Policy Intern-Washington, DC

Organization Overview

The US Climate Action Network (USCAN) is the largest network of organizations focused on climate change in the US. USCAN’s mission is to support and strengthen US-based civil society organizations’ influence on the development and implementation of local, national, and international climate policy and action. Founded in 1989, USCAN fosters and facilitates collaborative efforts to share information, coordinate activities, and develop strategies across diverse organizations and constituencies.

The network spans an array of perspectives and approaches. USCAN members are united by their common desire to reduce US greenhouse gas emissions, to increase climate resiliency, to inspire the United States’ positive participation in international forums to secure equitable, effective climate policies, and to support on-the-ground implementation of climate solutions.

USCAN is the US node of the Climate Action Network (CAN-International), a global network of over 850 environment, energy, development, and faith based NGOs working collaboratively to address the causes of climate change and promote equitable solutions.

Internship Description

USCAN seeks a policy intern for a minimum of four to six months to assist with policy and outreach activities. You will learn about domestic and international issues relating to climate change, including the international climate change negotiations, energy issues, and Clean Air Act issues. You will also become acquainted with the federal policy-making process and the various players and positions in the climate movement.

The position is located in our Washington, DC office. This internship offers a monthly stipend of $500, help obtaining college credit (if needed), and negotiable start and end dates.

Responsibilities

• Assist International Policy Coordinator and Program Director/Domestic Policy Director with activities relating to international and domestic climate change policy
• Attend briefings, congressional hearings, and coalition meetings
• Research and write material for newsletters, web pages, action alerts, and fact sheets
• Help organize coalition meetings and strategy sessions on international and domestic issues, including taking detailed notes on meeting discussions
• Help organize briefings and webinars for USCAN members
• Assist in organizing meetings and issue briefings for congressional staff
• Hand-deliver materials to congressional offices
• Participate in lobbying congressional offices by phone or in person, if professional and knowledgeable
• Assist with outreach to USCAN member organizations
• Assist other staff as needed
• Take on other responsibilities as they develop, based on intern strengths and interests, ability to complete individual projects, and organizational needs.
• Possible travel to assist at conferences/events

Qualifications

• Interest in climate change and enthusiasm for communicating with partners and policy makers
• Strong oral and writing skills and methodical research methods
• Self-starter, flexible, able to manage multiple tasks
• Some knowledge of Congress and/or international climate policy and negotiations is a plus.
• Good phone skills
• Extroverted and friendly personality with good sense of humor is a must.
• Available at least 35 hours a week.

USCAN encourages diversity and prohibits discrimination in the office place. The organization exceeds the anti-discrimination policies of the District of Columbia and of the federal government. Specifically, USCAN prohibits discrimination in hiring on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, disability, matriculation, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence or business, gender identity, or socio-economic status.

Please send a resume and cover letter with availability to Adam Sundberg (policy @climatenetwork.org). Please put the name of the internship and your name in the subject line of your email: “Policy Internship Application, First Name Last Name.”

Location: Washington, DC

Hours and Compensation: 35 hours/week, $500 monthly stipend

Position Dates: Start late May/early June, though dates are flexible

Application Deadline: April 15, 2014 with rolling admission following, so send in ASAP