Senior Associate, Ocean Science Division – Washington, D.C.

Organization: The Pew Charitable Trusts

Position: Senior Associate, Ocean Science Division

Location: Washington, D.C.

Hours & Compensation: Full-time.

Position Dates: Term period through September 30, 2014, with the possibility of an extension pending the success of the program, funding sources, and board decisions on continued support.

Application Deadline: Rolling.

Posted On: March 5, 2013

Organization Overview:

The Pew Charitable Trusts is driven by the power of knowledge to solve today’s most challenging problems. Pew applies a rigorous, analytical approach to improve public policy, inform the public, and stimulate civic life. The mission of The Pew Charitable Trusts environment initiative is to promote policies and practices that protect the global environment, preserve healthy forests, and marine ecosystems. The group’s work is focused on reducing the scope and severity of three major global environmental problems:

• Transition to a clean energy economy from one based primarily on the burning of fossil fuels;
• The erosion of large wilderness ecosystems that contain a great part of the world’s remaining biodiversity; and,
• The destruction of the world’s marine environment, with a particular emphasis on global fisheries.

The Pew environment initiative’s ocean science division (OSD) works to generate and synthesize scientific research to inform conservation policy and frame solutions. The division’s projects include multiyear research projects by outside experts, funded in large part through the Lenfest Ocean Program, and shorter term analyses and syntheses developed to inform specific policy questions developed by the conservation science program. Developing projects that integrate the development of scientific and technical information with the best approach for communicating that information is a significant focus of the conservation science program .

Description:

The senior associate, ocean science division will work with the conservation science program and other staff to develop economics projects related to the Pew environment initiative’s program areas. The primary tasks will be working with other staff to develop and manage economics projects. Secondary tasks will include assisting OSD staff with developing research work plans and collaborating with other Pew staff on related science and economics topics. This position is located in Washington, DC.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of four years of relevant professional experience in economics, environmental issues, and/or public policy is required. Experience working in a technical role within an advocacy organization or policy institution is highly desirable.
• Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree in economics, or environmental policy with an economics focus, is strongly preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills, including ease in communicating complex concepts in a clear effective manner. Experience with current science or technical communication approaches strongly preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to develop and manage productive relationships with program staff, consultants, partners, grantees and others who contribute to the effectiveness of OSD. Operates as a team player.
• A detail- and results-oriented style with a focus on progress. Recognized ability to meet multiple deadlines by maintaining a high level of organization. Experience with project development and management strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated analytical skills, and the ability to operate effectively in conditions of uncertainty by adapting quickly to new situations.
• Strong political awareness, with a non-partisan perspective and approach.
• Travel: Occasional domestic and international travel.