Energy Analyst (SEI-US)

Position: Energy Analyst
Salary range: Commensurate with experience and qualifications
Start date: Spring 2013 (ASAP)
Duty station: Somerville, MA, USA
Application deadline: Until position is filled

Job description:

SEI is looking for a talented energy analyst/modeller with an interest in helping shape energy and environmental policies around the world.

Our energy modelling group develops, applies and supports users of our well-known software tool, LEAP: the Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning system, which is used by thousands of organizations worldwide. Users include governmental organizations, NGOs, universities, utilities and consulting companies. Our particular focus is on helping developing countries to build comprehensive long-term strategies that can support their development whilst also helping to mitigate climate change. We are closely engaged in the policy process and regularly support international organizations including the UNFCCC, UNDP, US-AID and the World Bank.

We are looking for someone with exceptional quantitative skills and a commitment to the principles of sustainable development to join our small but growing team. We take on a wide variety of tasks including energy modeling studies, software development, user support (in person and via web forums) and training of users all around the world.

Responsibilities of the position will depend on the skills of the applicant, but may include:

• Researching, building, refining and documenting energy models to project energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and costs of energy policies.
• Working with stakeholders to build their capacity to work with energy models.
• Supporting LEAP users either in-person or via our discussion forum.
• Helping to conduct (and eventually lead) training classes all around the world (some international travel required, up to 20%).
• Software development (e.g. helping to improve LEAP).
• Writing technical and policy-relevant reports.
• Improving and updating the LEAP website.
• Some proposal writing and fundraising.
• Giving presentations related to LEAP.
• Helping with LEAP sales and licensing and helping with fundraising for ongoing work.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A Master's degree in relevant field (energy, engineering, environmental policy, operations research, computer science, etc.) and 2 years of relevant experience. We will also consider exceptional candidates with experience and a relevant Bachelor's degree.
• Knowledge of energy systems, specifically related to energy demand and supply (e.g. electric sector planning).
• A keen interest in and commitment to sustainable development.
• Knowledge of energy and environmental policy issues internationally and within the US.
• Experience with relevant energy modelling tools (e.g. LEAP, MARKAL, MESSAGE, RETScreen, etc.).
• A strong sense of initiative and ability to work both independently and within a small team.
• Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional quantitative skills (e.g. advanced skills in using Excel, statistical packages, etc.).
• Strong computer programming skills in languages such as ASP, PHP, Delphi and JavaScript and strong knowledge of HTML and CSS (or main development environment is Delphi, but knowledge of other languages is equally relevant).
• Fluency in a major foreign language is a plus.

We welcome applications from people outside the US, but please bear in mind that this job is based in the U.S. and requires frequent international travel. A valid U.S. work permit or visa would therefore be required.

How to apply:
Please send your application and supporting documents tojobs.boston@sei-us.org. The package should include a cover letter, your CV, and a writing sample.