Job description
Background
Climate Analytics is a global climate science and policy institute dedicated to supporting climate action aligned with the Paris Agreement warming limit of 1.5°C. The Climate Analytics North America Office (CA NAO) leverages its strategic position in New York - as well as remote staff including in Washington, DC - to bridge cutting-edge climate science with global policymaking. We engage key stakeholders including the UN system, multilateral organizations, governments, and civil society partners to advance science-informed decision-making, enhance cooperation, disseminate lessons learned, and promote best practices.
Objective of the Retreat
As part of our commitment to continuous improvement and strategic alignment, we are organizing a retreat to strengthen our shared vision and team cohesion, while developing/refining a forward-looking strategy for the North America Office that supports Climate Analytics’ global mission. The retreat aims to:
- Establish a common understanding of the CA NAO's current strategic position, priorities, and opportunities in shifting funding and geopolitical landscapes;
- Identify next steps for programming, partnerships, professional development, and operational focus, through 2027;
- Strengthen communication, collaboration, and team cohesion through shared reflection and experiential learning.
Purpose of the Facilitator
The facilitator will play a critical role in ensuring the success of the retreat by guiding discussions, fostering productive collaboration, promoting effective engagement, and keeping participants focused on the key deliverables. The facilitator will help drive actionable insights from the retreat and ensure that outcomes are aligned with Climate Analytics’ mission to accelerate climate action under the 1.5°C Paris Agreement goal.
Scope of Work
1. Preparation and Agenda Development
- Collaborate with the CA NAO retreat planning team to prepare and finalize the agenda, ensuring it reflects the core objectives of the retreat.
- Suggest effective techniques and methodologies for engaging diverse team members, addressing strategic priorities, and ensuring meaningful interactions.
2. Facilitation of Sessions
- Lead dynamic and inclusive discussions, ensuring balanced participation from all attendees including leadership, technical experts, project managers, and finance/operations (expected to total 11 participants, TBC).
- Guide brainstorming sessions, group activities, and workshops focused on strategic planning, aligning operational priorities, and refining content strategy.
- Foster a collaborative and constructive environment, ensuring that the discussions stay on track and result in actionable outcomes.
3. Driving Key Outcomes
- Assist in extracting actionable insights and key takeaways from each session, ensuring that participants gain clarity on next steps.
4. Encouraging Strategic Alignment
- Help team members align their efforts with strategic directions for the CA NAO, and with Climate Analytics’ global vision and mission.
- Ensure that all discussions are rooted in scientific rigor and that recommendations are evidence-based, policy-driven, and impactful.
5. Promoting Clear Communication and Collaboration
- Help team members articulate their progress, needs, and challenges effectively.
- Encourage collaboration across teams and subject matter expertise, promoting learning and exchange of ideas.
6. Documentation and Outcome Reporting
- Ensure key outcomes, action items, and decisions made during the retreat are clearly documented and communicated to all participants.
- Provide a comprehensive report summarizing the retreat, with actionable steps.
Reporting Line:
The facilitator will report to the Director, Climate Analytics North America Office, and collaborate closely with the retreat planning team.
Duration of Assignment
The facilitator will be engaged for the duration of the retreat (est. 16 hours over 3 days), as well as preparation and post-retreat follow-up.
Deliverables
- Pre-Retreat Planning: Finalized agenda (draft to be provided by CA NAO retreat planning team), facilitation plan, and preparatory materials
- Retreat Facilitation: Delivery of an engaging and productive retreat over 3 days
- Post-Retreat Report: A summary of outcomes, key themes, and recommended next steps.
Timeframe and Commitment
- Work to be completed during the period of March - July - with the retreat taking place over 3 days between 11-13 May 2026 in New Orleans. Schedule and cadence of activities will be determined in collaboration with CA NAO Director upon selection of facilitator.
Your profile
Qualifications
- Proven experience in facilitating team retreats, strategic planning sessions, and cross-functional team discussions.
- Strong expertise in guiding discussions around team strategy, policy alignment, and communication strategies.
- Ability to foster inclusivity and effective collaboration.
- Excellent facilitation and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to drive actionable outcomes.
- Experience facilitating retreats in the non-profit or environmental sector is a plus.
Submission Requirements
- Proposal: Outline of approach for achieving the outcomes outlined above as well as a preliminary work plan to cover the proposed days.
- Fee Structure: Proposed day-based rates and estimated number of days required and estimated travel requirements. Please note that all travel and accommodation arrangements will be directly paid for by Climate Analytics or reimbursed separately upon agreement and submission of invoices according to CA’s travel policy.
- Experience: Summary of relevant facilitation projects and outcomes.