Chief Program Officer Opportunity at the Center for International Environmental Law -Apply before 18 Mar 2026

The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) is currently seeking an experienced and strategic leader to fill the position of Chief Program Officer (CPO). This senior leadership role offers a unique opportunity to guide global environmental and human rights initiatives while helping shape the organization’s long-term strategic impact. The role is open to candidates based remotely or in offices located in Washington, DC, or Geneva, Switzerland.

The CPO position is designed for an accomplished professional with deep experience in environmental law, human rights advocacy, and international program management. With a competitive salary range of $144,000 to $180,000, this role sits at the heart of the organization’s global leadership team.

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About the Center for International Environmental Law

The Center for International Environmental Law works to use the power of law to protect the environment, promote human rights, and advance a more sustainable and just world. The organization operates globally, collaborating with partners, communities, and legal experts to address environmental challenges and support policy change.

CIEL focuses on key environmental and human rights issues, including climate change, environmental health, and the impact of fossil fuel economies. Through legal strategies, advocacy, and partnerships, the organization aims to influence international policy and hold powerful actors accountable for environmental harm.

Overview of the Chief Program Officer Role

The Chief Program Officer plays a critical leadership role in ensuring alignment, collaboration, and impact across CIEL’s programs. Reporting directly to the CEO, the CPO serves as a member of the executive leadership team and oversees the organization’s core program areas.

The role involves supervising senior program leaders and ensuring that the organization’s work remains innovative, strategic, and responsive to global environmental challenges.

Key program areas under the CPO’s oversight include:

• Climate and Energy
• Environmental Health
• Fossil Economy
• Communications

By working closely with program directors and executive leadership, the CPO ensures that the organization’s initiatives align with its mission and long-term goals.

Key Responsibilities

The Chief Program Officer is responsible for guiding strategy, managing program leadership, and strengthening collaboration across the organization.

Program Strategy and Planning

The CPO leads the development and implementation of cross-program strategies that support environmental protection and human rights worldwide. Responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with program and communications directors to develop legal and advocacy strategies
• Leading strategic and annual planning processes
• Ensuring organizational priorities are clearly communicated and implemented
• Evaluating the effectiveness of programs and adapting strategies when necessary

Program Leadership

Another important aspect of the role involves strengthening the organization’s program structures and supporting high-performing teams.

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting the consolidation and coordination of the Programs Department
• Building systems for program monitoring, evaluation, and learning
• Ensuring programs respond effectively to emerging environmental and political challenges
• Guiding teams through organizational changes with clear leadership

Team Management and Supervision

The Chief Program Officer directly supervises several senior leaders within the organization and plays a key role in staff development.

Core duties include:

• Leading and mentoring Program Directors and the Communications Director
• Supporting team development and professional growth
• Working with leadership to develop program budgets and work plans
• Ensuring effective collaboration across departments

Organizational Leadership and Collaboration

The CPO works closely with multiple departments, including development, finance, human resources, and operations. This collaboration ensures that programs are properly resourced and aligned with organizational priorities.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Supporting fundraising strategies and grant proposals
• Building relationships with donors, partners, and global networks
• Representing the organization in meetings, media engagements, and international events
• Promoting a culture rooted in justice, equity, and inclusion

Through this leadership, the CPO helps ensure the organization remains mission-driven and globally responsive.

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates for the Chief Program Officer position must meet a range of academic and professional requirements.

Minimum qualifications include:

• A JD or LLM degree in law
• At least 15 years of progressively responsible program leadership experience
• A minimum of five years in a senior management role
• Experience developing legal and advocacy strategies for environmental or human rights protection
• Strong leadership and mentorship skills
• Experience managing large program budgets and fundraising initiatives
• Fluency in written and spoken English

Candidates must also demonstrate the ability to work across cultures, manage complex partnerships, and adapt to evolving global challenges.

Preferred Qualifications

While not mandatory, certain qualifications may strengthen a candidate’s application:

• Academic specialization in international environmental or human rights law
• Working knowledge of Spanish or French
• Experience living or working in the Global South
• A track record of collaboration with international organizations and advocacy networks

Salary, Location, and Application Deadline

The salary range for the Chief Program Officer position is $144,000 to $180,000, depending on experience. Candidates based in Geneva receive an additional 12.5 percent locality adjustment.

Applicants must also be willing to travel internationally to support CIEL’s global partnerships and programs.

The priority application deadline is March 16, 2026, although applications will continue to be accepted until March 18, 2026, or until a strong candidate pool is identified.

A Unique Opportunity for Global Environmental Leadership

The Chief Program Officer role at the Center for International Environmental Law represents an exceptional opportunity for experienced professionals to influence global environmental policy and human rights advocacy. By combinihttps://cielorg.bamboohr.com/careers/124?source=aWQ9NjA%3Dng legal expertise, strategic leadership, and collaborative partnerships, the successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the organization’s impact on critical environmental issues worldwide.

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