Evidence & Learning Officer (18-month contract)

Sequoia Climate Foundation; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading climate philanthropy organization is seeking an Evidence and Learning Officer to implement evidence-based practices in grantmaking. The role focuses on supporting the development of theories of change and fostering a culture of learning within the organization. Candidates must have an advanced degree and at least three years of experience in climate policy or philanthropy. This position involves project management, collaboration, and communication to maximize climate impact.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years in climate policy, philanthropy, or related field.
• Experience synthesizing technical content into actionable insights.
• Demonstrated project management and team coordination capabilities.
• Demonstrated experience with project management and coordination across a team.
• Knowledge of learning and reflection practices preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support development of theories of change for grantmaking.
• Implement reflection practices with grantmaking teams.
• Conduct quantitative analysis for philanthropic decision-making.
• Collaborates with other Evidence and Learning staff to conduct purpose‑driven, pragmatic quantitative analysis in support of philanthropic decision‑making.
• Fosters and embodies a culture of iterative experimentation and learning internally and with partners.
• Manages multiple projects and timelines
• Performs other duties as required.

Skills

Project management

Data analysis

Collaboration

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Advanced degree in policy, science, engineering, or mathematics

Minimum 3 years in climate policy/philanthropy or related field

Job description

***Candidates must be based in California, Maryland, or DC.***

ABOUT SEQUOIA CLIMATE FOUNDATION

Sequoia Climate Foundation is a climate philanthropy that believes in a world powered by clean energy, where all people are protected by policies that have averted the worst effects of climate change. We support bold strategies and efforts that will have both near-term impact and the greatest probability of long-term success. We believe that solving climate change requires the adoption of ambitious, evidence-based policy solutions that transform markets, advance clean technology, and lead to large‑scale change.

JOB SUMMARY

The Evidence and Learning Officer implements evidence and learning practices, providing actionable, evidence-based insights to grantmaking staff. They provide support in the development of theories of change, and review proposed strategies and grants to support high impact grantmaking. They work closely with grantmaking teams, providing training on key evidence and learning practices, as well as ongoing coaching and implementation support. They support strategic reflection practices with both grantmaking staff and grantees, using established methods and approaches. They work across multiple grantmaking portfolios, and are able to adapt their modes of engagement to meet the needs of grantmaking staff. Where necessary, they engage directly with grant recipients on evidence and learning related topics. They foster and embody a culture of organizational learning. The Research Officer will report to the Chief Evidence and Learning Officer, and collaborate closely with grantmaking staff across multiple organizations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & KEY OUTCOMES

• Collaborates with multiple grantmaking portfolios to support theory of change development and provide pragmatic reviews of proposed grantmaking (using established methods and protocols).
• Supports grantmaking teams to implement purpose‑oriented reflection practices with grantees that support grant stewardship and ongoing learning.
• Supports implementation of structured processes for reflection and evidence‑based briefings oriented toward distilling actionable insights that maximize climate impact.
• Collaborates with other Evidence and Learning staff to conduct purpose‑driven, pragmatic quantitative analysis in support of philanthropic decision‑making.
• Fosters and embodies a culture of iterative experimentation and learning internally and with partners.
• Manages multiple projects and timelines
• Performs other duties as required.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & CREDENTIALS

• Advanced degree in policy, science, engineering, or mathematics required.
• A minimum of three years working in climate policy, climate philanthropy, or a related field is required.
• Demonstrated experience with synthesizing and translating technical content into actionable insights delivered verbally or writing or verbally required.
• Demonstrated experience with project management and coordination across a team required.
• Knowledge of learning and reflection practices preferred.

COMPETENCIES

• Integrity: Commitment to Sequoia Climate Foundation’s mission and values.
• Inspirational Leadership: Demonstrated values‑based, results‑driven leadership.
• Collegiality: Strong work ethic and experience working collaboratively with a team.
• Efficiency/Initiative: Ability to learn quickly, juggle multiple tasks, prioritize effectively and meet deadlines.
• Quality/Compliance: Attention to detail and timelines.
• Analysis: Comfortable applying mathematical concepts, including calculus, statistics, and Bayesian probability.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 15 lbs. Requires the ability to periodically travel locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.