Tropical Forest and Climate Initiative Assistant

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~ The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. ~

Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.

Position Overview 

The Tropical Forest and Climate Initiative (TFCI) Assistant will support the TFCI team on priority
activities to reduce emissions from commodity-driven tropical deforestation. This is a full-time, one-year position based in UCS's Washington DC office.

These activities include analysis, outreach, administrative support and
effective campaigning to build strategic support among key businesses,
consumers, UCS supporters and other influential stakeholders.

During their time at UCS, the TFCI Assistant will develop a more
comprehensive understanding of the drivers of deforestation, policies to
mitigate deforestation, and the importance of reducing deforestation rates as a
climate change solution. The position will provide a behind-the-scenes look at
the operations of a large non-profit with multiple offices across the
country. 

The role allows for
participation in coalition and advocacy meetings, and associated activities
that provide networking and future career opportunities for scientists and
policy-focused students in the forests, international development, corporate
social responsibility, and environmental arena.

In addition, the person in this
position will have opportunities to learn about the process of developing and
executing strategies that achieve corporate and public policy outcomes while
honing their ability to research and communicate complex environmental issues
effectively to diverse stakeholders in oral and written forms.  

Responsibilities 

• Schedules and participates in regular campaign as
  well as other internal and external meetings for department staff;
• Coordinates administration systems of the TFCI
  team including meeting agendas and scheduling, and logistics for TFCI team and
  project meetings as well as preparing and distributing meeting notes;
• Conducts research to further forest and climate
  policy objectives. Potential projects
  and activities include researching corporate palm oil purchasing policies, palm
  oil expansion trends, and examples of forest solutions for palm oil producers
  and traders, as well as identifying relevant academic experts with expertise in
  these areas; and research, analysis, and writing for new report on emissions
  from agriculture in relation to diet and food waste;
• Proofreads and assists with preparation of
  reports and products;
• Assists with communicating analysis on reducing
  tropical deforestation in corporate supply chains by drafting content for
  website, social media posts, and emails to members and coalition partners;
• Engages UCS activists, experts, and coalition
  partners to secure improved business policies and shape public policy related
  to palm oil, palm-based biofuels, and land use.
• Disseminates reports and other materials to
  targeted recipients; loads email alerts and other online activism tools;
  assists in developing engaging social media content; event and webinar
  coordination;
• Maintains departmental databases, publications,
  electronic and paper files, subscriptions, and staff calendar;
• Manages consultants' contracts and processing
  invoices;
• Manages logistics for attendance at scientific
  meetings and conferences;
• Assists the TFCI team with flights and
  accommodation (local and international) as well as expense reports and other
  financial & accounting documents; troubleshoots expense reimbursements;
• Attends and represent UCS in select coalition
  calls and meetings, briefings, and conferences; and
• Provides support for projects as needed by the
  TFCI team.  

Qualifications and Experience 

• The ideal candidate for this position would possess an ability to
  simultaneously manage and prioritize many tasks and an ability to communicate
  effectively with diverse audiences.
• Applicants should also demonstrate strong
  research skills, a positive, team-oriented attitude, and ability to work in a
  deadline-driven environment.
• Interest in and/or experience working on agricultural
  commodities, tropical forest conservation and land use, palm oil, corporate
  sustainability,  international
  development and/or other forest and land use issues is a plus.
• Candidates should be able to demonstrate excellent organizational
  skills, attention to detail, strong oral and written communication skills, and
  proficiency with computers.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including Word,
  Excel, and Outlook, Google Docs, and database and graphic manipulation software
  strongly preferred.
• Also needed are excellent interpersonal relations skills
  including an ability to work both independently and in teams, and to interact
  professionally with individuals with a wide range of skills and
  responsibilities. 
• Bachelor's degree
  required.
• May require long periods at a computer terminal and keyboard.
• Light travel schedule to conferences and scientific meetings, largely
  on the East Coast.
• At UCS, comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for
  degrees when appropriate. 

Our experts work on some of the most complex and daunting problems in our history: stemming the tide of global warming, finding sustainable ways to feed, power and transport ourselves, and reducing the threat of catastrophic war. Our achievements over the decades show that thoughtful action based on the best available science can help safeguard our future and the future of our planet. 

Compensation: For candidates who meet all
position requirements, the salary is $15/hour ($31, 200 annually). UCS offers excellent benefits and a
rewarding work environment.
Information about the organization is available at http://www.ucsusa.org

To Apply 

• Please use the email address below to send a cover letter, resume, a writing sample (or excerpt) of 1-2 pages, salary
  requirements, and how you learned about the position.
• Type "TFCI
  Program Assistant - Internship" in the subject line.
• Email materials in Word or
  PDF format only. No phone calls please. 
• Deadline:
  August 25, 2014 or until filled. 

~ UCS is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff and to broaden opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy. ~ 

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