Policy Associate

The Center for Clean Air Policy (CCAP) is a nongovernmental nonprofit that promotes ambitious climate action globally. Based in Washington DC with offices in Latin America, Canada, and Europe, we help policy-makers around the world develop, promote, and implement innovative, market-based solutions to major climate problems that balance both environmental and economic interests.

CCAP is a collegial, non-hierarchical organization known for its emphasis on cutting edge analyses, productive policy dialogues, and on-the-ground delivery of transformative policy programs and projects. This is a unique opportunity for the right person to make a significant contribution to achieving pragmatic and effective policy change in a variety of policy environments around the world.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

CCAP is seeking a proactive, creative policy thinker with outstanding analytic ability, well developed people skills, and experience putting together successful policy initiatives on-the-ground. The Associate will be responsible for analysis and outreach on projects related to market-based instruments and climate finance, including pilot programs and capacity building in developing countries. S/he will also contribute to CCAP’s thought leadership on climate policy in international forums, such as the UNFCCC and the Green Climate Fund. Specific responsibilities include:

• Undertaking technical, economic and policy analyses on climate mitigation strategies in developing countries in collaboration with host country decision makers and key stakeholders;
• Helping to develop and write CCAP’s positions on international climate policy and climate finance, particularly in relation to the Green Climate Fund and the UNFCCC;
• Conducting research and analysis on climate and energy policies, carbon markets, and low-emissions development in developing countries;
• Preparing high-quality deliverables such as quantitative analyses, case studies, policy reports, memos, blog posts etc. with guidance or supervision from senior policy staff/project managers;
• Proactively liaising with outside technical consultants, experts, and international policymakers on various assignments;
• Preparing presentations/conference materials and helping with general preparation for workshops, dialogues and other events;
• Representing CCAP at international conferences; and
• Supporting fundraising, communications and strategic planning for the carbon market and finance programs.

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience conducting technical, economic and policy analyses to support climate change mitigation at a sector scale. S/he will have experience assessing barriers to sector transformation and the role that climate finance and carbon markets can play in overcoming those barriers. In addition, s/he will have an in-depth understanding of current international climate policy issues as well as strong analytic and communication skills. Qualified candidates should possess many of the following attributes and experiences:

• At least 5 years of demonstrated experience conducting technical, economic and policy analyses to inform climate change policy is required;
• Proven ability to engage with officials from governments, financial institutions and the private sector;
• In-depth knowledge of current international climate policy issues, specifically the Green Climate Fund and Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, and knowledge of mitigation actions in the waste sector. In addition, knowledge of various financing alternatives, trends in international finance and solutions to overcome specific financial barriers;
• Experience working in Latin America and/or Asia;
• Superior quantitative skills, oral and written communication skills in English with the ability to write for both policy and technical audiences;
• Fluency in Spanish a plus;
• Master’s degree in public policy, environmental economics, business, finance or related field;
• Ability to travel internationally up to 30% for periods of up to 2 weeks at a time;
• The flexibility and proven ability to be a team player in a collaborative environment;
• Strong people skills including a sense of humor, adaptability, humility and creativity.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Applications, including a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications, your resume (in Word or PDF format), and one writing sample (containing quantitative or technical analysis including a spreadsheet) should be sent to: development@ccap.org.  Please type “International Policy Associate” and your name (Last, First) as the only contents in the subject line of your e-mail.