Carbon Markets 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 supporting the design and/or implementation of carbon markets and market-based projects. The Associate will be responsible for analysis and outreach on projects related to market-based instruments, 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.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Undertaking technical, economic and policy analyses to support the development of win-win pilot cooperative approaches and other carbon market activities, in coordination with country partners;
• Helping to research and write CCAP’s positions on international carbon markets, including related to rules and guidelines and best practices for Article 6;
  Conducting research and analysis on best practices to support the development and implementation of ambitious Article 6 pilot projects in support of Nationally Determined Contributions and long-term strategies;
• 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 consultants, experts, policymakers, international negotiators and other stakeholders on various assignments;
• Preparing presentations and conference materials and helping with general preparation for workshops, dialogues and other events;
• Representing CCAP and presenting CCAP’s papers at international conferences; and
• Supporting fundraising, communications and strategic planning for the carbon market programs.

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience conducting technical, economic and policy analyses to support carbon markets and/or market-based projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gases at a sector scale. S/he will have experience assessing barriers to sector transformation and the role 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;
• Master’s degree in public policy, environmental economics, business, finance or related field;
• Proven ability to engage with officials from governments and the private sector;
• In-depth knowledge of current international climate policy issues, especially Article 6 of the Paris Agreement;
• 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;
• 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) should be sent to: development@ccap.org. Please type “Carbon Markets Policy Associate” and your name (Last, First) as the only contents in the subject line of your e-mail.