Project Officer, Power

Overview

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 recommend, develop, and support the 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 under the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau and supervised by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration of China in accordance with applicable laws.

Position Summary:

NRDC is seeking a Project Officer, Power to work with the China Coal Cap Project team in our Beijing office.

The Project Officer, Power will work with the Program Manager, Power, on research cooperation and engagement with Chinese partners under NRDC’s China Coal Cap Project to develop analysis related to transitioning the electricity sector from coal power to low-carbon electricity, including supporting research on national, provincial, industry and enterprise targets, plans, policies and mechanisms to transition the role of coal power to better support a “new type” energy system based on new energy, accelerate retirement of excess coal-fired power plants, and integrate greater renewable energy, storage and demand-side resources while maintaining electricity system stability and supply.

Responsibilities

Strategy Development (10% of time required)

• Supporting team leaders in developing an overall power sector coal power reduction and transition research and advocacy plan;
• Support the Project Manager, Power in developing and updating research plans with partners for annual research cooperation work plan and budget.

Project Management (45% of time required)

• Working with the Project Manager, Power, support engagement with power sector research partners, including working with partners to prepare research proposals, budgets, contracts and compliance materials; ensuring quality project implementation that meets the research goals of the project, including organizing expert review meetings and providing expert feedback and guidance to partners to improve the research; collecting mid-term and final narrative and financial reports; and supporting reporting, monitoring and evaluation of the project.
• Schedule and coordinate various external and internal meetings and seminars (e.g. report releases, publicity events, staff field visits, etc.), including administrative and logistical arrangements, meeting material preparation, and the recording and distribution of meeting minutes.
• Maintain project contract and document library, ensuring project files (electronic and paper) are well organized and up-to-date.
• Process invoices and help with budget tracking, prepare monthly expense forecast and fund request, and support compliance and reporting as required.

Research and Advocacy (45% of time required)

• Engage with enterprises and research institutes on enterprise carbon peaking and reduction plans and pathways, with a focus on coal to zero carbon power transition mechanisms and business models.
• With the Project Manager, Power, conduct research on standards, policies, and financial and market mechanisms for phasing out outdated coal power capacity and replacing it with clean power, appropriate to the conditions of each province and region.
• With the Project Manager, Power, work closely with central and local research partners to develop recommendations and implementation plans for reducing coal-fired power capacity and replacing it with clean power.
• Draft, proofread, and edit policy notes, memorandums, presentations, and other documents, and, if needed, summarize and/or translate project-related materials.
• Work closely with the Communications team to effectively communicate the project’s research findings and recommendations to various stakeholders.
• Keep up-to-date on the latest developments in energy transition in China and internationally and their relevance for power sector coal reduction and energy transition efforts.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in power sector economics, engineering, or a related field, with 3 or more years relevant work experience in energy and/or environmental fields.
• Strong research, writing, and speaking skills in both Chinese and English.
• Extensive knowledge of China’s clean energy development, electricity market, and climate change policies, as well as the ability to conduct in-depth data and policy analyses.
• Strong interpersonal and cooperative skills, as well as the ability to work well with government representatives, research institutions, universities, companies, and other NGO partners.
• Ability to efficiently and independently perform various tasks in a fast-paced work environment.
• Must be responsible, pay close attention to detail, and work with efficiency and accuracy.
• Commitment to NRDC’s values and mission.

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.

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