2020 U.S. Public Policy Fellowship

CDP North America is seeking two engaging individuals for a fast-paced fellowship program in its New York City office U.S. public policy. The fellow will be integral in forming and executing an engagement strategy to improve the communication of CDP insights to U.S. policymakers on a range of issues. Responsibilities include preparing messages tailored to a policymaker audience, research and drafting briefing material, and tracking policy developments.Issues will range from financial regulations and corporate reporting requirements, to regulation of GHG emissions and how communities face the physical impacts of climate change. The fellow will develop expertise in discussing the policy and business contexts to climate change, water use and/or deforestation challenges.

The candidate we seek:

We seek a well-organized and eloquent individual with a solid academic and/or professional foundation in political science and specific knowledge of the U.S. policy context. You can confidently and succinctly frame and communicate complex ideas. You bring a sense of purpose and excitement to the work you do and are eager to translate your passion into actionable results. This role would suit a new graduate seeking major project experience, or a well-organized individual undertaking post-graduate studies.

Key responsibilities:

• Prepare and execute a tactical engagement plan based on an identified set of priority issues, venues and key moments in 2020, including the US G7 presidency.At the end of the fellowship, evaluate the plan’s effectiveness and deliver a set of recommendations for future work.
• Prepare messages tailored to a policymaker audience, drawing on existing CDP research and analysis and/or undertaking new research and analysis as necessary based on CDP data.Outputs could take published form as reports, briefing notes, online and social media content.
• Prepare background research and briefing material for meetings with policymakers.Maintain processes to track policy developments in the U.S.
• Establish and maintain an open line of communication with partner organizations.
• Make logistical arrangements for meetings and travel.

Key requirements:

• Professional and/or academic knowledge of U.S. environmental or energy policy, corporate environmental reporting, or climate-risk financial regulations. A degree in public policy or environmental science with a focus on public policy would be highly desired.
• Familiarity with business implications to private sector companies represented by climate change, water use and/or deforestation (such as issues associated with timber, palm oil, soy and/or cattle products).
• Direct experience working in or engaging with the U.S. political system at the federal, state or local level.
• Strong communication skills, able to confidently and succinctly frame and communicate complex ideas in written and oral form.
• Organized and agile approach to work, able to come up to speed on technical information quickly and independently, able to meet deadlines under pressure.

Compensation and Expectations:

• The fellowship is a four-month paid position, commencing in March 2020, with potential for extension.
• Hourly commitment is an average of 24 hours per week. Hours will vary depending on demand and can be flexible to accommodate the fellow’s schedule.
• Fellows will be welcome to apply for any full-time positions that may arise during the fellowship.
• This role is based in CDP’s New York City office, though exceptional candidates who reside outside of New York will be considered.

To Apply:

• Interested candidates should email [email protected], attaching a resume and a cover letter expressing your interest and suitability. Please use the following subject line: 2020 U.S. Public Policy Fellow Application – [First Name Last Name]
• Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Early applications encouraged.

CDP North America, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. CDP North America, Inc. is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion.