Term-limited Legal Analyst, Climate and Environment Washington, DC remote option av

Washington, DC [remote option available]

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) takes quite seriously our role as a beacon and voice for the science community.

FAS has a rich history: after the devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, a group of atomic researchers – deeply concerned about the use of science for malice – created an organization committed to using science and technology to benefit humanity.

The group they created – the Federation of Atomic Scientists – soon became the Federation of American Scientists in recognition of the hundreds of scientists across diverse disciplines who joined together to speak with one voice for the betterment of the world.

Today, we are a group of entrepreneurial, intrepid changemakers, forging a better future for all through the nexus of science, technology and talent. We value equity, inclusion, and transparency. As a collective, we are building an organization focused on being impact-driven, customer-focused, and growth-oriented as a force for good in the world.

What skills do you need to show proficiency (or higher) in order to be a strong candidate?

• At least 5 years of relevant experience (e.g., in law, policy, applied research, consulting, etc.), especially on climate, the administrative state, and/or environmental topics. Please note each year of higher education beyond high school is considered equivalent to one year of professional experience.
• Exemplary writing and editing skills, especially with respect to policy briefs and longer, policy-relevant articles, reports, and whitepapers.
• Ability to break large and complex projects into manageable components and timelines, and to flexibly adjust project plans to changing circumstances.
• Ability to track and provide quality control for multiple deliverables associated with a single project.
• Ability to coordinate work energetically, enthusiastically, and successfully across diverse teams.
• Ability to provide clear direction to project contributors at very different levels of seniority, including informally “managing up” within and outside of FAS.
• Ability to set and track performance metrics, outputs, and outcomes.
• Ability to work independently without close oversight while also contributing as a team player.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and pursuing it within the mission of FAS.
• Willingness to learn, give, seek and implement feedback.

• Familiarity with core bodies of U.S. environmental law and policy.
• Familiarity with areas of law and policy that are broadly relevant to climate and the transition to a clean economy. Examples include administrative law, state or federal government capacity issues, judicial and congressional reform efforts, industrial policy, trade law and policy.

What’s the “elevator pitch” for the role?

The Federation of American Scientists is seeking a Legal Analyst, Climate and Environment.

This is a one-year, full-time, fully benefited position. Continuation beyond the initial one-year term is contingent on organizational financial standing and continued funding availability, as well as FAS organizational needs and mutual interest. This role reports to FAS’s Senior Manager, Regulatory Ingenuity, within the Climate and Environment portfolio.

In this role, you will play an integral role in supporting FAS’s new Center for Regulatory Ingenuity (CRI): a new hub that is bringing people together across disciplines and ideologies to develop forward-looking strategies for tackling climate change and other “wicked problems” in ways that are ambitious, durable, and deeply responsive to the lived experiences of Americans.

As part of this mission, you will work closely with FAS staff and affiliates to activate the public and private American environmental law bars to develop theories and practical ideas that can ground a next generation of delivery-focused policies. Our goal is to develop a legal framework, broadly supported across current ideological divisions, that can rapidly establish a clean technology transition, cut pollution, and rebuild trust in public institutions.

We will look for…