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FULL-TIME FAS STAFF
WASHINGTON, DC
$110,000 ‒ $130,000
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Senior Fellow, Climate and Foreign Assistance

The Opportunity

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) is recruiting a Senior Fellow, an expert on climate-related foreign assistance, for a 6-month term position to develop its program on publicly-funded global climate assistance efforts and climate finance. The Senior Fellow will help build an interdisciplinary program that considers how to enhance, improve and scale foreign assistance programs aimed at international climate transitions, including programs that advance climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience in the developing world. This program will bring together bilateral and multilateral actors such as U.S. and European development agencies, the World Bank, the United Nations, the African Union and U.S. Congress. The Senior Fellow will work closely with academics, technologists, data experts and entrepreneurs within FAS’ network to help measure and determine the efficacy of current U.S. foreign assistance programs related to climate, with the goal of building a decade-long, evidence based, impact oriented U.S. strategy.   

This Senior Fellow role would be well-suited for a mid to senior U.S. official, either on a Leave Without Pay absence or someone recently exiting federal service, with a demonstrated track record of innovative service at USAID, State, NOAA, Department of Energy, Millennium Challenge Corporation, DFC, Department of Treasury, or a related agency. The candidate should be familiar with climate related foreign assistance programs abroad, including large-scale development, trade promotion, environmental trust funds, and other related spending programs that target climate and energy goals. The candidate should have familiarity with a range of U.S. and multilateral foreign assistance programs available to help developing countries advance their climate mitigation and adaptation work. The candidate should also have experience working with multilateral organizations involved in the climate debate such as the Green Climate Fund, African Union programs, SIDs, etc.

What you’ll do as a Senior Fellow

  • You will work to scope and build a new program at FAS that helps to identify, measure and scale efficacious foreign assistance programs advancing international climate goals.
  • You will serve as a significant thought leader on global climate efforts by publishing long-form articles, op-eds, reports, and Day One policy memos and speaking publicly at critical convenings on the topic of climate related foreign assistance programs.  
  • You will represent FAS with stakeholders ranging from Congress to think tanks to international actors.  You will bring together experts on climate policy, development, multilateral organizations, and technology to build a sustainable, forward facing, evidence-informed plan for U.S. climate assistance policy.
  • You will consult with FAS staff and attend FAS meetings, and work as a critical member of the team for your 6 months in residence.

Skills and Experience 

  • 10+ years work experience within the United States government working on foreign assistance programs related to climate mitigation and adaptation.
  • Familiarity with a range of U.S. and multilateral foreign assistance programs available to help developing countries advance their climate mitigation and adaptation work. Experience working with multilateral organizations involved in the climate debate such as the Green Climate Fund, African Union programs, SIDs, etc.
  • A background in the hard sciences related to climate or environmental studies preferred.
  • Demonstrated expertise and results working on advancing, developing and measuring effective global foreign assistance programs.
  • Experience working in a country/region advancing climate goals, preferably including time spent in the field.
  • Contributed to online or print publications as an author or co-author and experience speaking at forums, conferences, and/or other gatherings related to climate. 
  • Proficient to expert knowledge of the various policies and programs across the U.S. government related to climate. 
  • Proficient to expert familiarity with Congress’ role in U.S. development policy, foreign assistance, and global climate policy.
  • Familiarity and networks across international climate organizations, including in the NGO and multilateral climate space. 

Work Environment, Compensation, and Duration

This position will ideally be a hybrid role, meaning that both remote and in-person work at FAS’ Washington, D.C. office can be accommodated. The Senior Fellow will be a full time employee for 6 months, compensated at an approximate GS 13-14 scale, with a potential to extend based on the availability of additional grant resources.

Hiring Statement

Don’t check off every box? Apply anyway! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every listed qualification. At FAS we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and developing new voices. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway – you might just be the right candidate.

The Federation of American Scientists is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The Federation of American Scientists  prohibits discriminating against employees and job applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant.

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