland San Francisco waldronhr.com