Planning Analyst

The efficient use of energy resources is one of the most critical issues facing us today, particularly in the face of climate change.  The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) is a non-profit organization working to encourage the development and adoption of energy-efficient products and services. 

We are supported by electric utilities, public benefits administrators, state governments, public interest groups and energy-efficiency industry representatives.  This unique partnership has helped make the Northwest a national leader in energy efficiency.  We develop market transformation initiatives that help consumers, businesses, and communities reap the environmental and cost benefits of using energy more wisely.

Position Overview: 

The planning analyst's primary responsibilities will be to assist in the performance of quantitative, cost-benefit analysis of NEEA activities.  This includes validating essential assumptions and inputs required to maintain the analytical models used on individual projects as well as NEEA activities in total.  This also includes forecasting, tracking, analysis, and reporting of total energy savings from NEEA activities.  This is a highly responsible position that requires top-notch quantitative modeling, critical thinking, and communications skills. 

The analyst will be responsible for ensuring that work products are accurate, defensible, and delivered in a timely manner that supports periodic reporting needs and organizational decision-making.  The analyst is an integral part of an interdisciplinary team dedicated to bringing affordable energy efficient products and services to market in a sustainable manner.  The analyst will also be working in a broader community of external parties that includes utilities, regulators, and planners such as the Northwest Power and Conservation Council.  The analyst must be sensitive to their issues and able to communicate clearly and effectively with them.

Responsibilities: 

• Verify and ensure quality inputs and data for cost-effectiveness analysis of proposed and existing projects using NEEA's methodology. Validate model outputs with reasonability checks, and provide high-level analysis of model results.
• Be able to assess needs, identify issues and implement changes to NEEA methodology as appropriate and approved by management and Board.
• Organizing, structuring and maintaining both electronic and paper filing systems that are clear and easily accessible by internal staff.
• Developing and implementing clear documentation of models and inputs that are suitable for review by both internal and external audiences that will range from non-technical to highly engaged technical review.
• Understand and document sources for model inputs; analyze, interpret and apply a variety of data (sociological, economic, technical, demographic, etc.) to the model; and continuously seek updated data sources.
• Identify and build or procure new analytical models of specific energy efficient technologies or services
• Prepare and present detailed reports using tables, charts and narratives appropriate for a wide variety of audiences from project management staff to the Board of Directors to utility planners.
• Track, analyze and report energy savings from NEEA projects including quarterly and annual summary reports of overall NEEA accomplishments and cost-effectiveness.
• Proactively engage project and management staff to build consensus of model inputs and outputs in order to keep the models current.
• Devise procedures for continuous review of project cost-effectiveness and energy savings.

Supervisory Responsibility: None.

Interpersonal Contacts:

Incumbent is expected to work closely with other functional areas of the organization, Board of Directors, project contractors, key external stakeholders, and market actors to achieve success.  The incumbent is expected to work in a professional manner with regional utility planning and program staff, regional planning entities, as well as state energy office personnel as appropriate.

Qualifications: 

• Proven expertise in developing cost-effectiveness models that are well structured and documented so that they can be easily understood and stand up to regulatory review.
• Ability to analyze, interpret and explain statistical data, estimates and projections; and to present results with clarity and precision to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to understand key technical aspects of energy efficient technologies, practices and services.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, preferably with sound knowledge of statistics and sample design. Expertise in using Excel spreadsheets for analytical and statistical modeling.
• Proactive, well-organized self-starter with the ability to multi-task and coordinate various projects. Ability to plan, organize and carry out highly complex assignments.
• Strong communications skills including presentation, writing, and interpersonal skills
• Adaptable to support the organization in special projects on as needed basis, such as strategic planning efforts.
• Flexibility; able to adapt plans during the course of a project

Education and/or Experience:

Qualified candidates will have a Masters degree in engineering, economics, business or public administration, or a closely related field.  Minimum 5 years of professional experience in financial planning or analysis, operations research or industrial engineering; planning experience in an energy, utility, or regulatory environment a plus. Knowledge/experience with energy efficiency a plus.

Compensation: Starting salary is industry competitive and based on education and experience. NEEA staff enjoys full benefits including health insurance, vacation and employer paid 403(b).

Application Deadline: October 31, 2008.

To Apply:

Submit an application by email in rich text (rtf) format. A complete application will include the following:

• A. Cover letter
• B. Resume
• C. Responses to the following Candidate Response Question

1. What types of data analysis have you performed?
2. What types of technical reports have you written?  Were any of these ongoing reports?  If so, what type and how often did you report?
3. Why are you looking for a new opportunity?
4. What is your [most] current salary/benefits package?  What are your current salary requirements?
5. How did you hear about this position?
6. If hired, how soon can you start in this position?

ONLY APPLICATIONS WITH ALL THREE SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE WILL BE CONSIDERED.