Fellowship: Howard University Fellow

With world attention focused on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. This leading green group, with programs from Boston to Beijing, has tripled in size over the past decade by focusing on strong science, uncommon partnerships, and market-based approaches. You can be part of a vibrant workplace that welcomes diverse perspectives, talents, and contributions, where innovation and a focus on results are a way of life.

Overall Function
The Fellow will be part of EDF's Smart Power initiative.  The Smart Power team works with utilities, companies, organizations and communities to help them all find ways to reduce emissions through smarter uses of energy with a focus on the electric grid.  Over the next 10 years, utilities will have to invest hundreds of millions of dollars to modernize our electricity grid, most of which is past the age of retirement. By making smart investments in a "smart" green grid, we can greatly reduce our use of dirty energy and advance our energy independence and economic growth.
 
Key Responsibilities:

• Assist the Smart Grid team in state advocacy work in New York, New Jersey, California and Illinois.
• Perform energy policy research related to state smart grid initiatives, new utility business models, new business models for renewable and clean energy including solar, distributed generation and electric cars; track activities, programs and initiatives of city and state agencies.
• Monitor state and federal regulatory proceedings and dockets for new proceedings and orders of interest; maintain litigation calendar.
• Perform research on domestic and international best practices in energy policy.
• Develop reports, fact sheets, web-based materials, manuals, publications and other materials for internal and external audiences.
• Function as a member of the Smart Grid team; participate in discussions about strategy and planning in order to accomplish the team's goals, and help with the execution of team workplan elements.
• Other duties as needed.

 
Qualifications
This position is limited to current graduate students and recent graduate program alumni of Howard University, through a special partnership between Howard University and the Environmental Defense Fund.

• Bachelor's degree required (advanced degree preferred) in environmental science and/or law, engineering, economics, energy policy, environmental studies or other related field. 
• Superior written and verbal skills with the expertise to communicate complex issues to non-technical audiences. 
• Understanding of/experience with energy policy and/or the utility sector highly desired.
• Interest in and ability to understand economic, environmental, business, financial and other issues related to energy policy, law and regulations.
• Strong organizational and people skills needed; be a self-starter, but able to work well in a team setting.
• Capable of managing a diverse, quick-paced workload producing high quality work.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects.
• Experience with Microsoft Outlook and Office, specifically PowerPoint, Word and Excel. 

Location
Washington DC or New York, NY

Term One year, beginning July 2013

Application
Interested applicants should apply online with the following: 
No phone calls please.

1. Cover letter describing why he/she is interested in the fellowship
2. Curriculum Vitae or resume
3. Transcript (unofficial copy)
4. Writing sample (5 page maximum)
5. Letter of recommendation from a faculty member who knows applicant and his/her work well

 
Please review EDF’s work on Smart Power on our website prior to applying.  Please indicate in your cover letter why EDF’s distinctive approach to this issue is a good fit for your interests and background.

Due to the volume of employment applications and queries received, EDF is unable to respond to each application individually. Applicants will be contacted directly if selected as a candidate.

Environmental Defense Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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