Carbon Market Specialist, Corporate Partnerships Program

Environmental Defense, a leading national nonprofit organization, represents more than 500,000 members. Since 1967, Environmental Defense has linked science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships to create breakthrough solutions to the most serious environmental problems.

The mission of our Corporate Partnerships program is to change the way business thinks about the environment. We protect human health and the environment by working with leading U.S. companies to reduce the lifecycle environmental impacts of the products and services they sell, and to fully incorporate environmental considerations into their business decision-making methods and culture. Our partnerships strive for environmentally aggressive goals while generating business benefits, such as increased revenues or reduced costs. 

Background: More than a decade ago, Environmental Defense pioneered the cap and trade model to control acid rain pollution in U.S. Our signature program led to steep cuts in emissions, sooner than expected and at a fraction of the predicted cost. As the world moves forward with implementing the Kyoto protocol, the emerging global carbon market is based on our winning formula.

We think it's time to bring this idea back home to the U.S. and it's beginning to happen. State and regional efforts are moving forward and a robust voluntary market for carbon offsets has emerged. Many individuals and corporations are eager to participate. As both voluntary and mandatory emissions trading programs are implemented and refined, Environmental Defense is at the forefront of these efforts. 

Overall Function and Responsibilities:

The Carbon Market Specialist will manage our involvement in these efforts and ensure that emissions trading programs and carbon offsets meet rigorous standards and result in real emissions reductions.

More specifically, the incumbent will:

* Coordinate the development of the organization's position and policies regarding the definition, evaluation, and trading of carbon offsets both in a voluntary market and as part of a national regulatory program. The individual will convene ad hoc working groups, research and evaluate key issues, draft position papers and interact with legislators and policy-makers on these issues;
* Build and maintain relationships with key players in the emerging carbon markets, including brokers and offset developers;
* Lead the organization's efforts to develop a supply of high quality offsets for the voluntary carbon market;
* Develop and maintain a toolkit of resources for individuals and corporations on offsets and carbon neutrality;
* Provide support to ongoing corporate partnership projects that include an offset component, and develop and manage new partnerships, including outreach to potential partners, developing work plans and timetables, identifying and procuring necessary resources, and managing project work and deliverables;
* Communicate results to Environmental Defense staff, corporate partners, businesses, the media and other stakeholders through reports, presentations, and other methods; and
* Develop and implement the annual process for measuring, reducing, and offsetting Environmental Defense's greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition to these responsibilities, the incumbent will play an integral role in other activities, including fundraising efforts, evaluating and recommending new projects; disseminating and communicating project results; and being an overall team player in a vibrant and entrepreneurial program.

Requirements: 

We are seeking an individual with direct experience in the business and environmental sectors with a relevant graduate-level education.

In addition, the general qualifications for this position are: 

* Masters degree in business administration (MBA), or an advanced degree in environmental science, public policy or economics where relevant business experience is also present;
* Experience working on the business implications of environmental issues;
* A broad understanding of environmental issues including the basic statutory and regulatory structure in the U.S., climate change, emissions trading, and lifecycle assessment;
* A working knowledge of the theory and practice of corporate environmental management;
* Strong research skills and experience performing rigorous analysis in support of highly visible work;
* Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to work with colleagues and partners of varied background and experience;
* An ability to work both independently and as a member of small teams in a fast-paced, dynamic and creative environment; and 
* An ability to manage a diverse workload; exceptional personal organization and attention to detail.

Location: Washington, D.C. or New York

Salary: Commensurate with experience. 

Please email, fax or mail cover letter, resume, and salary requirements. 

Cheryl Pickard
Human Resources Generalist
Environmental Defense
1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20009

Environmental Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities and the physically challenged are encouraged to apply.