Forest Carbon Economics Fellow

With world attention focused on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions.

This leading green group, founded in 1967 as the Environmental Defense Fund, has tripled in size over the past decade by focusing on strong science, uncommon partnerships and market-based approaches. You can be part of a vibrant workplace that welcomes diverse perspectives, talents and contributions, where innovation and a focus on results are a way of life. With programs from Boston to Beijing, Environmental Defense is the only environmental group to receive an A rating from Wired magazine.

Climate and Air Program:    

The Climate & Air Program's international team works on programs that help stabilize the Earth's climate and improve global air quality by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. Our staff of experts in science, law, economics and policy undertakes research and disseminates reports on the potential impacts of climate change on the planet. With governmental and non-governmental partners around the world, we develop and advocate innovative policy proposals that provide market incentives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from all sources. 

Overall Function: 

The Forest Carbon Economics Fellow (FCEF) will play a central role in the development and execution of our domestic and international strategy to integrate tropical deforestation emissions into a successor treaty to the Kyoto Protocol and a robust US mandatory cap-and-trade system. 

Primary responsibilities will include conducting economic analysis of policy approaches to reduce emissions from deforestation, effects on the US and global carbon markets, and dissemination of these economic analyses to key domestic and international actors. 

This position requires strong economic analytical skills (Ph.D. level), excellent communications skills, an ability to work with other environmental organizations, knowledge of national and international climate change policy, and strong advocacy skills. 

More specifically, a successful candidate will: 

• Participate in the development and implementation of our domestic efforts for achieving a US cap-and-trade system, and analyzing the effect of deforestation tons in the domestic US carbon market.     
• Participate in the development and implementation of Environmental Defense's policy approach to, and strategy for obtaining, an agreement, to be achieved within the 2007-2009 time-frame, on an international cap and trade framework for reducing GHG emissions post-2012, in particular ensuring that these frameworks offer compensation - via the carbon market - to developing countries that reduce GHGs from deforestation.     
• Conduct economic research and analysis, contribute to the preparation of Environmental Defense policy papers, and present Environmental Defense policy positions in various forums.     
• Prepare economic analysis of reducing emissions from deforestation burden & division of benefits among high-deforestation & low-deforestation Amazon states.     
• Conduct breakeven price studies for carbon vs. biofuels (sugar cane) revenue in Amazon region.     
• Assess implications of deforestation tons on US, California, and global carbon markets, and their implications for high- and low-deforestation countries.     
• Provide improved economic analysis of non-carbon ecosystem service benefits     
• Represent Environmental Defense in USCAN and CAN Global on avoided deforestation issues and on the integration of these into overall post-2012 frameworks;     
• Coordinate closely with other members of the IC&T team to carry out our responsibilities effectively.     
• Represent Environmental Defense in public appearances

In addition to these responsibilities, the Forest Carbon Economic Fellow (FCEF) will be expected to play an integral role in other program activities, including; researching, evaluating and recommending new projects/strategies; disseminating and communicating project results; and being an overall team player in the development of a vibrant and successful program.

Requirements: 

The ideal candidate will be able to develop and promote creative approaches for conducting economic analysis of carbon markets and the effects of reducing emissions from deforestation and achieving environmental goals and international consensus. In particular, s/he will be proficient in environmental market mechanisms and emissions trading with a solid understanding of carbon supply and demand cost curves. 

Other desired qualifications: 

• Ph.D. in economics (macro, micro or resource), business administration, international trade or equivalent work experience;     
• Ability to work with climate economics models, including but not limited to DICE, RICE, and MERGE.     
• Ability to work with relevant economic models and incorporate tropical deforestation emissions into carbon cycle/carbon markets analyses.     
• A minimum of one to two years experience working on climate change and tropical deforestation issues, preferably at the international level;     
• Demonstrated success in forestry and environmental problem-solving through innovative, workable solutions;     
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills;     
• Exceptional personal organization and attention to detail;     
• An ability to work both independently and as a member of small teams in a dynamic and creative environment;     
• Ability to work with colleagues and partners of varied backgrounds and experience in a fast-paced work environment;     
• Willingness to travel when necessary;     
• IBM PC computer proficiency, experience with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Powerpoint desired;     
• Foreign language skills a plus, but not required.

Location: This position will be located in Washington, DC.  

Term: 2 years  

To Apply: 

Please submit a cover letter and resume along with your salary requirement by email, fax, or postal mail to: 

Ms. Cheryl Pickard
PHR 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.