Senior Analyst, U.S. Climate Policy

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. Working in concert with our climate team, EDF’s U.S. Energy program is focused on transforming our current energy system in order to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy that provides clean energy access for all. Together, EDF’s Climate and Energy programs are working to leverage breakthrough technologies and innovative “Fourth Wave” tools that provide new ways to solve environmental problems in order to supercharge our efforts to mitigate dangerous climate change.

Overall Function

EDF’s Climate team seeks a Senior 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 Senior Analyst will support our advocacy as we lay the foundation for climate legislation at the federal level, including limits and a price on carbon, and build our capacity to engage on a growing initiative for EDF focused on federal clean energy innovation. 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.

• Conduct research and economic analysis related to U.S. climate and energy policy - including federal carbon pricing legislation, regulatory policy, as well as existing and proposed innovation programs and policies
• Prepare economic and policy analysis of a range of U.S. federal policy proposals and potential legislation
• Develop and deploy analytical tools designed to educate external stakeholders (e.g., Congressional staff) and inform EDF’s internal thinking on policy design
• Review and synthesize academic literature and analysis as well as policy proposals on carbon pricing program design
• Develop timely, comprehensible, politically salient materials for policy makers, media outlets, and other stakeholders (including analyses, 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
• Write and prepare white papers, 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
• Represent EDF in external settings (e.g., meetings with policy makers, Congressional staff, other environmental organizations, research institutions, or corporations) and collaborate with key partners

Qualifications

We are seeking candidates who have a demonstrated ability to conduct rigorous research and 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. You should also have: 

• At least four years relevant professional experience, or advanced degree with at least 2 years of experience
• 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
• 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 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

Environmental Defense Fund is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.