Job Alert: Senior Policy Associate

About Duke University

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

About the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability

The Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions has merged with the Duke University Energy Initiative to create a new organization: the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability. Working closely with Duke University schools and other units, the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability advances the university’s mission to build a more sustainable world by developing transformative educational experiences; galvanizing and conducting impactful research; and engaging with key decision makers at the global, national, state, and local levels. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values of the Nicholas Institute. We believe that the educational environment is enhanced when diverse groups of people with diverse ideas come together to learn. Applicants with a demonstrated commitment to issues of diversity in higher education are particularly encouraged to apply.

Occupational Summary

Duke University’s Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability (NI) is searching for a Senior Policy Associate in the James E. Rogers Energy Access Project (EAP). Established in 2017, EAP advances foundational research and fosters constructive dialogue among the world’s policy makers, entrepreneurs, and scholars to support evidence-based decision making related to energy poverty in the developing world. It engages students, locally and globally, while supporting the development of new, disruptive tools and models that break down barriers to improved energy access. Reporting to the EAP Director, the Senior Policy Associate will contribute across program activities, and strategically implement research that engages relevant decision makers and partners in the public, private, and civil society sectors. The associate will assume a leadership role of one or more of EAP’s primary workstreams–Modernizing Energy Access Finance, Powering Productive and Healthy Communities, Building Equitable and Sustainable Communities—and drive thought leadership and analysis, convenings and network development, and both directly and indirectly contribute to real world energy and development policy and investment decisions. Over time this associate should cover ½ of salary with external funding. NIEES will work with the associate on this funding.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to a comprehensive set of project management activities, including research and writing, data visualization and presentations, seminar and roundtable convenings, network growth, fundraising, budget and grant management, student and staff supervision, project origination and ideation, and beyond.
• Working closely with and in support of the Director and Faculty Director of EAP, plan and conduct independent and collaborative research and analysis, publishing results internally, in policy briefs, short form articles and in peer- reviewed academic journals, as appropriate. Provide active leadership in engaging with university faculty, EAP Affiliates, policymakers and programmers, and other key stakeholders by actively leading in the development and operation of working groups and representing EAP at relevant on-campus and off-campus meetings, gatherings and events.
• Assume leadership role in raising funds for research projects in one or more of EAP’s workstreams by presenting and negotiating plans for cooperative or sponsored research projects. Serve as a point of contact for the subprogram areas with foundation program officers and other external stakeholders, including representatives of nonprofits, corporations, and corporate philanthropies.
• Develop, secure, and manage research funding independently, serving as the principal investigator on projects. Independently manage grant funds and projects, including spending. Report to Duke offices charged with project monitoring, as well as to funders regarding project progress, performance, completion, and impacts.
• Provide leadership and expertise for EAP and NI in developing theories of impact, plans for research projects, curricula, thought leadership, interpreting results of projects and preparing publications. Provide and deliver oral and written presentations to relay project information to target audiences. Strategically plan for and actively engage key external stakeholders, creating opportunities to support evidence-based policymaking, programming, and investment.
• Take initiative in collaborating with other NI programs—especially the Energy and Climate Program—on strategic initiatives, with special attention given to finding ways to integrate work across various program areas. Serve as the EAP and NI’s principal representative for subprogram fields through travel to meetings, conferences, and donor solicitations, and deliver formal presentations as appropriate. Respond directly and independently to requests for information, including legislative and policy drafting, from public officials and other key audiences.
• Recruit, manage, and supervise research staff, including the conduction of their periodic performance reviews and evaluations. Recruit, supervise, train and mentor multiple graduate student research assistants and interns.
• Identify and create opportunities for publicizing the Institute’s work, including informing external stakeholders about research projects and output. Identify, establish, and manage new opportunities for involving Duke students in EAP and NI research. Depending on expertise and specific duties, procure, design, and operate economic or technical models or tools in assigned program areas.
• Take the lead in planning and conducting meetings, workshops, conferences, and events related to the subprogram field, working to directly engage stakeholders in the planning and execution of the events. Communicate understanding of scientific and policy-based approaches to the EAP and NI’s target audiences through written and oral presentations.
• Contribute to the Duke Climate Commitment by liaising internally with students and other members of the Duke community to advance energy and climate applied research and education.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in public policy, law, natural science, engineering, or another field directly related to the position.
• With master’s degree, 4 years of progressive experience in policy and analysis at the international, federal, regional, and/or state level. A degree higher than a master’s degree may substitute for two years of experience.
• Demonstrated experience in energy, climate, and/or international development policy, including familiarity with policymakers and organizations in the field.
• Ability to interact effectively with government officials, business leaders, academics, non-governmental organizations and stakeholders’ groups.
• Ability to collaborate and engage with Duke University faculty, students, and other relevant experts across campus.
• Strong organizational and management skills.
• Excellent writing and communications skills.

Other relevant information

The position is based at the Institute headquarters on the Duke University campus in Durham, North Carolina. Some travel to Washington, D.C., and other locations in the United States and internationally is expected. The individual chosen should be able to collaborate with staff and external partners at multiple remote locations across multiple time-zones (including internationally).

To Apply

Please send a cover letter and curriculum vitae to the application link referenced in this announcement. Submit your documents online at https://hr.duke.edu/careers / apply for 247293.

The committee will fully consider all applications sent by July 25, 2024, with the intention of a start date no later than September 1, 2024.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Master’s degree in science, engineering, law, policy, or a field directly related to the position. PhD or JD preferred.

Experience

Five years of progressive experience in policy research and analysis at the international, federal, regional and/or state level or equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.