With world attention on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. By focusing on strong science, uncommon partnerships and market-based approaches, we tackle urgent threats with practical solutions. We are one of the world’s largest environmental organizations, with more than two million members and a staff of approximately 700 scientists, economists, policy experts, and other professionals around the world. We operate in 22 geographies with unique projects running across four programs. You will be part of a vibrant workplace where innovation and results are a way of life.
EDF envisions a world in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected to the environmental challenges we face and are engaged in creating durable, equitable solutions. We seek talented candidates who share our Core Values of Respect, Results, Innovation, Optimism, and Integrity, and support our Commitment to Diversity.
Location – Amsterdam or Brussels
EDF’s Office of the Chief Economist Overview
The Office of the Chief Economist (OCE) is the nexus of economics at EDF, ensuring that the economic thinking that is the backbone for all EDF policy positions is based on the best available research and information. To be most effective in this role, the Office of the Chief Economist provides support for other teams throughout EDF and fosters relationships with economists outside the organization.
EDF’s Global Methane Work Overview
As recently highlighted by the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report the world needs to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to avoid the worst consequences of climate change. A key goal for EDF is therefore to bend the curve on greenhouse gas emissions from oil and gas production and use by 2030, while meeting the world’s energy needs cleanly and equitably.
We are pursuing this goal through activities targeted at 1) reducing emissions from oil and gas production, delivery, and use, and 2) reducing demand for oil and gas in power generation, transportation, buildings, and industry. To achieve our goal, we seek reforms in law, regulation, and/or business practice through a set of strategic corporate partnerships, direct engagement with policymakers in key jurisdictions, and mobilizing investor and public sentiment in favor of change. Our approach is to develop durable solutions based on cutting-edge science, technical innovation, and rigorous economic and financial analysis.
As a core part of this work, EDF seeks to reduce global oil and gas methane emissions 45% from 2012 levels by the end of 2025. Our long-term vision is that effective government policies and industry practices will virtually eliminate methane emissions from the oil and gas industry, thereby reducing total anthropogenic methane emissions by approximately one-third and slowing the rate of warming.
Overall Function
Sitting within OCE and working closely with EDF experts from other disciplines, including EDF Europe staff, the Economics & Policy Analyst, Global Methane will be a key team member conducting research and analysis with a focus on supporting EDF’s global methane work. You will engage on a variety of topics that relate to our global methane work, with an expected focus on supporting our advocacy in the European Union, Japan, South Korea and potentially China. You will be based in Amsterdam or Brussels and report to a Director and Lead Senior Economist in OCE.
Responsibilities
- Perform timely in-house analyses for OCE senior staff and EDF’s Global Methane team
- Compile and analyzing data, applying models, designing scenarios and producing research reports and briefings
- Build and maintain knowledge on a variety of topics related to EDF’s global methane work, including, but not limited to: country-level and operator-level emissions, oil and gas methane regulations, energy policy developments in various jurisdictions (with a focus on the European Union, Japan, South Korea and China), oil and gas imports and exports, policy design, the social cost of methane, etc.
- Help write reports and academic papers summarizing research for a broader audience, along with public communications, including presentations and blog posts
- Prepare information to respond to inquiries from a variety of stakeholders
- Help organize workshops on topics related to EDF’s global methane work, including conducting background research, drafting background materials, and synthesizing workshop outcomes
- Apply excellent organizational, communication, and planning skills in preparing correspondence and reports, responding to requests for information, and helping to coordinate activities among staff members
- Respond to “rapid-response” queries relating to EDF’s global methane work
Qualifications
We are seeking candidates who have a demonstrated ability to conduct rigorous research and analysis in the area of environmental policy, economics, or a closely related field. Candidates must have exceptional problem solving skills, work independently, and be able to ensure consistency and quality of research products. You should also have:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s-level degree in economics or a related field; 1-2 years of professional experience (preferred)
- Demonstrated interest in climate change (international experience a plus)
- Undergraduate or master’s level knowledge of environmental economics or environmental policy preferred
- Highly proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other office productivity software.
- Knowledge of programming languages such as Python or R a plus
- Excellent research and analytical skills and an interest in performing rigorous quantitative analysis in support of highly visible work
- Willingness to take initiative and able to multi-task under tight deadlines
- Ability to work independently, to manage projects and participate in research efforts
- Keen attention to detail to ensure consistency and quality of outputs
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Proficiency in English and knowledge of one additional UN or EU language required: Mandarin proficiency an advantage but not a requirement
- Ability to work with colleagues and partners of varied backgrounds and experience
- Ability to support a multi-disciplinary team, using independent judgment required to plan, prioritize, and organize diversified workload
Term
This is a two year fixed term.
Eligibility
You must have the right to live and work in the EU when applying.
Environmental Defense Fund is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.