Policy Advisor, Climate Change

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

 

Policy & Campaigns | Washington, DC, United States


Oxfam America April 2015
Job Description


TITLE: Policy Advisor, Climate Change

LOCATION: Washington, DC

DURATION: Term position ending May 31, 2016

REPORTS TO: Climate Change Policy & Advocacy Manager

COORDINATES WITH: Climate Change Policy & Advocacy Manager, Climate Change Senior Program Officer, Climate Change Senior Policy Advisor, Economic Justice Campaign Manager, Private Sector Department, and relevant Oxfam International (OI) Economic Justice teams.

BACKGROUND: Through Oxfam’s Behind the Brands initiative we have successfully advocated for a number of major food/beverage companies to enact strong climate change policies. Ensuring successful implementation of these ambitious policies, as well as engaging other companies in adopting strong policies, are the crucial next steps in the process.

PURPOSE OF POSITION: To strengthen and enhance Oxfam America (OA)’s advocacy and engagement on climate change mitigation focused on the food and beverage industry with the aim to reduce emissions from agriculture from deforestation and land use change, driven primarily by large-scale palm oil, soy, and sugarcane plantations, as well as emissions generated from inputs and production.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Engage food and beverage companies to set strong, science-based emissions reduction targets and adopt action plans to reduce agricultural emissions.
• Engage food and beverage companies to ensure strong zero net deforestation action plans across high climate-risk commodities.
• Provide technical guidance and influence the content and verifiable quality of company implementation plans and commitments regarding agricultural emissions reductions.
• Generate support from and engage with allies and investors to identify gaps or weaknesses in food and beverage company implementation of climate commitments.
• Work with campaign team to identify moments where Oxfam can raise awareness about the critical importance of company commitments, to applaud companies when they follow-through on commitments, and to challenge companies when they fall short.
• Work as part of OI’s Behind the Brands team and take lead in updating the Behind the Brands scorecard to reflect company policies and implementation plans associated with climate change and deforestation.
• Work with allies to develop a collective strategy in engaging traders to implement zero net deforestation goals
• Coordinate with colleagues across OI on strategy as it relates to smallholder engagement in the palm oil supply chain, and to commission research in support of evidence-based advocacy.
• Engage palm oil sector peers and work with allies to develop best practices for implementation plans on palm oil, and potentially other high climate-risk commodities.
• Support Climate Change Policy Manager in ongoing fundraising efforts on agriculture and climate change issues.
• Represent OA to other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and at ally and partner fora.
• Provide support to other OA policy and advocacy activities as required.

EXPECTATIONS FOR THE POSITION:

• The advisor will develop positive working relationships with Oxfam’s allies and partners around Oxfam’s climate change goals and priorities.
• The advisor will stay abreast of professional standards, trends and issues affecting this set of responsibilities, demonstrating continuous learning of the field.
• 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.
• When commissioning research, s/he will work to follow and uphold the processes and standards for producing research at Oxfam America.
• The ability to travel 15% of the time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:
Education: 
Master's degree in environmental studies, international studies, or a development-related discipline, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Background in development policy and agriculture policy is desired.

Experience and Core Competencies:

• Three to five years of related work experience.
• Experience and knowledge regarding climate change and agriculture, particularly in connection with development, gender, agriculture, and other related issues.
• Experience working with developing country civil society organizations and communities, developing country governments, and other key actors.
• Research and analytical skills relevant to both public policy and program development.
• Exceptional communication skills and strong professional writing skills.
• Demonstrated leadership ability.
• Project 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.