Senior 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.

Program Overview

EDF has long been a champion of market-based solutions to environmental issues, including emission trading programs to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants.  We helped design the sulfur dioxide cap-and-trade program in Title IV of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments; 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 Global Climate team is at the center of this policy analysis and development, incorporating economic, scientific, and legal expertise to secure policy change at the state, federal, and international level to curb climate pollution. 

Overall Function

EDF’s Global Climate team seeks a Senior Analyst to provide critical research and analysis in support of our U.S. focused efforts to advance market-based policy solutions to address climate change. As a key player on a growing team, the Senior Analyst will inform our advocacy as we work to strengthen and expand carbon pricing regimes at the state level, and begin to lay the foundation for ambitious carbon pricing policy at the federal level. The Senior Analyst will also engage in efforts to defend against Trump Administration regulatory rollbacks and Congressional attacks on climate progress. The Senior Analyst will conduct and synthesize research and analysis through presentations and in written policy briefs and other communications materials. He/she will report to the Director of U.S. Climate Policy & Analysis and work in close collaboration with a range of EDF’s climate, economic, and political experts.

Term: This is a 1 year term position. Upon conclusion of the term, the term may be renewed based on funding and programmatic need.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research and economic analysis related to U.S. climate and energy policy - with a particular focus on federal carbon pricing policy, but also regulatory policy, and state/regional programs.
• Design and analyze an array of existing and potential policy scenarios.
• Evaluate and quantify environmental and economic market trends as well as the impacts of a range of policy options.
• Develop and apply analytical tools, spreadsheets, and models, including the compilation and analysis of energy and economic data.
• Review and synthesize academic literature and analysis as well as policy proposals on carbon pricing program design - both carbon taxes and cap-and-trade.
• Evaluate and present results through clear and compelling oral presentations.
• Write and prepare technical reports, policy briefs, and communications materials.
• Respond to “rapid-response” queries relating to U.S. climate policy and/or economics from press/media, government, external partners, and internal sources.

Qualifications

We are seeking candidates who have a demonstrated ability to conduct rigorous research and accurate technical economic analysis in the area of environmental and/or energy 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; and have advanced Excel and other MS Office applications skills. You should also have:

• Experience working on environmental policy, particularly climate change and energy, and ideally the use of market-based solutions to address environmental problems.
• Familiarity with energy and economic analytical tools as well as major data sources of energy, environmental, and economic information (e.g. EPA GHG Inventory, EIA Annual Energy Outlook, etc).
• 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 under the Clean Air Act.
• Advanced Excel skills; proficiency with statistical analytical tools a plus.
• 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.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• 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.
• Advanced degree in economics, environmental and/or energy policy, or a closely related field with at least 2-3 years of relevant professional experience or a Bachelor’s degree with at least 4 years of relevant professional experience.