TITLE: Policy Advisor, Climate Change
LOCATION: Washington D.C.
DURATION: Fixed term position from June 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013. The position may also be available on a part-time basis for a year. Renewal of the position is subject to management discretion.
DEPARTMENT: Policy & Research
REPORTS TO: Director of Policy and Advocacy, Climate Change
COORDINATES WITH: Policy & Research Director and Department, GROW Campaign Director, Government Affairs Department, Vice President of Policy and Communications Oxfam International Economic Justice Research and Policy Team (EJREPOL).
PURPOSE OF POSITION: Work with Oxfam America to focus on the human and social dimensions of climate change, address the impacts of climate change on the world’s most vulnerable communities, and to build equitable responses to those impacts.
- Enhance Oxfam America’s ability to monitor and influence policy related to climate change and other objectives of our ‘GROW’ campaign on food security, with a focus on climate finance.
- Communicate Oxfam America’s goals and objectives to policymakers, partners, and other interested parties.
- Develop the policy and political strategies essential to OA’s efforts to secure support for smallholder farmers affected by climate change and those suffering from poverty, hunger, and social injustice.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Work with the Oxfam America’s Climate Change Program Director and other relevant policy staff to develop and implement Oxfam’s policy advocacy strategy on climate change and related issues with particular focus on climate finance.
- Monitor key activities and administration efforts affecting US policy to address climate change and climate finance .
- Coordinate key coalition efforts addressing climate change and development issues, particularly climate finance.
- Develop strong working relationships with relevant government officials.
- Provide policy analysis and advocacy leadership.
- Represent Oxfam America at ally and partner legislative fora.
- Act as an Oxfam spokesperson on issues before the Congress, administration officials, and the media.
- Write issue briefs and policy papers related to the organization’s climate change policy agenda.
- Brief senior Oxfam America staff on developments, as appropriate.
- Coordinate work with Oxfam America’s other advocacy and policy campaigns to ensure harmonization of government affairs policies and strategies.
- Provide support to other Oxfam America policy advocacy activities as required.
EXPECTATIONS FOR THE POSITION:
- The incumbent will be a visible spokesperson for Oxfam’s policy agenda on climate change and climate finance.
- S/he will be available to represent Oxfam at congressional and executive branch functions.
- S/he will develop positive working relationships and leadership with Oxfam’s allies and partners around Oxfam’s climate change goals and priorities.
- S/he will work effectively and collaboratively in support of building a team-based culture of work, will perform all duties appropriately for a multi-cultural environment, treating all persons with dignity and respect, and will be familiar with and committed to Oxfam America’s mission and goals.
- Ability to travel internationally up to 10% of the time.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in political science, government, or a development-related discipline.
Master’s degree or JD preferred.
Experience and Core Competencies:
- At least three to five years of related work experience.
- Two to three years of experience on Capitol Hill, an Executive Branch agency, or in government affairs/policy for a for-profit or not-for-profit organization.
- Experience in dealing with environmental, international development, and/or foreign policy issues.
- Working knowledge of US Congress and Executive Branch agencies.
- Experience in working with the NGO community, especially on environmental or development issues.
- High level policy analysis skills.
- Experience working at senior levels with advocacy organizations.
- Exceptional communication skills and strong professional writing skills.
- Demonstrated leadership ability.
- Project management/legislative campaign management experience.
- Flexible, creative, and strategic thinker.
- Self-starter, sense of humor, team player, and attention to detail.
- Computer literacy (MS Word, Internet).
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Ability to work cooperatively with others from diverse perspectives.
Strongly desired:
- Knowledge of US climate change policy and international climate change negotiations, especially climate finance.
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