Senior Energy Analyst (Climate & Energy Program) — Washington, DC, Cambridge, MA or Chicago, IL Office

Organization: Union of Concerned Scientists

Job Title: Senior Energy Analyst

Location: Washington, DC, Cambridge, MA or Chicago, IL Office

Hours and Compensation: This is a full-time position. Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. UCS offers excellent benefits and is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff.

Application Deadline: November 19, 2012 or until filled.

Posted On: Oct. 24, 2012

Organization Overview

The Union of Concerned Scientists is a nonprofit partnership of scientists and citizens combining rigorous scientific analysis, innovative policy development and effective citizen advocacy to achieve practical environmental solutions.

Established in 1969, we seek to ensure that all people have clean air, energy and transportation, as well as food that is produced in a safe and sustainable manner. We strive for a future that is free from the threats of global warming and nuclear war, and a planet that supports a rich diversity of life. Sound science guides our efforts to secure changes in government policy, corporate practices and consumer choices that will protect and improve the health of our environment globally, nationally and in communities throughout the United States. In short, UCS seeks a great change in humanity’s stewardship of the earth.

Description

Under the direction of the Director Energy Research and Analysis, this position helps lead UCS initiatives to shape federal, regional and state electricity markets, regulation and policies to increase renewable energy and demand-side resources while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Conduct research and analysis in support of UCS’ energy campaign and other program development work. Serve as senior spokesperson to advocate for UCS positions to policy makers and key constituencies, and present analyses and policy positions in public forums. Conduct expert engagement to key constituencies.

Responsibilities

• Help develop policy positions and analyses relating to electricity markets, planning and regulation at the federal and regional levels that govern electricity markets. Relevant forums include the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Congress, the Department of Energy, the North American Electric Reliability Council, National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, the Environmental Protection Agency, and Regional Transmission Organizations.
• Play a lead role in activities affecting transmission access, regulation and pricing at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, at regional transmission organizations and independent system operators, and in related Congressional initiatives. Help define and advance UCS strategy to successfully influence regulatory and legislative outcomes to increase deployment of renewable energy and demand-side resources. Participate in NGO and industry coalitions to advance UCS objectives.
• Monitor the development and implementation of regional transmission organization strategies, in conjunction with regional office staff, and engagement with non-RTO utilities and regulators to advance the accelerated deployment of renewables in the most appropriate service areas.
• Conduct research and analysis in support of UCS’ energy campaign and senior staff on legislative and regulatory initiatives affecting the electric industry, including market structure and regulation, transmission and distribution, reliability, and the integration and expansion of clean energy technologies into the grid.
• Participate in related NGO and industry clean energy coalitions and represent UCS in meetings with federal and state regulators. Develop and expand UCS staff expertise and visibility on issues related to energy markets, policy and regulation; participate in the development of related filings, letters and interventions; and manage external consultants and legal advisors on key regulatory and markets initiatives.
• Present UCS positions at conferences, workshops and other key audiences. Respond to media requests; prepare op-eds and letters to the editor; and develop talking points, blog postings, web copy and other analytical and message products for use in UCS communication, educational, advocacy and outreach activities as needed.
• Work with other UCS staff to help educate members of Congress and the administration, governors, federal agency and regulatory leaders and their staffs about UCS positions, and help advance UCS’s legislative agenda.
• Advise and educate UCS staff on the intersection of UCS clean energy goals and objectives and related national and regional market policies and regulations that affect those goals.
• Maintain awareness of role as representative of UCS; consider impact of activities on organization reputation and credentials in public and private sectors; direct energies whenever possible to promote UCS, advance organization objectives, enhance funding opportunities, and substantiate credibility. Prepare and submit periodic internal reports on activities.
• Perform other duties as directed.
• Moderate travel required.

Qualifications

Position requires broad and sophisticated knowledge of the electricity sector and climate and energy policy, acquired through completion of at least a master’s degree program in a relevant area (public policy, economics, science, engineering, law, or related field or equivalent experience). Also required is detailed knowledge of state and federal legislative and regulatory policy making processes that affect the electricity sector. Strong and demonstrated research and analytic skills are essential, as is the ability to work in a team setting with other technical, outreach, advocacy, communication, and development staff. Understanding of electricity sector modeling and background in project management and budgeting is also preferred. Proficiency in standard office technology, including word processing, electronic communication, and spreadsheets is required. Excellent writing, editing, speaking and public contact skills are also required.

Position requires seven to ten years of progressively responsible and relevant experience and demonstrated commitment to the application of science to public policy, especially on climate and energy issues.

At UCS, comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter, salary requirements, how you learned about the position and resume via email to[email protected] and include “Senior Energy Analyst” in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls please. Deadline: November 19, 2012 or until filled.