Modeling Officer (18-month contract)

Job Description

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.

The Modeling Officer will support Sequoia's in-house modeling capabilities helping to develop, iterate and synthesize estimates of emissions reduction impact across multiple grantmaking portfolios. They will collaborate with external and internal partners to identify, model and interpret multiple scenarios of future emissions, and implement probabilistic discounting methods to those scenarios. In collaboration with others, they will develop and implement purpose-driven quantitative analysis that informs philanthropic decision-making, using efficient, credible methods and tools. The Modeling Officer will work closely with grantmaking staff to interpret quantitative findings into actionable insights. The Modeling Officer will report to the Chief Evidence and Learning Officer, and collaborate closely with other members of Sequoia's Evidence and Learning and Executive teams.

Essential Job Functions & Key Outcomes

Supports Sequoia's in-house modeling of impact [50%]

• Supports the identification of existing emissions projections, or where necessary builds quantitative estimates of future emissions relevant to Sequoia's grantmaking portfolio.
• Implements one of multiple existing probabilistic methods to inform decisions about strategic prioritization, and where necessary collaborates with others to expand those methods.
• Provides written and verbal insights to Sequoia's grantmaking teams on the implications of the modeled results, and iterates the analysis to align with decision-maker needs.
• Engages in generative discussions with other members of Sequoia staff on novel methods and approaches, that balance the need for credible methods with efficiency and practicality.

Supports philanthropic decision-making with purpose-driven analysis [50%]

• Interprets and translates strategic questions into clear, compelling data products that support decision-making.
• Efficiently deploys appropriate data collation, wrangling and analysis methods in a reproducible manner, to provide credible, timely analysis.
• Builds and maintains systems, tools, and processes for quantitative and qualitative analysis of sensitive information from multiple organizational partners in collaboration with colleagues.
• Manages multiple projects simultaneously, time-boxing analyses where necessary to align with decision needs.
• Provides critical review of other analytical products.
• Performs other duties as required.

Education, Experience & Credentials

• Advanced degree in science, physics, statistics, applied mathematics, or related field required.
• A minimum of three years working in climate policy, science or philanthropy in a research or modeling role is required.
• Familiarity with Bayesian probabilistic models is preferred.
• Experience with AI-assisted qualitative analysis, including using large language models for structured information extraction (e.g., developing coding schemas, applying classification frameworks to new materials) is preferred.
• Experience in data visualization for decision-makers is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience and proficiency in R and/or Python and GitHub required.

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.
• Analytical: Ability to develop and implement novel analytical and modeling approaches quickly and collaboratively observing good coding practice and version control, including quantitative and qualitative analysis supported by generative AI and other emerging AI tools.
• Subject Matter Expert: Willingness to engage in in-depth, interdisciplinary conversations about data or methodological validity, and to co-create analytical outputs for different users.
• Innovative: Aptitude and interest in solving novel problems and actively stays on top of industry innovations and shares such findings with the broader team.

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, and nationally.