6 Research jobs

Director, Investor Network    Organization Ceres is a sustainability nonprofit organization leading the most influential investors and companies to build leadership and drive solutions throughout the economy. Through our powerful networks and advocacy, we tackle the world’s biggest sustainability challenges, including climate change, water scarcity and pollution, and human rights abuses. For more information about Ceres, please visit our web site ( www.ceres.org ).  Description & Responsibilities The Director plays a key relationship management role on the Investor Network.  The Ceres Investor Network on Climate Risk and Sustainability is a group of more than 150 leading institutional investors with collective assets under management of over $17.3 trillion. We are looking for candidates who are strategic thinkers and understand U.S. institutional investment finance markets.  The Ceres Investor Network is specifically looking for someone that will manage high-level engagement with institutional investors to recruit, retain and engage members of our Investor Network, primarily based on the East Coast .   This full-time position is based in Boston, MA, and reports to the Senior Program Director of the Investor Network team.  Specific duties include, but are not limited to the following: Manage and deepen Ceres’ relationships with asset owners and asset managers, serving a dedicated portfolio of investors. Develop strategic plans for engaging priority members in Ceres initiatives and campaigns, supporting the members in integrating material ESG issues into their investment processes. Recruit strategic new asset owner and asset manager members to the Investor Network from both the U.S. and Canada and encourage their action on ESG issues. Promote “sustainable investment” policies and practices that incorporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into the investment decision-making process. Manage or contribute to one or more Investor Network working groups and project work with investors. Partner with the Communications team in developing media messaging and communications materials, such as op-eds, press releases, reports, and blogs. Attend and participate in key investor meetings and events. Track Investor Network member progress and impact on sustainable investment metrics including implementation of 21st   Century Investor Blueprint steps, new investment commitments, and participation in Ceres working groups utilizing the Ceres Salesforce platform. Make public presentations at investor conferences on ESG integration issues, low carbon/clean energy investment opportunities, Ceres policy priorities or other special topics of interest to Ceres and Investor Network members. Partner with Program Director in funder meetings and outreach to potential new funders, with the Ceres Development Team. Participate in planning and organizing Ceres annual conference and program events for both the Investor Network. Partner with Senior Program Director on team management and annual planning. Train and supervise other Investor Network team staff or interns. Travel as necessary for relationship management purposes. Qualifications Bachelor degree required.   Graduate degree in business, environment, law or public policy preferred. At least ten years of work experience, preferably direct experience working in investment sector on sustainability-related issues. Knowledge of climate and energy issues desirable. An understanding of institutional investors and financial markets. Demonstrated experience with relationship management. Sound judgment, sensitivity to diverse constituencies, excellent interpersonal skills, strong initiative and motivation. Strong writing skills. Effective oral and written communication skills, especially with senior-level executives. Public speaking skills. Strong project management skills and attention to detail. Successful record of organizing multiple projects, delivering on time, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. 3+ years of experience supervising staff, including ability to provide training and support staff development. Desire to work in a not-for-profit, advocacy-focused organization. Willingness to travel as needed to accomplish duties noted above.  Proficient with word-processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database, and e-mail computer applications. Interest and willingness to be trained on specific applications necessary for work: ReadyTalk, Salesforce, listserv program, Bloomberg Terminal, etc.   How to Apply We encourage all applicants to review our website to familiarize themselves with Ceres before applying:   www.ceres.org .  If you are interested in applying, please submit a resume, cover letter, two writing samples, and a list of three references, as well as complete the additional information as instructed.  Ceres is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate against any individual based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military or veteran status, disability, or any factors prohibited by applicable law.

ICF is seeking an Entry-level Environmental Planner to support our Fairfax, VA office.  The Fairfax office works across many of ICF’s practice areas, including the resource management, energy, transportation, and water.  Our Fairfax office prepares Environmental Impact Statements and Environmental Impact Assessments for complex and often controversial projects nationwide and abroad, including energy, transportation, and other infrastructure projects and regulatory programs. We manage environmental review processes that include consultation with regulatory agencies; public involvement; analysis of environmental, cultural, safety, socio-economic, and other impacts, and specification of measures to mitigate adverse impacts.  Our clients include numerous federal, state, and international agencies and private companies. Job Description To support our growth, ICF is seeking an entry-level Research Assistant to support on a wide range of environmental compliance projects.  In this role, you will contribute to the development of innovative, accurate, timely, and high-quality products and services, typically working on multiple projects with all levels of staff. The Research Assistants at ICF have an opportunity to apply their academic knowledge, gain exposure to major projects, and interact with experts and clients in the field, while building content knowledge and consulting skills. In addition to technical support, this individual will support some general office tasks as well as support senior business development staff with proposals and research. Key Responsibilities Collecting, entering, and analyzing data Reviewing literature Solving quantitative and qualitative problems Drafting reports and contributing to proposals Qualifications: 1-year experience preferred, but not required Bachelor’s Degree, in natural or physical science, environmental management, public policy, economics, or related subjects Strong analytical and organizational skills and excellent oral and written communication skills Ability to prioritize and multi-task, and the ability to work under strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment Professional Skills Excellent verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills Strong quantitative skills and problem-solving capabilities Team player with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment Proficiency in MS Office Applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel) ICF International offers an excellent benefits package, an award winning talent development program, and fosters a highly skilled, energized and empowered workforce. To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter. ICF offers an excellent benefits package, an award winning talent development program, and fosters a highly skilled, energized and empowered workforce.  ICF is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. (EOE – Minorities/Females/ Protected Veterans Status/Disability Status/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity) Remember to say you found this opportunity at EnvironmentalCareer.com

Senior Associate, Company Network   Organization  Ceres is a sustainability nonprofit organization working with the most influential investors and companies to build leadership and drive solutions throughout the economy. Through powerful networks and advocacy, Ceres tackles the world’s biggest sustainability challenges, including climate change, water scarcity and pollution, and human rights abuses. For more information about Ceres, please visit:  www.ceres.org .  Description and Responsibilities   The Senior Associate, Company Network supports the company engagement and programmatic work of the Company Network team. We seek an energetic, highly motivated, self-starter to play a critical programmatic and  support role, both internally and externally. The Associate will be part of a fifteen-person team working with companies to integrate sustainability into core business strategies, leveraging the  Ceres Roadmap for Sustainability . This is a full-time position, based in our Boston office, with line reporting to one of the Directors of the Company Network. Desired content knowledge encompasses environmental and social sustainability issues, with specific focus on those issues within the corporate and investor communities.  Specific duties include, but are not limited to the following: Manage, or support the management of, relationships involving Company Network (CN) members, Ceres Non-profit Network organizations, and prospective Network companies or organizations. Play a key supporting role in, and in some cases organize and lead, ongoing engagements that bring investors and representatives of environmental, social and other public interest groups together with Network member companies for the purpose of advancing company performance relative to the Ceres Roadmap expectations. Play a key supporting role in, and in some cases organize and lead, special projects advocating for leading disclosure, governance, stakeholder engagement, and performance commitments involving the Ceres Company Network members, Non-profit Network members, investors, and prospective Ceres companies. Conduct research and analysis on corporate sustainability performance, including benchmarking sector performance, writing briefs and memos, and creating presentations with associated speaking notes. Develop briefings or presentations for members of the Ceres leadership team in support of their engagement with companies, investors or other external audiences. Demonstrate attention to detail and project management skills for planning, logistics, scheduling, note taking, and memo drafting, amongst other tasks to deliver high impact engagements with Network member companies and partner organizations. Advocate to Network member companies positions aligned with Ceres’ organizational goals. Facilitate team meetings (on rotating basis), working with the Senior Directors to set meeting agendas and ensure follow up. Contribute to tracking, for internal and external purposes, the impact of the Company Network team’s engagement with member companies, as well as the impact of company engagement and project work beyond the Ceres Network. Coordinate with other program teams (e.g. Investor Network, Communications, Development, Operations) as needed to accomplish organizational objectives. Assist team in roll out and distribution activities of key reports and special projects. Assist in the planning of the annual Ceres Conference program and other events. Travel to meetings and events, as required. Qualifications Bachelor degree. In absence of bachelor degree, at least 7 years relevant work experience or 5 years relevant work experience plus associate degree. Minimum of 4 years professional experience demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills, leadership ability, and project management abilities. Three years or more direct experience working on sustainability and corporate responsibility issues in the corporate, investor or non-profit sectors. In-depth knowledge of environmental and sustainability issues and an understanding of corporations (including corporate reporting and business strategy tools), the socially responsible investment community, and the environmental and sustainability movements. Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills for both internal and external audiences. Effective facilitation skills with the ability to bring divergent ideas to a productive conclusion. Sound judgment, sensitivity to diverse constituencies, excellent interpersonal skills, strong initiative and motivation. Ability to move seamlessly between collaborative, team-driven activities and independent projects. Ability to bring a positive outlook and energetic commitment to working at Ceres on a daily basis and to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated ability to be an advocate. Experience in North American context is required, coupled with an understanding of the broader international context for sustainability. Willingness to travel as needed to accomplish duties noted above.  Passion for accelerating and expanding the adoption of sustainable business practices and solutions to build a healthy global economy. How to Apply  We encourage all applicants to review our website to familiarize themselves with Ceres before applying:  www.ceres.org .  If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit a resume, cover letter, and list of three references, as well as complete the additional information as instructed.  Ceres is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate against any individual based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military or veteran status, disability, or any factors prohibited by applicable law.

Spring Internship 2019 Organization   Ceres is a sustainability nonprofit organization working with the most influential investors and companies to build leadership and drive solutions throughout the economy. Through our powerful networks and advocacy, we tackle the world’s biggest sustainability challenges, including climate change, water scarcity and pollution, and human rights abuses.   For more information about Ceres, please visit our web site ( www.ceres.org ).   We are seeking dynamic, committed interns who would find it exciting to join the Ceres team!   General Internship Information   Ceres’ interns support Program, Communications, and Development staff working with a wide variety of constituents within the Ceres network: environmental activists, investors, funders, and corporations. While providing some administrative support, interns will primarily work in one of the following areas using skills in research, project coordination, IT and communications. Detailed descriptions of each available position can be found below.    Each spring internship position requires 10 to 15 hours of work per week. Schedules can be flexible to fit with class and/or work schedules. Ceres compensates interns at a rate of $13.50 hour. Our Spring Internship Program runs from mid-January 2019 through the end of April 2019.   Please read details of each position on our website and apply for the specific internship you are interested in. We typically hire 8-10 interns, who are a mix of undergraduate and graduate students. Please note: Only the Program Teams listed on the website are seeking an intern for Spring 2019. If any of these internships listed below are not currently on our website, we are no longer accepting applications for that position.   CAPITAL MARKET SYSTEMS INTERN   Ceres’ Capital Markets Systems program works with companies, investors, regulators, policymakers and other stakeholders on levers that will facilitate improved integration of material sustainability factors into decision-making. This includes Ceres’ work on enhancing sustainability disclosures (covering our engagements in this regard with stock exchanges, financial regulators, standard setters and others) and integrating sustainability into corporate governance systems (covering our work with corporate boards).   The Capital Market Systems program is seeking a graduate student researcher to help support key projects on how companies and investors are integrating sustainability into their governance and disclosure practices. While providing some administrative support, this research intern will primarily work in the following areas using skills ranging from research, quantitative analysis and writing (short memos, case studies, etc.) on: Performing literature reviews, research, consolidating interview results, and drafting written sections for white paper on board oversight of risk management and sustainability issues Benchmarking analysis of priority companies of key Ceres campaigns and developing one pagers outlining results of analysis Conducting landscape analysis of organizations with long-term capital markets focus Researching priority companies on progress achieved on governance indicators over the past year Supporting on company and investor engagements on governance and disclosure   ELECTRIC POWER INTERN   The Electric Power Team at Ceres seeks to encourage electric utilities and large corporate energy consumers to adopt modern 21st century sustainable practices and technologies. Specifically, we will urge companies to increase their renewable electric generation, improve their energy efficiency, and reduce their reliance on carbon-based electric generation. The Electric Power Team is seeking an intern for the Spring 2019 period to assist the team in providing research and fact-checking to help develop and prioritize our targets for corporate engagement.   The intern will also assist with the development of materials to support corporate engagement on renewable energy and energy efficiency including presentations, fact sheets and other advocacy materials. These materials will help us make the business case to companies for adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency goals as well as the case to investors on the importance of engaging with companies on these issues. We are seeking an undergraduate or graduate student with interest, experience, knowledge and desire to work in the clean energy field and who has excellent communications, research, writing, Excel and database skills.   TRANSPORTATION INTERN   This intern will work with both the Director of Transportation and the Senior Manager of Clean Vehicles at Ceres.   A clean and efficient transportation system is critical to a strong economy; its benefits include saving consumers and businesses money as well as reducing our dependence on oil. Transportation is also a significant contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) and other criteria air pollutant emissions. In fact, in 2016, the transportation sector surpassed the electric power sector as the largest emitter of GHG emissions in the United States, accounting for 28% of GHG emissions – more emissions than any other nation's entire economy, with the exception of China.   To adequately reduce harmful emissions associated with the transportation sector, we need to focus on three components: vehicles, fuels and infrastructure. In the next year, the Ceres Transportation Program's primary focus will be on promoting clean fuels, vehicles and relevant policies, and increasing corporate uptake and deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charging infrastructure. Spring 2019 internship projects will include advocating for Low Carbon Fuel Standards, supporting strong passenger vehicle and truck fuel economy standards, and promoting low- to zero-emission vehicles. In addition, this position will support the development of educational and briefing materials on EVs and assist with preparation for corporate engagements on transportation electrification. This intern will be asked to perform research on various transportation issues, draft supporting resources and perform some administrative tasks. Please refer to the Ceres Transportation Initiative page for additional information. Graduate students preferred, but all will be considered.   WATER INTERN   Ceres is working with companies, investors, water providers, policymakers, environmental organizations and other stakeholders to improve water management and increase reporting on water issues that pose risks to businesses, communities and the environment.   The Water Program is seeking a graduate student this spring to help us advance our work on analyzing and addressing water risks related to two pillars: the investment community and the food and beverage sector. While providing some administrative support, this research assistant will primarily work across various topic areas using skills ranging in research, marketing, quantitative analysis and writing (short memos, case studies, data narratives etc.).   Program areas of work include:   Assisting in the rollout of the Investor Water Hub Toolkit , a water-risk integration tool for the mainstream global investment community . Topics covered in the Toolkit include systemic risks and materiality of water, investment beliefs and policies, asset class allocation and water-related shareholder engagements. The intern will provide specific support with digital marketing efforts related to the Toolkit and will assist with tracking news flow relevant to investors on water.   Supporting water-related research for the Investor Water Hub as needed including portfolio water footprinting, water solutions, materiality analysis for water and more.   Providing support to the Agriculture and Water Risk initiative, with a focus on the development of the next version of Feeding Ourselves Thirsty and the AgWater Challenge . This includes conducting research and analysis on food companies, supporting the team with tracking news flow and pulling examples of risk, building out power points for external presentations, and doing company/investor research on the Bloomberg terminal.   Desired Background:   Strong oral and written communication skills Interest in water issues, sustainability, finance, and responsible investing Knowledge of digital marketing strategies a plus Knowledge of investment analysis methods or desire to learn how to use the Bloomberg Terminal a plus   For more information, see Ceres’ Water Program: https://www.ceres.org/issues/water DevElopment INTERN The Development Intern will work closely with many members of Ceres' small and active development team. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly organized and motivated individual to gain hands-on experience and specific training in many aspects of nonprofit development, including foundations, major gifts, annual fundraising programs and special events. Projects will include researching foundation and individual supporters, assisting with management of the organization’s donor databases, and tracking and evaluating fundraising efforts. Skills should include strong research and spreadsheet experience.  The ideal candidate will be a recent graduate or current student with strong interest in pursuing a career in the nonprofit development field.     FEDERAL POLICY INTERN   The Policy Team at Ceres works with companies through Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy (BICEP) and investors in our Investor Network on Climate Risk to advance climate and clean energy policies at the federal level.  The Policy Team is looking for an intern to assist in its work with companies and investors on energy and climate policies – focused on federal work. This position will support the Policy Team primarily through research and writing projects focused on key federal policies, participation and note-taking in strategy meetings, legislative analysis, and other tasks, possibly including data collection and organization. Additionally, this position will also assist with our BICEP Partnerships program. We are looking for candidates with strong organizational, research, and writing skills, an ability to work independently, and some familiarity with environmental and sustainability policies. This position will report to the Director of Federal Policy.   COMPANY NETWORK – CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS   The Company Network team engages with the 40+ members of the Ceres Company Network to help them develop sustainable business strategies that address key challenges such as climate change, water scarcity and pollution, and human rights abuses throughout the value chain. Ceres’ advocacy is rooted in the expectations for corporate sustainability outlined in  The 21st Century Corporation: The Ceres Roadmap for Sustainability . These expectations address four critical dimensions of a company’s approach to sustainability: governance, stakeholder engagement, disclosure, and performance as it relates to company operations, supply chains and products. The Company Network seeks an intern who will support our corporate engagement work by: Using publicly available information to research and analyze the sustainability performance of individual companies and sectors through the lens of the Ceres Roadmap expectations; Providing in-depth research support for ad hoc projects on key topics such as the link between sustainability performance and executive compensation, sustainable supply chains, or modes of stakeholder engagement; Researching, compiling and presenting industry trends and leading practices; Developing research briefs for potential member companies, including analyzing performance against the Ceres Roadmap expectations and identifying opportunities for engagement.   We are looking for candidates with solid research skills (preferably with experience reviewing corporate sustainability reports), an ability to work independently, excellent verbal and written communication skills and familiarity with key environmental and social sustainability issues that influence, and are influenced by, the private sector. Graduate students preferred, but all will be considered.   COMPANY NETWORK – HUMAN RIGHTS AND EQUITABLE WORKPLACES   The Company Network is seeking an intern to support Ceres’ work advancing corporate human rights disclosure to drive improved performance, including by engaging companies on the United Nations Guiding Principles (UNGP) on Business and Human Rights and scaling implementation of the UNGP Reporting Framework. Specific opportunities to support this work include: Researching and analyzing current corporate reporting on human rights, including investor expectations on human rights disclosure; Researching and analyzing specific issues within the realm of corporate human rights management, such as forced labor, supplier engagement, and remediation systems;  Researching and identifying potential funding and/or project opportunities; and Preparing summary briefing documents and presentations for key project milestones.   We are looking for candidates with solid research skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and familiarity with key labor and human rights frameworks, including the International Labor Organization's Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Demonstrated ability to take initiative, prioritize responsibilities, and work independently while being part of a team is also important. Graduate students preferred, but all will be considered.    How to Apply   Review each program internship opportunity carefully and apply for the one you feel best fit.  If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit a resume, cover letter, and two (2) brief writing samples, as well as complete the additional information as instructed.   Ceres is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate against any individual based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military or veteran status, disability, or any factors prohibited by applicable law.   Address all correspondence to: Christine Richard    

Working area: Energy & Resource Efficiency Finance Location: Frankfurt am Main Working hours: Full-time / Part-time Key responsibilities: Support investment staff as an expert in the areas of Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy and Resource Efficiency. Including support for business development, due diligence and investment proposals for financial institutions and corporates Support the development of innovative financing and fund concepts, including the assessment of regulatory, financial and technical features of green investments in new markets Implement strategic projects related to green lending adapted to market needs, contribute to business planning, and support the diversification and broadening of investment activities Perform portfolio-screenings at partner financial institutions to identify and evaluate sectors and technology types of lending activities contributing to energy, emission and resource savings Maintain and continuously improve monitoring and reporting processes and tools for the tracking of energy/resource savings and greenhouse gas emission reductions Develop and manage technical assistance to: support partner institutions; facilitate awareness raising and market enabling activities; and provide strategic advice through research and analyses Maintain a good overview of green investments in target markets and technology trends in those regions Take ownership of various aspects of the above activities and proactively engage in ongoing development of these topics What we expect: Strong understanding of Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Resource Efficiency technologies; experience with water/waste investments is an advantage Experience in the financing and/or economics of relevant projects, including with the financial sector and/or international development cooperation A degree in a relevant technical field with additional training and/or work experience At least 5 years relevant experience. Additional work experience and experience in emerging markets is preferred; experience in Asia is an advantage Excellent knowledge of English, both written and oral; business fluency in additional languages relevant for Finance in Motion´s current/future operations is an advantage Team player with strong communication and interpersonal skills, also in multicultural contexts International travel required What you can expect: An agile, widely diverse international working environment with over 40 nationalities who strive to uphold our start-up spirit and profit from the opportunities of a growing company A job with a great degree of autonomy that achieves real impact through cooperation and joint responsibility A purpose-driven, performance-oriented company culture that rewards above-average results An organization dedicated to providing effective training and upskilling to its employees Our more than 180 employees working from our 17 offices worldwide are dedicated to promoting sustainable development through market-based finance solutions. If you enjoy tackling complex challenges in a hands-on manner and prefer a communication style that suits the flat hierarchies and cooperative mindset we value, we would definitely like to hear from you. If you are interested, please use our online application system to submit your full application including a CV and meaningful cover letter.

Working area: Energy and Resource Efficiency Finance Location: Frankfurt Working hours: Full-time / Part-time Key responsibilities: Conduct market research on regulatory, economic and technical aspects of green investments across relevant regions with a focus on Asian and MENA markets Assist with the production and quality control of deliverables and correspondence: such as drafting presentations, memos or other written work, proofreading documents, etc. Support the team’s business development efforts, including assistance in preparing events and country missions through preparatory research and logistical arrangements Liaise with service providers, such as external consultants and technical advisors as project management support What we expect: Enrolled in, or recently completed, an undergraduate or post-graduate degree in engineering, economics, environmental studies, or another relevant subject.   Demonstrated interest in the financial and political aspects of green technologies and services, including renewable energy, resource efficiency, and sustainable agriculture. Affinity with or experience in Asian and MENA markets is an advantage Strong analytical and research skills Excellent knowledge of English, both written and oral, with further relevant languages an asset Positive attitude, intellectual curiosity, initiative and an ability to work professionally in an international setting/team A valid work permit or legal right to work in Germany What you can expect: An agile, widely diverse international working environment with over 40 nationalities who strive to uphold our start-up spirit and profit from the opportunities of a growing company A job with a great degree of autonomy that achieves real impact through cooperation and joint responsibility A purpose-driven, performance-oriented company culture that rewards above-average results An organization dedicated to providing effective training and upskilling to its employees Our more than 180 employees working from our 17 offices worldwide are dedicated to promoting sustainable development through market-based finance solutions. If you enjoy tackling complex challenges in a hands-on manner and prefer a communication style that suits the flat hierarchies and cooperative mindset we value, we would definitely like to hear from you. If you are interested, please use our online application system to submit your full application including a CV and meaningful cover letter.