Climate Change Policy Advisor

~ EarthRights International is a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization that combines the power of law and the power of people in defense of human rights and the environment, which we define as “earth rights.” We specialize in fact-finding, legal actions against perpetrators of earth rights abuses, training grassroots and community leaders, and advocacy campaigns. ~

Through these strategies, EarthRights seeks to end earth rights abuses, to provide real solutions for real people, and to promote and protect human rights and the environment in the communities where we work.

Position Overview

EarthRights International seeks an experienced Policy Advisor to help build and carry out EarthRights’ global and US advocacy agenda on climate justice and accountability. The position will work closely with EarthRights’ teams in the US, Mekong, and Amazon to carry out advocacy activities vis-à-vis governments, corporations, and international institutions in support of climate-related goals and objectives within the organization’s 2020-24 Strategic Plan. 

• Location: Washington, DC  (travel required) 
• Reports To: Director of Strategy and Campaigns
• Application Deadline: January 22, 2021
  

The Policy Advisor will be responsible for promoting the integration and coordination of EarthRights’ climate work across the organization and furthering efforts to promote a unique and value-adding voice to global civil society advocacy work on climate justice and accountability. In particular, the Policy Advisor will connect the organization’s climate work with earth rights defenders and corporate accountability. The Policy Advisor will be a key member of the EarthRights’ US-based Campaigns and Communications Team, and will serve as an advisor to EarthRights legal and regional teams. The Policy Advisor will engage directly with US-based and global organizations involved in climate change policy decision-making, and will represent EarthRights in US and global climate coalitions.

Roles & Responsibilities

Advocacy strategy 

• Lead the development of climate advocacy initiatives in support of the climate justice and accountability goals set out in EarthRights 2020-24 strategic plan.
• Engage with policy-makers and climate activists in the US and global institutions pursuant to EarthRights goals and objectives.
• Manage the development of high-quality climate research reports and campaign publications.
• Represent EarthRights in climate-focused NGO coalitions and related initiatives.
• Support coordination of EarthRights’ climate-focused strategies across the organization. 
• Advise and co-strategize on climate-related advocacy, campaigns and legal cases with EarthRights US-based and regional staff.
• Write and edit materials for EarthRights’ website, blog, social media and fundraising initiatives. 
• Monitor and inform the organization about climate-related policy debates and influencing opportunities in the US and globally.
• Serve as media spokesperson on climate-related issues.  Support development of media messaging on EarthRights’ climate work. 

Additional Responsibilities 

• Support the Development Team in developing fundraising proposals and reporting to funders.
• Work with regional programs and Global Training Director to strengthen climate components of EarthRights’ training programs.
• Coordinate internal thematic working group on climate justice and accountability. 
• Help lead the climate component of annual planning and subsequent implementation monitoring. 

Qualifications

Experience

• 5-10 years experience working on climate justice and accountability initiatives
• Experience with designing and executing advocacy strategies relating to environmental, human rights, and social justice issues
• Experience engaging with US Congress, US federal and state governments, multinational corporations and international organizations
• Experience developing and managing research to support advocacy
• Experience linking local advocacy initiatives and campaigns with US-based and global institution influencing opportunities
• Experience writing materials for campaigns and advocacy; experience writing about technical issues for general and nonexpert audiences  
• Experience working on transnational campaign teams
• Experience living or working outside the US
• Experience engaging with traditional and social media on climate-related issues

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated expertise on climate justice and accountability policy relating to the US government, multinational corporations, and global institutions
• Excellent written and oral communications skills
• Ability to work independently and generate viable ideas for campaigns, research, and communications
• Knowledge of global threats facing environmental and land defenders
• Knowledge of climate and corporate accountability
• Commitment to environmental and human rights, and to the vision, mission and values of EarthRights International
• Excellent interpersonal and team-building skills
• Ability to maintain high standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism, and to handle sensitive and proprietary financial information
• Anticipatory and strategic thinker
• Systematic approach to tasks and overall development operation
• Excellent time management skills, and attention to detail
• Willingness to travel at least quarterly
• A sense of humor, humility, and collegiality with understanding of the NGO world
• Fluency in Spanish, French or Portuguese desirable

Work Authorization

• United States (Required)

Benefits

• Employer-sponsored medical insurance (dependent coverage available)
• 100% employer paid dental and vision insurance coverage (dependent coverage available)
• 14 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave for eligible employees
• 15 days of vacation & 9 sick days per year
• 12 paid federal holidays; office closed from December 24 – January 1
• Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)
• Generous employer non elective retirement contribution
• Employee wellness benefits and transportation benefits
• A casual and fun work environment

To Apply

• Interested candidates should click "Apply" below to email their cover letter and resume by January 22, 2021.
• Be sure to use “Climate Change Policy Advisor” as your subject line when submitting application materials.

Please note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

EarthRights International is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices, and actively encourages people of color, women, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI people to apply.