Methane Manager, Mexico

With world attention focused on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. This leading green group, with programs from Boston to Beijing, has tripled in size over the past decade by focusing on strong science, uncommon partnerships and market-based approaches. You can be part of a vibrant workplace that welcomes diverse perspectives, talents and contributions, where innovation and a focus on results are a way of life.

Natural gas is a growing part of international energy portfolios.  It emits fewer greenhouse gases than coal when combusted and avoids mercury and other dangerous air pollutants that come from coal.  However, methane emissions across the natural gas supply chain undermine the fuel’s promise as a lower-carbon energy resource.  Methane is responsible for 25% of the warming we feel today and oil and gas is the largest industrial source of methane globally, making these reductions one of the largest untapped opportunities to address climate change.

Through an ambitious, multi-year project that utilizes groundbreaking science, policy, and industry engagement, EDF is working globally to reduce oil and gas methane emissions. A global 40-45% reduction of oil and gas methane would have the same near-term climate benefit as shutting down roughly 1,000 coal-fired power plants.

Overall Function

EDF’s US Climate & Energy Program seeks candidates with proven  regulatory policy skills to support EDF's work to reduce methane emissions from the global oil and gas industry, with a focus on Mexico.   

Key Responsibilities

• Work to ensure smart and effective oil and gas methane regulations are developed and implemented in Mexico.
• Analyze and monitor the progress of relevant rules or laws related to air emissions.
• Prepare detailed regulatory proposals, policy briefs, and legal analyses, and comments in response to proposed regulations and legislation.
• Represent EDF, as needed and directed, in front of policy-makers, regulators or other key thought leaders; participate in coalitions, stakeholder meetings or other relevant external forums.
• Work in close collaboration with EDF’s regulatory/legal, science, policy and communications teams. Collaborate, as appropriate with EDF partners and coalition members.
• Develop and manage relationships among external partners, Mexican government officials, oil and gas companies, technology providers and scientists, with the goal ensuring that project results are scientifically and technically rigorous, solution-oriented, actionable and timely.

Qualifications

We are seeking an experienced manager with a deep understanding of oil and gas regulatory policy, strong analytic skills and a proven background of effective advocacy around complex technical issues. Qualifications for this position include:

• Minimum five years’ experience in the corporate, public, consulting, academic or non-profit sectors, including demonstrated ability to understand oil and gas operations and emissions management, managing complex projects and working with external partners to achieve program goals. Previous regulatory and legal experience working on oil and gas issues is strongly preferred.
• Fluency in both English and Spanish is required.
• Position is based in Mexico, City
• Law degree required. Education in related engineering, science or business/economics fields is a major plus.
• Experience wit Mexican regulatory policy and processes required.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, particularly the ability to translate highly technical/scientific information for non-experts. A writing sample and/or sample work product will be required as part of the interview process.
• Ability to work with colleagues and partners of varied backgrounds and experience.
• Strong analytical skills and experience performing rigorous analysis in support of highly visible work.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• An ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic, and entrepreneurial environment.