Associate Vice President, Global Climate

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

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; played a lead role in the (ultimately unsuccessful) effort to pass comprehensive climate legislation in the U.S. Congress in 2009-2010; and have worked in China to help design the provincial trading pilot programs and the planned national emission trading system. 

OVERALL FUNCTION

A key member of EDF’s leadership team on climate and energy, the Associate Vice President will work in close partnership with the Vice President for Global Climate to direct EDF’s Global Climate program.  With a staff of 25 and resources to deploy of nearly $10 million, the Global Climate program works (often with partners on the ground) to promote ambitious, well-designed market-based climate policies around the world, including at the state and federal level in the United States; in the EU, Mexico, Canada, Brazil, and India; and in international forums including the United Nations climate talks and the International Civil Aviation Organization.

The AVP will work with the VP to define the overall strategic direction and priorities for the program; collaborate with senior program staff to ensure the timely and effective execution of program initiatives; raise programmatic resources by building relationships with funders and helping senior program staff to develop a pipeline of compelling proposals; foster a creative and cohesive program culture; and create an environment where every member of the team can thrive and grow professionally.

The AVP will be based in New York City or Washington, D.C., and will report to the Vice President for Global Climate.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with VP to define the overall strategic direction, goals, and priorities for the Global Climate program
• Oversee program-wide operations to ensure timely development of program-wide and grant-level budgets and effective execution of strategies
• Foster a creative and cohesive culture that encourages professional development across the program, including by mentoring staff throughout the program

• Oversee global carbon markets work, supervising team leads on carbon markets work in California, Mexico, and the UNFCCC
• Lead external engagement on global carbon markets work generally, including EDF collaboration with key partner organization on a “Carbon Pricing Hub,” and participation in World Bank Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition and other relevant forums

• Secure major program investments through cultivation of current and prospective individual and institutional donors
• Work with senior program staff and development staff to develop strong pipeline of compelling funding proposals

QUALIFICATIONS

• Broad knowledge of market-based climate policy, including familiarity with cap-and-trade programs and understanding of relevant design issues
• Ability to exercise leadership, judgment, and discretion in engaging senior internal peers and external partners
• Strong, confident external presence
• Ability to understand and effectively communicate organizational priorities and positions
• Proven ability as a manager able to inspire excellence in others
• Excellent interpersonal skills, coupled with a willingness and ability to serve as a sounding board and problem solver for staff throughout the program
• Track record of successful project management and execution
• Ability to work autonomously, set priorities, and take initiative consistent with broad strategic guidance
• Passion for addressing global climate change, coupled with intellectual curiosity and a focus on pragmatic, results-based policy solutions
• Excellent writing skills and oral communication skills
• Graduate degree plus 10-15 years’ experience in policy and/or advocacy, or 15+ years’ experience
  

Environmental Defense Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer