Project Manager, UN Race to Zero, EDF +Business

Put your passion and skills to work for the planet. Climate change is the most urgent issue of our time, and we need people like you to help us build a vital Earth — for everyone.

We’re Environmental Defense Fund, a fast-paced nonprofit with a growing staff of more than 850 people in nearly 30 countries. We deliver game-changing solutions that cut climate pollution and strengthen people’s ability to thrive despite the effects climate change is already having. We work wherever we can have the most impact, from local communities to top companies to governments worldwide, and even in space.

Our culture, values and commitment to diversity make EDF an exciting and meaningful place to work. Every job here makes a difference. Won’t you join us?

We kindly ask that those interested in this position include a cover letter and any number of supplementary writing/work samples with their application submissions by a deadline of September 16, 2022.

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

EDF+Business has been working with the private sector to address the world’s most pressing environmental problems for over thirty years. Through our Net Zero Ambition and Action team we are working to get the leading global companies to have public net zero goals and transformation plans to achieve them; to share the lessons from their journey globally for other companies to learn from and act on; and to engage in systems change efforts like policy advocacy and finance to ensure a stable climate by midcentury.

EDF+Business has a major new initiative to create a Net Zero Accelerator. The goal of the Accelerator is to help companies act now on climate change.  It will enable key companies, in key sectors and geographies to build and implement climate action plans through clear and actionable knowledge, tools and trainings, capacity-building and coaching.

EDF’s Net Zero Accelerator is working with the UN Climate Champions team on the UN Race to Zero global campaign. The UN Race to Zero rallies leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, investors for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery that prevents future threats, creates decent jobs, and unlocks inclusive, sustainable growth. To win the race to zero emissions by 2050, the world must achieve near term, 2030 Breakthroughs through alignment and collaboration.

Job Description

This Project Manager role will be working both with the EDF+Business Net Zero Action team and the UN Climate Champions team to align efforts on the UN-backed Race to Zero (RTZ) global campaign. The Project Manager will serve as primary connector between EDF and the RTZ teams to facilitate communication and make sure that each organization is leveraging the work of the other.  In addition, the Project Manager will develop leadership cohorts in the Race to Zero and help create content for EDF’s new Net Zero Accelerator.  This position will report to the Managing Director of EDF+Business. 

Job Details

This is a 1-year fixed-term contract position with opportunity for extension. This role can be performed on a hybrid arrangement out of any EDF office or 100% remotely for US-based candidates. Candidates from select countries within the EU may be considered with exception. 

Key Responsibilities

• Align work between the EDF Net Zero Accelerator and the UN-backed Race to Zero (RTZ) efforts
• Serve as a connector between RTZ and EDF including other key partners as needed
• Lead development of leadership cohorts in Race to Zero (for high quality carbon credits, policy & nature cohorts) to accelerate implementation of action in the campaign
• Ensure alignment on climate goals, transition plans and other guidance for corporate actors
• Develop content for the Net Zero Accelerator including tools and web-based information to help companies with the net zero transition
• Take assets developed for the Race to Zero and plug them into the Net Zero Accelerator
• Take thought leadership, tools and trainings from the Net Zero Accelerator and facilitate access to them for the Race to Zero companies
• Using insights from the RTZ work with companies, identify knowledge and implementation gaps and develop new resources and tools for the Net Zero Accelerator
• Serve as a bridge between organizations for marketing and communication efforts
• Support Race to Zero Criteria implementation
• Support COP engagement/activation with Transform to Net Zero group of companies
• Participate as a core member of the EDF+Business Net Zero Action team as well as the UN Race to Zero team. Bring lessons learned to support the broader team goals and priorities
• Effectively navigate a matrixed team of business, economics, science and policy actors across EDF
• Participate in advancing EDF DEI goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values
• Other relevant responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and at least four years of relevant work experience, or Master’s degree and at least two years of relevant experience.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong project management skills.
• Understanding of Race to Zero Criteria, IPCC 2021, & IPCC 2022 reports is required.
• Knowledge of major climate impacts and opportunities.
• Ability to translate scientific and technical concepts for private sector audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to flexibly adapt to evolving challenges and opportunities in a work environment.
• Demonstrated capacity to bring constituents together toward a common goal, build strategic relationships, and successfully advocate for environmental issues.
• Ability to work on multiple projects concurrently, both independently and as a member of teams in a dynamic and creative environment.
• Ability to verbally and orally articulate and advocate for programmatic priorities among small groups and in formal presentations.
• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time per year.

Bonus Qualifications

• Knowledge or experience with carbon credits
• Knowledge or experience with greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting.
• Understanding of emerging regulatory frameworks, voluntary standards, & global reporting
• Previous experience working for or partnering with large multi-lateral organizations.