Policy Advisor

The Voluntary Carbon Standard Association (VCS) is a leading carbon standard and greenhouse gas (GHG) program, used by organizations around the world to account for GHG emission reductions and credits in the voluntary carbon market. With more than 50 million credits issued, VCS is one of the most widely used standards in the global voluntary market, and it is increasingly helping to shape carbon accounting regulations as they are being developed by local and national governments around the world.

Position Overview: 

The VCSA is looking for a dynamic Policy Advisor to effectively engage policy- and decision-makers around the world. The overall objective of this new position will be to strengthen the role that the VCS Program can play in respect of emerging GHG regimes by serving as a source of knowledge and insight regarding the development of robust GHG offset programs and how these can foster the creation of high-quality cost-effective emission reductions.

Responsibilities:

The Policy Advisor will be in charge of developing and implementing a comprehensive policy outreach strategy for the VCSA. With the development of new GHG regimes worldwide, including the potential for fragmented GHG markets, the Policy Advisor will take a proactive and strategic approach towards understanding the various initiatives underway and develop a plan for effectively engaging with key individuals and organizations in order to leverage the infrasturcture developed by the VCS Program. Principal tasks and responsibilities will include, at a minimum, the following:

1. Provide up-to-date information to policy- and decision-makers worldwide.
2. Review all proposed and implemented regimes designed to limit GHG emissions in order to understand likely pathways for implementation, key decision points, and the potential role of the VCS Program.
3. Develop relationships with key policy- and decision-makers to enable effective communication, particularly as it relates to the development of GHG policies and regulations.
4. Develop relationships with other organizations (e.g., non-profits, private sector entities) that will help establish a thorough understanding of the emerging regimes.
5. Draft and finalize comments, as necessary, as input to emerging GHG frameworks.
6. Participate in conference calls and meetings regarding the development of GHG regimes.
7. Identify opportunities for other VCS staff to engage with policy- and decision-makers.
8. Assist with other parts of the organization as needed.

The position will likely include extensive travel, both domestically and abroad.

Qualifications: 

Required Knowledge, Experience and Skills:

1. Excellend oral and written communication skills.
2. 3-5 years work experience.
3. Experience understanding the processes involved in designing regulatory frameworks.
4. Experience in carbon markets would be considered an asset.
5. Masters degreen in Public Policy or a related field would be considered an asset.
6. Fluency in English absolutely essential; fluency in another UN language would be considered an asset.
7. Sharp analytical mind, with good attention to detail.
8. Ability to multi-task on issues of substance.
9. Ability to work independently and on own initiative.
10. Professional approach and demeanor.
11. Excellent organizational, communication, interpersonal and team skills.

Compensation: A competitive salary is available and other terms and conditions will be discussed during the application process. Applicants must be eligible to work in the US.

To Apply: 

Applicants are requested to submit the following documents:

1. Cover letter (not to exceed 1 page).
2. Resume/CV (not to exceed 2 pages).
3. A short writing sample (maximum 500 words) outlining the role voluntary market programs can play in the emergence of compliance regimes.

All documents must be submitted by 18 February 2011.