Program Intern, Spring 2011

The Voluntary Carbon Standard (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. Global experts from top NGOs and international organizations join our advisory groups to help develop carbon policy guidelines in new areas.

The VCSA is looking for an intern to help with the VCS Program during this time of tremendous growth.

Position Overview:

The VCSA recently convened a new advisory group to draft guidelines for scaling up GHG markets via standardized approaches to additionality and measurement of emission reductions. The intern will coordinate meetings, take minutes and gather input from advisory group members as they debate and draft these new policy guidelines.

The intern will also be required to do independent research and, in some cases, draft policy recommendations that will go back to advisory group members for debate. This is an exciting opportunity for a very sharp and organized candidate to work at the cutting edge of global climate policy in direct contact with top global experts.

Responsibilities:

1. Conduct research and draft policy documents on standardized approaches for baselines and additionality;
2. Liaise with steering committee members to organize meetings, to take minutes and to collect and organize policy inputs and recommendations;
3. Research existing literature and manage the document repository for the steering committee;
4. Assist with other aspects of the VCS Program, as required. Strong writing skills and familiarity with social media would be assets as we are currently revamping our web site.

Qualifications:

Required Knowledge, Experience and Skills:

1. Sharp analytical mind, with good attention to detail.
2. Strong research skills.
3. Ability to work independently and on own initiative.
4. Professional approach and demeanor.
5. Good organizational, communication, interpersonal and team skills.
6. Strong written and oral communications skills.
7. Basic knowledge of carbon markets.

Compensation: The internship will be based in the VCSA's office in Washington, DC and applicants must be available to work at the office. The position requires a time commitment of 20 hours per week and we are offering an honorary stipend of $750/month. The VCS is experiencing tremendous growth, and there may be future internship opportunities with increasing responsibilities and there is the possibility of job openings for the right candidate in 2011 and/or 2012.

The VCSA will gladly work with candidates who would like to receive course credit for their work, but the candidate must coordinate any and all requisite documentation and administration.

To Apply:

Applicants must be eligible to work in the US (US citizen or currently holding authorization to work in the US). Applicants are requested to submit the following documents:

1. Cover letter, including an outline of your interest in the voluntary carbon market and the VCSA, and your understanding of the challenges related to demonstrating additionality in carbon offset projects (not to exceed 2 pages).
2. Resume/CV (not to exceed 2 pages).

All documents should be submitted by email. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received and the application deadline is close of business 11 February 2011.