Climate Policy Associate

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

 

The Conservation - Climate Policy Associate will assist the Director of The Wilderness Society's Climate Policy Program in carrying out the policy goals of the Climate Program and related energy issues. The Associate will engage in policy research, campaign development, education of key audiences, coalition support and advocacy. The Associate will focus on natural resources adaptation to climate change, biomass issues, and mitigation of harmful emissions through sequestration and emissions limits.

Program Overview

The Wilderness Society's Climate Policy Program within the Public Policy Department is responsible for developing, coordinating and advocating the Society's policy initiatives to protect wildland areas from the worst effects of climate change. It also participates in and coordinates several multi-group coalitions on climate and renewable energy policy. Our goal is to help ensure that our nation's most valuable wild lands are permanently and effectively protected and maintained.
The Conservation - Climate Policy Associate joins a team of policy professionals working to advance the Society’s legislative and policy initiatives before Congress and Executive Branch agencies; communicate these policy initiatives with media; work with TWS Regional Offices and scientists to ensure that climate and energy policy development assists and benefits from other TWS programs; and coordinate TWS initiatives with other organizations.

Responsibilities

Generally, assist the Program Director and the Climate and Energy Policy teams with legislative and administrative branch analysis, research, education and advocacy. Specifically,

• Work with the TWS Energy and Climate teams to help craft innovative, positive, and effective policy initiatives that take advantage of opportunities to influence climate and energy-related issues (especially on but not limited to biomass and public lands) as they arise.
• Work with the TWS rapid response issue teams and with contacts in Congress, federal agencies, the media, and other sources to identify legislative, administrative, and other threats to the public lands from global warming and to assemble well-timed response materials so as to both rebut inaccurate information and marshal support for rejection of inappropriate proposals.
• Assist in ensuring that climate change policy work is well-coordinated throughout the organization, and that adequate communications channels are in place to coordinate national and regional initiatives.
• Act as a liaison to other organizations to ensure that TWS’ positions on climate change are heard and acknowledged throughout community.
• Develop strong working relationships with congressional staff on key committees and other relevant government officials.
• Identify emerging and contentious issues in the climate change and public lands arenas and help to produce necessary research, policy proposals, and other materials to address these issues quickly.
• Prepare policy memos, briefing papers, action alerts, public testimony, lobby materials, and other written products as necessary in support of policy initiatives that meet TWS climate change policy goals.
• Some travel may be required. Working hours must be flexible enough to adapt to congressional schedules and to carry out rapid response initiatives on short notice.

Qualifications

BA or BS required. Commitment to environmental issues strongly preferred, as demonstrated in work and volunteer experience and activities.