Senior Advisor, Global Oil & Gas Initiative

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.

Short-lived climate pollutants contribute as much as a third of the total greenhouse forcing we experience today, and reducing them is an important step we can take now to cut the rate of global warming in the next few decades. Emissions of methane are the largest of the short-lived pollutants, and the oil and gas sector is a primary source. Through groundbreaking science and corporate engagement in the U.S., EDF has built knowledge and credibility – and identified cost-effective solutions – that we seek to leverage for global change. We are now expanding the scope of our methane work internationally.

In the international context, reliable data on methane emissions is scarce and top emitting countries represent distinctly different political, regulatory, and cultural regimes. Similarly, the top 20 oil and gas companies represent about 40% of market share, but several are state-owned enterprises and the remaining market share is widely spread among small producers, transmission, and distribution companies. Given these challenges, EDF is designing a strategy that raises the stakes for private sector players and governments, and engages both by raising transparency and accountability while providing actionable steps to take now.

Overall Function

EDF is seeking a senior advisor with experience in the global oil & gas sector to build out a winning strategy for reducing methane emissions in that sector.  The incumbent will work with a cross-programmatic team of individuals that contribute to EDF’s natural gas program to launch our methane work internationally. This position reports directly to the Associate Vice President for Climate and Energy.

Note: This is a one year term position. At the end of the engagement, we will have determined the future direction and strategy for the Project and will have identified new positions that will result.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and forward a comprehensive strategy for reducing methane emissions globally. This includes working with EDF scientists and others to assess opportunities for improving global data on methane emissions; working with EDF economists and industry experts to prioritize opportunities for emissions reductions; identifying political, economic and cultural levers for change and potential partners; identifying barriers to change that will need to be overcome; developing a strategy and building relationships for engaging corporations to voluntary measure, report and reduce emissions; assessing opportunities for participating in multi-national initiatives to address emissions in the oil & gas sector; and outlining communications activities to support these activities.

• Create a shared vision and enthusiasm for implementing the global methane strategy among EDF staff, Board, donors and potential partner organizations. Develop a long-term project budget, assess staffing and capacity needs, and consider organizational structure needed to execute a multi-pronged global strategy. Develop long-term goals and shorter-term milestones for measuring progress.

• Build relationships with key stakeholders around the world, including corporate executives, business organizations, government officials, NGOs and academics. Assess partnership opportunities with key stakeholders, and launch partnerships as appropriate.

• Provide practical insight on the oil and gas industry to inform EDF’s advocacy and activities, both internationally and domestically.

• Represent EDF in global fora including World Economic Forum events and the UN Climate and Clean Air Coalition. Advocate for EDF positions on emissions controls, and negotiate agreements with multi-national companies, international governments and other global institutions. Make presentations at international conferences and serve as EDF’s primary “face” on issues related to global methane emissions.

• Work with EDF executives and Development staff to develop fundraising opportunities for global methane work, and cultivate foundations and major donors in support of project activities.

Qualifications

This is a unique position that requires sound judgment, an ability to work effectively across multiple disciplines and geographies, and the capacity for building consensus and a compelling vision for change. Ideally, the successful applicant will have the following qualifications:

• Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience, including significant work experience in the international oil and gas sector.
• Demonstrated analytical and strategic skills, and experience building successful plans and programs addressing complex global issues.
• A strong professional network featuring stakeholders in the natural gas industry and in the international policy space.
• Advanced degree in a related discipline (business, economics, law, engineering, environmental sciences, public policy, or international affairs) a plus.
• Senior management experience and demonstrated independent judgment required to plan and execute efforts to assess scientific data and emerging technological developments, political considerations, business structures and government programs into a comprehensive strategy and tactics to achieve a defined objective.
• Understanding of the basics of environmental, energy and climate change science and policy.
• Ability to work with colleagues and partners of varied backgrounds and experience, and proven ability to build strategic and durable relationships.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to listen well, assess needs, respond professionally, and build consensus among colleagues and professional contacts.
• Demonstrated ability to build and articulate a compelling vision.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a highly collaborative and geographically dispersed team in a fast-paced, dynamic, and entrepreneurial environment.
• Demonstrated capacity to work across cultural contexts.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Location

This position can be located in Washington, DC; New York, NY; Boston, MA; Austin, TX or San Francisco, CA.

Term

This is a one year term position. At the end of the engagement, we will have determined the future direction and strategy for the Project and will have identified new positions that will result.

Due to the volume of employment applications and queries received, EDF is unable to respond to each application individually. Applicants will be contacted directly if selected as a candidate.

Environmental Defense Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer