Senior Plastics Policy Analyst

Trash in the ocean compromises the health of humans and wildlife and threatens those whose livelihoods depend on a healthy ocean.  Ocean Conservancy’s Trash Free Seas (TFS) Program aims to stop the flow of trash at its source.  Efforts under the TFS Program include the International Coastal Cleanup, science and monitoring of the incidence and impacts of marine debris, as well as managing the Trash Free Seas Alliance® –a partnership of industry, science, and conservation leaders to advance solutions to marine debris.

Ocean Conservancy’s policy work to reduce plastic pollution leverages the resources and partnerships of the TFS program and the Alliance to bring industry, government, and civil society partners together to analyze, identify, and launch solutions reduce plastic inputs to the ocean by half by 2025. Over the past five years, Ocean Conservancy has supported scientific and economic analyses of the major ways plastic waste reaches the ocean. These studies have highlighted that the majority of plastic in the ocean comes from countries with rapidly developing economies and without sufficient waste management infrastructure. As a result of this work, in 2017 Ocean Conservancy worked with Closed Loop Partners to launch Circulate Capital, an initiative to raise $150 million from consumer goods companies and plastics makers to invest in collection and recycling projects in Southeast Asia.  Additional projects to create the right enabling conditions through policy and finance, behavior change campaigns, and on the ground partnerships are being developed as well. In addition, as momentum builds to advance policy solutions in the US and an international framework to address plastic pollution, Ocean Conservancy will seek to engage and shape these efforts.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Plastics Policy Analyst is responsible for conducting policy research and analysis to support Ocean Conservancy’s campaign to develop the policy framework, including the enabling and financial frameworks, to advance global marine debris solutions.  The Senior Plastics Policy Analyst works primarily with the Plastic Initiatives Director,   and Trash Free Seas team to conduct research and analysis; provide policy synthesis and guidance; and generate written products to support Ocean Conservancy’s work with stakeholders.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct policy research, and analysis; and provide policy review and recommendations to support plastic initiatives
• Develop written materials to support the plastic initiative policy agenda, including talking points, blog posts, briefing memos, concept papers, and presentations.
• Strengthen and expand relationships with stakeholders that correspond to our policy goals and outreach strategy.
• Provide policy synthesis and recommendations, and produce written reports and other materials as requested by the Team Lead, Senior Manager, and others as appropriate.
• Represent the Trash Free Seas team at relevant meetings and provide notes as requested

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• At least 4-5 years of relevant experience, which could include working with NGOs; Congress; state, local, federal or international governments; or in finance or a related business sector. International experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to research, analyze, and synthesize complex policy information.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare written documents quickly, clearly, and efficiently.
• Demonstrated capacity to work effectively with diverse teams; integrate across disciplines; and work collaboratively with a wide variety of stakeholders, and communicate about complex policy issues.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated expertise and familiarity with relevant policy fields including, resource economics, and recycling.
• Proficiency in Microsoft office products required.
• Ability to be flexible and work under pressure.
• Great multi-tasking skills with the ability to see the big picture and remain attentive to details, deadlines, and deliverables.
• Collaborative team player; willing to take on a variety of tasks to further the program goals.

EDUCATION/TRAINING

• B.A. required;
• Advanced degree in environmental policy, political science, business, or finance preferred.

Apply for the Position:  If you think you have what it takes to join Ocean Conservancy’s team, please send a cover letter speaking to your qualifications and abilities with your resume to:  jobs@oceanconservancy.org and note “Sr. Plastics Policy Analyst #18-20” in the subject line.

OCEAN CONSERVANCY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.