Policy Associate

The Health Effects Institute (HEI) is a nonprofit organization providing impartial, relevant, and high-quality scientific information about the health effects of air pollution to decision makers in government and industry in the US and increasingly around the world. Its core funds come jointly from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and industry; HEI also receives funds for major programs from other governments, industries, development banks, and foundations for work in North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

HEI is growing, with major new domestic and international initiatives on identifying the most toxic air pollution components and sources, assessing the health effects of exposure to traffic, measuring the health impact of actions taken to improve air quality, testing the latest technology engines and fuels, and other priority areas. HEI is funding a wide range of innovative epidemiologic, toxicologic, and other research at universities and research centers in many countries on four continents.

Position Overview:

To help manage and extend this growing activity, HEI is seeking a Policy Associate to work closely with the President and Vice-President to help:

• Identify and understand key air pollution and health policy issues in the developed and developing world;   
• Develop and sustain contact with HEI government and industry sponsors and other policy leaders in government, industry, and the non-governmental sector who are addressing these issues;   
• Provide ongoing insight to HEI's scientists on the key questions facing decision makers;   
• Communicate the results of HEI's work to decision makers and other stakeholders both formally and informally.

The Policy Associate would be expected to work in a team with the President and Vice President in their conduct of these activities at the outset of his/her work at HEI, growing to act in an increasingly independent manner on key priority programs as her/his skills and experience grow.

Qualifications for this position are:

• Three to five years of experience working in policy settings, preferably in the environmental field;    
• A graduate or undergraduate degree in public administration, environmental planning, political science, or a related field;   
• Strong personal and organizational skills;   
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.   
• Specific experience in air pollution is valuable but not essential.

To Apply:

HEI offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits. Interested applicants should submit a letter and resume. Please send letter and resume, by October 31, 2007 by email or postal mail to:

Ms. Francine Marmenout
Senior Executive Assistant
Health Effects Institute
Charlestown Navy Yard
120 Second Avenue
Boston MA 02129