ICLEI USA Seeks Senior Program Officer (2026) | Climate Action Career Opportunity

Professionals with expertise in sustainability, climate action, and greenhouse gas reduction strategies have an exciting opportunity to join ICLEI USA as a Program Officer or Senior Program Officer (Sustainability). This position offers the chance to work directly with local governments across the United States, helping communities plan and implement impactful climate solutions.

As cities and counties continue to strengthen their climate commitments, ICLEI USA is seeking talented individuals who can provide technical guidance, support sustainability initiatives, and help accelerate local climate action efforts.

About ICLEI USA

ICLEI USA is part of a global network dedicated to advancing sustainable urban development and climate resilience. The organization works with local governments to create practical solutions that address environmental challenges while supporting economic and community well-being.

Through technical assistance, policy guidance, and collaborative programs, ICLEI USA helps municipalities develop and implement strategies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase resilience, and improve quality of life for residents.

The organization is widely recognized for its leadership in local climate action and sustainability planning.

Position Overview

The Program Officer or Senior Program Officer (Sustainability) will play a key role in supporting local government partners as they design and implement climate action strategies.

This professional will provide technical expertise, facilitate stakeholder engagement, and assist communities in developing effective approaches to sustainability and emissions reduction.

The role is ideal for candidates who are passionate about environmental stewardship, climate policy, and helping local governments achieve measurable sustainability outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will contribute to a variety of climate and sustainability initiatives.

Core responsibilities may include:

• Supporting local governments in climate action planning
• Providing technical assistance related to greenhouse gas emissions reduction
• Assisting with sustainability program implementation
• Developing resources and guidance materials for municipal partners
• Facilitating workshops, meetings, and stakeholder engagement activities
• Tracking project outcomes and performance metrics
• Conducting research and analysis on sustainability best practices
• Collaborating with internal and external partners on climate initiatives

The position requires strong communication skills and the ability to translate technical sustainability concepts into practical actions for local government leaders and staff.

Why Sustainability Professionals Should Consider This Role

This opportunity provides direct involvement in climate action efforts that create meaningful environmental impact.

Professionals in this role can expect to:

• Support real-world climate solutions
• Work with municipalities across diverse communities
• Contribute to greenhouse gas reduction efforts
• Collaborate with sustainability experts and government leaders
• Influence local climate policies and programs
• Gain experience in climate planning and implementation

The position offers a unique opportunity to help shape sustainable communities while advancing a career in environmental leadership.

Desired Skills and Qualifications

Candidates interested in this role are typically expected to possess a combination of technical expertise, project management capabilities, and stakeholder engagement experience.

Competitive applicants often demonstrate:

• Knowledge of climate action planning
• Experience with greenhouse gas inventories and emissions reduction strategies
• Understanding of sustainability frameworks and policies
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Experience working with public sector organizations
• Project coordination and management experience
• Ability to collaborate across diverse stakeholder groups

Professionals with backgrounds in environmental science, sustainability, public policy, urban planning, climate resilience, or related fields may find this opportunity particularly appealing.

Making an Impact Through Local Climate Action

Local governments play a critical role in addressing climate change. Cities and counties often lead efforts related to energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, transportation planning, waste reduction, and climate resilience.

By joining ICLEI USA, the selected candidate will contribute to projects that help communities:

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Improve environmental sustainability
• Strengthen resilience to climate impacts
• Promote clean energy initiatives
• Enhance community well-being
• Advance equitable climate solutions

The work performed in this role can have long-term positive effects on both local communities and broader climate goals.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

ICLEI USA emphasizes its commitment to equal employment opportunity and workplace inclusion.

The organization strongly encourages applications from:

• Women professionals
• Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
• Veterans
• LGBTQ+ individuals
• Members of historically underrepresented groups

This commitment reflects the organization’s belief that diverse perspectives strengthen innovation, collaboration, and community impact.

Career Growth Opportunities

Working with ICLEI USA offers professionals the chance to expand their expertise in sustainability and climate action while building valuable relationships within the environmental and public sector communities.

The position can provide experience in:

• Climate policy implementation
• Sustainability program management
• Local government engagement
• Environmental planning
• Strategic partnerships
• Climate resilience initiatives

These experiences can support long-term career advancement within sustainability, environmental consulting, public policy, and climate leadership sectors.

Final Thoughts

The ICLEI USA Program Officer/Senior Program Officer (Sustainability) opportunity is ideal for professionals who want to help local governments take meaningful climate action. By supporting emissions reduction efforts and sustainability initiatives, the successful candidate will contribute to creating healthier, more resilient, and environmentally responsible communities.

For individuals passionate about sustainability and public impact, this role represents an opportunity to combine technical expertise with meaningful environmental change.

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