Arctic Policy Lead

Woodwell Climate Research Center•Falmouth, MA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) is seeking an Arctic Policy Lead to work closely with scientific staff, marketing, communications, and policy experts, and project partners. The role involves engaging stakeholders and policymakers on the impact of permafrost thaw and northern wildfires. The Arctic Policy Lead will consult and coordinate with the Permafrost Pathways team and project partners to drive the policy strategy and guide policy implementation activities for this project at Woodwell Climate.

Requirements

Demonstrated written and oral communication skills for policy audiences.
Demonstrated ability to translate complex, technical information into clear, engaging language for policy audiences.
Awareness of the evolving international climate and wildfire policy landscape, with the ability to identify opportunities for engagement.
Ability to independently carry out research and information-gathering to support policy engagement.
Highly organized, attentive to detail, and results oriented.
Able to work independently, collaboratively, and creatively to find solutions to challenges.
Experience and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.
Strong interest in coordinating policy activities with Arctic Indigenous and local communities and organizations.
Master’s degree or Juris Doctor (JD) with 2+ years of experience or equivalent.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of how climate change is impacting Arctic regions and of key Arctic policy stakeholders and processes is advantageous.
Understanding of national (U.S.) climate policy decision-making processes.
Understanding of Canada and international climate policy mechanisms and processes.

Responsibilities

Develop and refine an ongoing policy strategy for relevant Alaska, US federal, Canadian, and international policies.
Identify opportunities to increase awareness of and responsiveness to the impact of permafrost thaw and wildfires among key policy decision makers.
Advocate for strengthened national and international mitigation and adaptation policies based on the best available science.
Coordinate efforts to build collaborative relationships with external organizations, policy experts, government decisionmakers, and other key stakeholders.
Develop Arctic and boreal science-policy issue briefs, concept notes, one-pagers, position statements, public comments, and congressional testimonies, etc.
Provide policy support for project leadership at relevant Arctic and climate policy meetings and working groups, including those connected to US-federal agencies, Canadian agencies and jurisdictions, and the UNFCCC.
Support and/or participate in meetings, workshops, and other events hosted by, or relevant to, this project.
Support collaboration with Permafrost Pathways partners on policy-relevant activities, outputs, and events, as needed.
Coordinate with the Policy and Government Relations team at Woodwell Climate and with other staff at Woodwell Climate on policy-relevant activities, as needed.
Develop policy engagement KPIs and track engagement and progress metrics.