Program Intern, Summer 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 intern will play an important role in supporting the work of the program, strategy and communications teams. Specifically, the intern can be expected to:

1. Assist with research and policy development for emerging issues being tackled by the program team;
2. Assist with operational aspects of the program, liaising with VCS registries and VCS stakeholders where required;
3. Conduct research and draft policy documents on standardized approaches for baselines and additionality, in coordination with the VCS Steering Committee on Standardized Approaches;
4. Conduct research on insurance products available for Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU) projects.
5. Work with the Communications Director to develop a strategic outreach initiative to target key stakeholder groups.

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 comment of 40 hours per week and we are offering an honorary stipend of $1500/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 must be submitted by close of business 22 February 2011. Interviews will be held in early March.