Globalization Program Research Associate Level II or Senior Associate

The Pacific Institute is seeking a new full-time Research Associate Level II or a Senior Associate to support work in the organization's Globalization Program.

Founded in 1987 and based in Oakland, California, the Pacific Institute works to develop solutions to the related challenges around environmental protection, economic development, and human well-being from the local to the international levels.  Since its inception, the Institute has aimed to generate fundamental change in how threats to sustainability are perceived and solved.

We use science, economics, and consensus-building to create analytical tools and practical solutions that take issues out of the realm of ideology and into the realm of real world action. Our innovative approaches help to protect and restore the environment, create and enhance economic benefits, and treat all segments of society fairly. The 3Es of sustainability-environment, economy, and equity-provide guidance and balance to our efforts.

The Institute's Globalization Program is currently studying the policy and economic implications of private sector sustainability initiatives with a focus on voluntary international standards systems.

Position Overview:

The Institute seeks an energetic, well-organized, experienced person with commitment to developing new policy and market-based solutions to the social and environmental problems stemming by the current system of global commerce. In particular, we are looking for an experienced researcher who has extensive knowledge of the technical, economic, and political aspects of international social and environmental standards (i.e., ethical standards) and certification. The researcher will work primarily on a project that seeks to:

1. Inform key stakeholders of the changing nature and scope of international standards and certification, as well as their evolving role in global commerce and public policy,
2. Frame the issue of international standards (and the certification schemes they underpin) from a social justice and environmental perspective, and help shape the emerging debate regarding the appropriate role of such standards in public policy and sustainable development, and
3. Articulate an effective and coordinated response that can be undertaken by standards systems, civil society actors, policymakers, and the general public to address key emerging issues relating to international ethical standards and certification.

Responsibilities:

Specific responsibilities include:

• Serve as the lead researcher on the above noted framing ethical standards/certification project;
• In undertaking the research, work in partnership with ethical standards systems and civil society organizations focusing on related sustainability areas;
• Play a lead role in drafting the final project report and seeing it through to publication;
• Prepare communications on research findings and policy analyses, including fact sheets for a lay audience; present outcomes of the Institute's work at sustainability conferences, practitioner gatherings, policy briefings, and community forums;
• Assist with program development, strategic planning, and program evaluation;
• Help with fundraising activities for the Globalization Program, and help prepare reports to foundations and donors;
• Assist with day-to-day program maintenance, including managing communications and meeting notes, documenting process and archiving files.
• Note: Appointment as a Senior Associate entails fundraising experience and project-management experience beyond that required for a Research Associate Level II.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, economics, business administration, international development, poverty, public health, or another related field.
• Advanced degree in above mentioned or another related field is highly desirable.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills, strong interpersonal skills, and the demonstrated ability to work with a variety of people from diverse backgrounds, including NGO partners, local and national governments, businesses, funders, etc.
• Ability to communicate and translate technical, scientific, or policy-related information to a lay audience.
• Strong organizational and facilitation skills and enjoyment of managing multiple tasks. (Demonstrated self-starter who can take a project from inception to completion.)
• Strong policy and technical analysis and research skills, and attention to detail.
• Some experience with project management.
• Excellent computer skills.

Additional desirable qualifications include:

• Specific work experience in developing countries or economies in transition.
• Bilingual in French or Spanish a strong plus.

Compensation: $38,000 - $52,000 (based on Oakland appointment) to be negotiated dependent upon experience and a generous benefits package that includes health, dental coverage, and retirement.

Term: Temporary (through August 2011, with potential for permanent position pending funding)

Working Hours: Based on a full time equivalent of 35 hours per week. Based on negotiations with the successful applicant, there is some degree of flexibility in terms of the number and pattern of working hours.

Travel: The position holder may be required to undertake business travel including overnight stays.

Start Date: Middle of January 2011 or sooner if possible

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter, indicating the posting number and name of job site, writing sample, resume, and contact information for 3 references. Submissions by fax, or by email are also acceptable. No phone calls. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Terry Asbury
Pacific Institute
654 13th Street
Oakland, California 94612

We regret that we will only be able to contact short-listed candidates.

Pacific Institute is an equal opportunity employer. People of color and women are strongly encouraged to apply.