Analyst, U.S. Climate Policy

With world attention on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. By focusing on strong science, uncommon partnerships and market-based approaches, we tackle urgent threats with practical solutions. We are one of the world’s largest environmental organizations, with more than two million members and a staff of approximately 630 scientists, economists, policy experts, and other professionals around the world. We operate in 22 geographies with unique projects running across four programs. You will be part of a vibrant workplace that welcomes diverse perspectives, talents and contributions, where innovation and results are a way of life.

U.S. Climate Program Overview

EDF has long been a champion of market-based solutions to environmental issues, including programs to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants. We helped design the sulfur dioxide cap-and-trade program; were instrumental in passing and implementing California’s emission trading system under its AB32 law; and played a lead role in the effort to pass comprehensive climate legislation in the U.S. Congress in 2009-2010. EDF’s U.S. Climate team continues to be at the center of this policy analysis and development, incorporating economic, scientific, and legal expertise to secure policy change at the state, federal, and regional levels to curb climate pollution.

Overall Function

EDF’s Climate team seeks an Analyst to provide critical research and analysis in support of our U.S. focused efforts to advance ambitious policy solutions to address climate change. As a key player on a growing team, the Analyst will support our advocacy as we defend and strengthen California’s cap-and-trade program, expand and strengthen other state-based climate policies, and lay the foundation for climate legislation at the federal level.  A key focus of this work is advocating for limits and a price on carbon. He/she will report to the Senior Attorney, U.S. Climate Policy & Analysis and work in close collaboration with a range of EDF’s climate, legal, economic, and political experts.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research and analysis related to state and federal climate policy
• Review and synthesize relevant materials such as academic literature, white papers, media articles, and policy proposals
• Develop timely, comprehensible, politically salient materials for policy makers, media outlets, and other stakeholders (including analyses, position letters, fact sheets, answers to specific queries, and other information as needed), in close coordination with relevant EDF staff
• Present analysis and findings through clear and compelling oral presentations to both internal and external audiences
• Support the preparation of white papers, technical reports, policy briefs, and communications materials
• Respond to “rapid-response” queries from internal stakeholders and expanding to include an increasing outward facing responsibility as appropriate.
• Represent EDF as appropriate in external settings such as meetings with environmental allies and collaborate with key external partners
• Assist with internal coordination and accountability (including tracking deadlines, capturing action items, suggesting next steps, and communicating with and connecting subject matter experts)

Qualifications

We are seeking candidates who have a demonstrated ability to conduct rigorous research and analysis in the area of environmental policy, preferably related to the use of market-based solutions. Candidates must have exceptional problem solving skills, be extremely detail-oriented and able to ensure consistency and quality of research products. You should also have: 

• Two or more years of relevant professional experience and a bachelor’s degree in environmental policy, environmental economics, political science with a focus on environmental issues, or a related discipline or an advanced degree in a related field with related work experience
• Demonstrated ability to develop a knowledge base around climate and/or energy policy
• Advanced Excel skills
• Ability to effectively synthesize and communicate technical and policy findings in a clear and concise manner to colleagues internally and to external, non-technical audiences through both written and oral communication
• Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a fast-paced environment with changing needs and critical deadlines
• Ability to take initiative and work independently with broad strategic guidance, as well as in support of and in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with design and performance of carbon pricing and other market-based policies at the state, regional, and federal level, as well as federal regulatory approaches to environmental challenges such as the Clean Air Act
• Exposure to environmental economics and comfort with reading and synthesizing economic research and/or expertise in environmental law
• Proficiency with statistical analytical tools