Policy Program Assistant- Berkeley CA
Organization: International Rivers
Job Title: Policy Program Assistant
Location: Berkeley CA
Hours and Compensation:20 hrs/week, $12/hr
Application Deadline: May 1 2012
Posted on: Dec 1, 2011
Organization Overview:
Background
The Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol (HSAP) was prepared in an industry-led process from 2007 to 2010. The Protocol is a voluntary scorecard by which the hydropower industry can assess the social and environmental performance of its projects. Civil society groups from the Global South and dam-affected people were largely excluded from this process.
International Rivers and other civil society groups are currently calling on governments and other institutions not to support this document that can be used to greenwash destructive projects. The Policy Program Assistant will work with the Coordinator to make sure that HSAP does not replace or weaken existing social and environmental standards.
Specific responsibilities include:
- Compiling a track record of dam builders’ violations of international standards.
- Build outreach and media databases to increase the exposure of the HSAP campaign.
- Update the Policy Program web pages.
- Assist the Policy Program Coordinator with other research, administrative, and campaign related activities when necessary.
Skills and experiences required:
- Strong research, writing and communications skills.
- Academic background in water policy (BA or MA level).
- Ability to multitask, stay organized, work independently and within a team, and keep deadlines.
- Excellent computer skills and attention to detail.
Desired qualifications:
- Ideally fluent in both English and one of the following languages: Portuguese, Mandarin, French
- Experience interacting with environmental NGOs.
This position will be based in our Berkeley, CA, office.
The Policy Program Assistant’s work schedule requires an average of 15-20 hours per week and will run from May to July (start/end dates are flexible). Compensation will be $12/hour. Internship benefits also include the opportunity to deepen the individual’s understanding of comparative international policy standards and guidelines.
Description:
The Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol (HSAP) was prepared in an industry-led process from 2007 to 2010. The Protocol is a voluntary scorecard by which the hydropower industry can assess the social and environmental performance of its projects. Civil society groups from the Global South and dam-affected people were largely excluded from this process.
International Rivers and other civil society groups are currently calling on governments and other institutions not to support this document that can be used to greenwash destructive projects. The Policy Program Assistant will work with the Coordinator to make sure that HSAP does not replace or weaken existing social and environmental standards.
Responsibilities:
- Compiling a track record of dam builders’ violations of international standards.
- Build outreach and media databases to increase the exposure of the HSAP campaign.
- Update the Policy Program web pages.
- Assist the Policy Program Coordinator with other research, administrative, and campaign related activities when necessary.
Qualifications/Skills:
Skills and experiences required:
- Strong research, writing and communications skills.
- Academic background in water policy (BA or MA level).
- Ability to multitask, stay organized, work independently and within a team, and keep deadlines.
- Excellent computer skills and attention to detail.
Desired qualifications:
- Ideally fluent in both English and one of the following languages: Portuguese, Mandarin, French
- Experience interacting with environmental NG
Benefits:
The Policy Program Assistant’s work schedule requires an average of 15-20 hours per week and will run from May to July (start/end dates are flexible). Compensation will be $12/hour. Internship benefits also include the opportunity to deepen the individual’s understanding of comparative international policy standards and guidelines.
How to Apply:
Qualified applicants are encouraged to send a cover letter, 3-page writing sample, and resume to the Intern and Volunteer Coordinator, [email protected], with the subject line: Policy Program Internship. NO CALLS, PLEASE. This internship posting will expire May 1, 2012.
