With world attention on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. By focusing on strong science, uncommon partnerships and market-based approaches, we tackle urgent threats with practical solutions. We are one of the world’s largest environmental organizations, with more than two million members and a staff of approximately 700 scientists, economists, policy experts, and other professionals around the world. We operate in 22 geographies with unique projects running across four programs. You will be part of a vibrant workplace where innovation and results are a way of life.

EDF envisions a world in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected to the environmental challenges we face and are engaged in creating durable, equitable solutions. We seek talented candidates who share our Core Values of Respect, Results, Innovation, Optimism, and Integrity, and support our Commitment to Diversity.  

Senior Policy Analyst, Federal Climate Innovation

Location: While a hyrbid arrangement out of our Washington, D.C. office is preferred, this role can be performed out of any EDF office or 100% remotely for U.S. based candidates.

Program Overview

EDF has long been a leading voice on the design of U.S. climate policy and a champion of pragmatic and forward-looking solutions to environmental issues. EDF’s Federal Climate Innovation (FCI) Team, a part of the EDF U.S. Region Initiative Hub, is focused on strengthening our tools to create and improve climate solutions, including the development and deployment of key climate technologies and the policy frameworks that can facilitate an equitable and just energy transition. The team works across EDF and with a variety of external stakeholders to build support toward key opportunities.

Overall Function

EDF’s Federal Climate Innovation Team seeks a Senior Analyst to provide critical research and analysis in support of our U.S. focused efforts to advance ambitious policy solutions to address climate change and facilitate a transition to a net-zero economy. As a key player on a growing team, the Senior Analyst will support our advocacy as we lay the foundation for federal climate legislation and implementation of federal programs relevant to innovation and a net-zero economic transition. The Analyst will ideally be based in Washington, DC and will report to the Manager, U.S. Climate and Energy Policy, while working in close collaboration with a range of EDF’s climate, economic, and political experts.
 

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research and economic analysis related to a range of U.S. climate and energy policy proposals and potential legislation – including innovation priorities such as Congressional appropriations and implementation of Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D) programs
• Develop and deploy analytical tools designed to educate external stakeholders (e.g., Congressional staff) and inform EDF’s internal thinking on policy design
• Review and synthesize academic literature and analysis as well as policy proposals on topics relevant to climate innovation
• Develop timely, comprehensible, politically salient materials for policy makers, media outlets, and other stakeholders (including analyses, fact sheets, blogs, answers to specific queries, and other information as needed), in close coordination with relevant EDF staff
• Write and prepare white papers, technical reports, policy briefs, and communications materials
• Respond to “rapid-response” queries relating to U.S. climate policy and/or economics from press/media, government, external partners, and internal sources
• Support EDF teams in external settings (e.g., meetings with policy makers, Congressional staff, other environmental organizations, research institutions, or corporations) and collaborate with key partners
• Assist with managing projects and implementing initiatives, including coordinating with key staff across programs, providing technical and other analysis, and monitoring relevant policy developments
• Participate in advancing EDF DEI goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF value

Qualifications

We are seeking candidates who have a demonstrated ability to conduct rigorous research in the area of environmental and/or energy policy. Candidates must have exceptional problem-solving skills, be extremely detail-oriented and able to ensure consistency and quality of research products. You should also have:

• A Bachelor’s degree and 4+ years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with 2+ years of relevant experience
• Experience working on environmental policy, particularly climate change and energy
• Advanced Excel skills; proficiency with statistical analytical tools a plus
• Ability to effectively synthesize and communicate technical and policy findings in a clear and concise manner to colleagues internally and to external non-technical audiences through both written and oral communication
• Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a fast-paced environment with changing needs and critical deadlines
• Ability to take initiative and work independently with broad strategic guidance, as well as in support of and in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
• Demonstrated capacity for self-awareness and willingness to operate in a growth mindset
• Demonstrate the cultural awareness and emotional intelligence essential to creating and maintaining a productive and inclusive workplace
• Ability to work with colleagues and partners of various backgrounds and experience