Analyst, Tropical Forest and Climate Initiative, Climate and Energy Program – Washington, D.C.

Organization: Union of Concerned Scientists

Position Title: Analyst, Tropical Forest and Climate Initiative

Location: Washington, D.C.

Hours & Compensation: Full-time. For candidates who meet all position requirements, the salary is around $50,000.

Position Dates: Time-limited, three year position.

Application Deadline: March 29, 2013 or until filled.

Organization Overview: 

The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet’s most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.

What began as a collaboration between students and faculty members at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1969 is now an alliance of more than 400,000 citizens and scientists. UCS members are people from all walks of life: parents and businesspeople, biologists and physicists, teachers and students. Our members understand that scientific analysis—not political calculations or corporate hype—should guide our efforts to secure responsible changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices.

Our experts work on some of the most complex and daunting problems in our history: stemming the tide of global warming, finding sustainable ways to feed, power and transport ourselves, and reducing the threat of catastrophic war. Our achievements over the decades show that thoughtful action based on the best available science can help safeguard our future and the future of our planet.

Description:

The Analyst will work to develop and implement analytic and campaign activities to advance strong business and government policies to reduce tropical deforestation associated with palm oil expansion, as well as other drivers of forest loss.

Responsibilities:

• Carries out and/or assists with technical analyses necessary to further forest and climate policy objectives, particularly in areas of science, economics and policy.
• Maintains current and thorough knowledge of relevant business and government climate/sustainability policy initiatives and processes, and of key scientific and technical issues relevant to the design of sound, environmentally and socially sustainable supply chains and forest policies to mitigate climate change and reduce the drivers of tropical deforestation. It is expected that this will include spending 10% of his/her time keeping current with the relevant scientific knowledge and literature.
• Helps identify and develop priority activities to advance UCS objectives in bringing about strong policies and measures to reduce emissions from enterprise driven deforestation. These will include a combination of timely analysis and effective campaigning activities to build strategic support among key businesses and other influential stakeholders.
• Communicates analytic results and policy positions effectively, both orally and in writing, to influence the development of policies relating to tropical deforestation by governments, businesses and other organizations.
• Maintains contact with technical and policy staff in collaborating organizations to exchange information, share resources and engage in any joint activities needed to further policy or organizational goals.
• Contributes to UCS activities aimed at analyzing and developing policies concerning the development of biofuels and their relation to tropical forests.
• Participates in activist, business, and scientist engagement activities, such as drafting of outreach materials, communications with the media, speaking at scientific events and meeting with corporate executives.
• Drafts alerts and presents talks and Webinars.
• Maintains awareness of role as UCS representative.

Qualifications:

• High level of technical competency in relevant scientific areas, natural sciences, biological sciences, economics and other social sciences.
• Extensive knowledge of climate and environmental business policy, including their relevance to deforestation and its drivers.
• Exceptional oral/written communication skills, including the ability to translate scientific information into language understandable by business people and other non-scientists, are required.
• A track record of working with stakeholders in businesses, government, and NGOs, particularly in developing countries is highly desirable, as is experience with and knowledge of the palm oil industry.
• Fluency in Spanish, Portuguese, Bahasa Indonesia or Malay is desirable.
• A master degree in a relevant area of science, public policy, economics, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience, is required.
• The position requires 2-4 years of relevant experience. Up to one year of on-the-job training may be necessary to become familiar with UCS organization, philosophy, programs, and constituencies.
• Experience in tropical countries, particularly in sectors relating to agriculture, forestry and land use, is highly desirable.
• At UCS, comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.