Policy Analyst

Our distinctive approach to environmental protection emphasizes the creative use of market mechanisms to reach well-crafted, durable solutions to environmental problems. The organization builds teams of scientists, lawyers, and economists to investigate the scientific causes of environmental problems as well as the market forces and government policies that encourage, subsidize, and prevent environmental damage.

In the full range of environmental arenas (air, water, climate, soil, toxic chemicals, and wildlife), Environmental Defense seeks practical solutions, founded on science, that policy makers and industry can be urged to adopt.

Position Overview:

The Policy Analyst will provide analytical and research support to the Director of Economic Policy and Analysis in order to strengthen the organization's ability to produce rigorous qualitative and quantitative analysis informing and supporting our advocacy positions. S/he will be based in the New York City headquarters.

Responsibilities include: 

* Assisting the Director of Economic Policy and Analysis in writing technical reports, white papers, Op-Eds, blog posts, and other pieces;
* Conducting library and Internet research, including surveys of the economics literature;
* Building and maintaining databases of information from external sources on emissions, energy demand and supply, and macroeconomic indicators;
* Working with teams of other staff to produce qualitative and quantitative analyses of the environmental and economic impacts of legislative proposals and policy positions;
* Helping to develop and disseminate new ideas for climate policy, especially with respect to promoting technology innovation;
* Helping to oversee research projects contracted out to other organizations (e.g. universities).

Qualifications: 

* Master's level degree, preferably in economics, public policy, environmental policy, business and administration or equivalent field. Candidates with law degrees or other doctoral level degrees also welcome. Candidates without a graduate degree will be considered based on qualifying experience. 
* Strong background in micro- and macroeconomics, environmental economics, and basic econometrics. 
* Strong quantitative skills. 
* Must be a strong writer and researcher. Must be able to write for a range of audiences; including technical reports, white papers, blog posts and Op-Eds, and material for donors and members. 
* Ability to work independently and with limited supervision. 
* Ability to work as part of a team and, when needed, to coordinate work from a number of individuals. 
* Intellectual curiosity, creativity, and flexibility. Must be able to understand both sides of an issue. 
* Ability to think on one's feet and identify the important assumptions in any analysis. Must be able to conduct back-of-the-envelope analyses combining analytical thinking with common sense.
* Keen judgment. Must be able to go beyond researching and compiling information to make reasoned decisions on policy issues and strategy.
* Familiarity with climate policy a plus. 
* Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; familiarity with statistical software packages such as STATA.

To Apply

Please email, fax or mail resume with cover letter and salary requirements.

Cheryl Pickard, PHR
Human Resources Generalist
Environmental Defense
1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20009

Environmental Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities and the physically challenged are encouraged to apply.