Business Support Professional - International Programs
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We invite all interested candidates to apply for this opportunity. While we recognize that job seekers may hesitate if they don’t meet every requirement, we encourage dedicated individuals who meet all the basic and additional required qualifications of the role to submit an application. We value the opportunity to consider those who believe they have the necessary skills and ambition to succeed at NREL.
Job Description
This position is a Business Support Professional (BSP) in the Accelerated Deployment and Decision Support (ADDS) Center within the Strategic Energy Analysis and Decision Sciences (SEADS) Directorate of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The ADDS mission is to provide comprehensive (multi-technology) expertise in techno-economics, policy, planning, finance, and project development to move clean energy technologies into the marketplace.
The ADDS Center is looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic candidate that will serve as the primary BSP for one manager and group as well as support the administrative needs specific to international projects for teams in the SEADS Directorate. Example international projects that the BSP would support include:
Net Zero World: NREL is part of a unique team that includes nine U.S. government agencies and 10 DOE national laboratories, in partnership with other governments, philanthropies, and international institutions to support partner countries in meeting their clean energy targets and achieving just transitions to net-zero emission energy systems.
The Global Climate Action Partnership: The Global Climate Action Partnership is a worldwide network that accelerates ambitious climate goals and advances implementation in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean.
The USAID – NREL Partnership: NREL partners with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to offer tailored technical assistance for deploying advanced energy systems and addressing country-specific energy challenges.
ASEAN Climate Solutions Hub: NREL provides technical assistance to members of the Association for Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) focused on renewable energy deployment, transportation decarbonization, methane reduction, and sustainable agriculture, forestry, and land management.
Job Description:
The International Programs Business Support Professional (BSP) will report to the Group Manager of the Integrated Decision Support, the International Program Manager, and the Net Zero World (NZW) Operations Manager. The tasks for this role include but are not limited to:
Integrated Decision Support Group Manager and Group Support:
- Organize and manage virtual and in-person webinars, meetings, and other means of effective collaboration in support of group and project objectives.
- Assist staff and managers with adherence to NREL processes and procedures.
- Routinely interface with NREL managers and technical staff.
- Assist in administrative aspects of group annual performance reviews.
- Setup and maintain Group Manager schedules, project files, technical files, and personnel files.
- Track and manage property including group laptop computers and limited group office and laboratory equipment.
- Manage a purchasing credit card (P-Card), including purchases and reconciliations.
- Coordinate interview schedules for all Group Manager’s interview candidates.
- Manage onboarding of all Group employees, contingent workers, and student interns.
- Collaborate with other administrative professionals in the Center, Directorate and throughout the Lab to develop and maintain administrative systems as needed.
- Conduct general administrative duties such as answering phones, coordinating catering/beverages when appropriate for in-person meetings.
Travel Planning Support:
The International Programs’ activities involve a significant amount of international travel by NREL staff. The role will support the international programs’ by coordinating foreign and domestic travel including:
- Providing support in obtaining the necessary Department of Energy (DOE) and U.S. Embassy approvals, securing visas and obtaining passport renewal when needed.
- Submitting travel requests, tracking approvals, reserving airfare, lodging and rental cars, processing expense reports.
Hosting Planning Support:
The International Programs BSP will support the international project leads through the planning processes to host international visitors at NREL.
- Facilitating internal pre-visit communication, record-keeping, and approval processes.
- Liaising with persons of contact of visiting delegations to ensure clarity and receipt of all agenda, guidance, and instructions on NREL arrivals and check-in.
Other Business Support and Administrative Needs:
- Assisting leads with DOE coordination on international projects.
- In collaboration with the project controller, facilitate procurement and acquisition services to support project needs.
- Interfacing with outside entities and individuals including subcontractors, vendors, speakers, and others as needed.
Basic Qualifications
High School Diploma or equivalent and 1 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience. Solid knowledge of the job. Substantial understanding of general aspects of the job with a broad understanding of the detailed aspects of the job.
Additional Required Qualifications
- Familiarity with project management tools and virtual meeting tools.
- Experienced skills in applicable software packages (primarily Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
- Attention to detail, especially in document preparation and event coordination.
- Strong time management skills to juggle multiple tasks, deadlines, and shifting priorities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in cross-cultural environments, and working with international travel processes.
- Considerable knowledge of specialized focused international project business support functions.
Job Application Submission Window
The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.
Submission Guidelines
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.
