The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) is pleased to announce the opening of an immediate opportunity for a highly committed and self-motivated researcher to serve as a full-time consultant to support clean fuels and vehicle policy in Colombia. This position will support ongoing ICCT work in Colombia on zero-emission urban bus fleets, local policies to tackle urban air pollution from the heavy-duty sector, national fuel quality and vehicle emission standards, and other strategies to improve the environmental and energy performance of the transportation fleet in Colombia. The position will also engage in other projects throughout Latin America on an as-needed basis, potentially including travel to other countries within Latin America.
The ideal candidate will bring knowledge of the transportation sector and environmental or energy topics, modeling and analytical skills, project management experience, written and spoken fluency in English and Spanish, strong written and verbal communication, international experience, and demonstrated interest in solving our most pressing global health and environmental challenges. This opportunity is based in Bogotá or Medellín and is best suited for someone who is self-motivated, resourceful, creative, curious, and willing to work hard.
Primary Responsibilities
- Working with public transportation bus fleet operators to collect data, run ICCT’s models, and develop fleet-wide zero-emission bus deployment strategies;
- Engage city authorities to provide technical and policy support with the aim to remove barriers for electrification of bus fleets;
- Analyze the costs and benefits of vehicle emission reduction technologies, strategies, and policies;
- Develop quantitative and qualitative analyses of technology and operational strategies to reduce vehicle emissions, helping to design and assess local policies to accelerate fleet turnover and reduce transportation emissions;
- Participate in working group meetings with other NGOs, industry and agency staff to develop and revise transportation policies;
- Collect and analyze vehicle, fuel, and transportation activity data from Colombia and Latin America;
- Write clear, strong technical reports, policy briefings, and articles to summarize ICCT’s research for key stakeholders;
- Engage and collaborate effectively with ICCT staff and key partners in Colombia to gather information and communicate relevant findings from ICCT’s research to support policy development;
- Coordinate workshops, invite-only meetings, and other outreach events; present research and conclusions in a range of venues; and educate policymakers and journalists in Colombia and Latin America.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in engineering, environmental sciences, or related disciplines preferred, and 3 to 5 years’ work experience; Ph.D. a plus;
- Strong technical understanding of air quality, climate change, transportation emissions, and policies, including vehicle and fuel regulations, market-based initiatives, and fiscal instruments;
- Excellent research, analytical, and quantitative skills, along with strong written and verbal communication skills, and strong emotional intelligence;
- Strong proficiency with data manipulation and analysis, plus experience using modeling tools, especially on vehicle activity, emissions, air quality or related topics; Experience with programming languages (Python, R, Matlab) a plus;
- Ability to work independently with limited supervision; highly organized, self-directed, and strategic in problem-solving and identifying policy needs;
- Some travel required, within Colombia and internationally;
- English and Spanish fluency required; Portuguese knowledge a plus.
Position Details
This is a 12-month position with a renewal option starting as soon as in July 2020, pending contract signature. The position is based in Bogotá or Medellín, Colombia. There is currently no ICCT office in Colombia. The person hired will work with their supervisor in the Washington, DC office to define the most effective working strategy, considering options to work from home and/or share office space with non-government or government partners. Approximately two to four weeks of travel a year to US offices would be required, along with some travel to other countries in Latin America and other cities in Colombia.
Compensation is in the range of USD $2,300 - $2,600 per month, based on experience. Compensation is inclusive of any taxes and the consultant is responsible for meeting all local labor and business laws.
How to apply
Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2020. Please send your resume, a cover letter indicating your interest and salary expectations, a writing sample, and the names and contact information for three professional references (letters not necessary) to jobs@theicct.org (subject: “Colombia Researcher”). Submissions that are missing a cover letter or writing sample will be given less consideration. The position is open immediately and will remain open until filled. No calls and no recruiters, please. Equal Opportunity Employer.