Visiting Fellow: Climate Policy Expert

Summary

Florida Policy Institute (FPI) seeks a Visiting Fellow for a project focusing on implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2023 in the State of Florida. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: producing policy analysis, publishing research, developing guidance on how funding provided by IRA could be accessed and utilized by local governments and nonprofit organizations in Florida, conducting outreach to community-based and non-profit partners, and developing presentations and trainings for partner organizations across the state.   

This opportunity requires strong quantitative and qualitative analytic skills, strong writing ability, the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of target audiences, including policymakers, the media, and community-based organizations and their members. 

This is a part-time contract position, supported by a 3-year project grant. FPI is based in Orlando, however the Fellow may be located anywhere in Florida.

FPI’s work is grounded in the fundamental belief that government has a role in helping improve the lives of all the people it serves. We are deeply committed to public policies that recognize the needs of Floridians struggling to make ends meet, no matter their race, ethnicity, background, age, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability status. FPI prioritizes an inclusive and equitable workplace. People of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ persons and people of other historically marginalized backgrounds are very strongly encouraged to apply.

Deliverables include the following. Other deliverables may be included.

• Conduct research and write on relevant aspects of IRA climate grants and tax credits. This includes explainers on the various provisions of IRA; allowable uses of the grants and tax credits; explainers on US Treasury guidance; analysis of the impact on Florida, particularly on marginalized communities; and relevant connections to state-level climate and environment policy and funding. Written publications may include full-length reports, issue briefs, and blog posts, and must be easily understood by the public.
• Promote FPI’s research and publications to key audiences and community partners, through targeted outreach, public presentations, and briefings.
• Develop effective working relationships with individuals and organizations engaged in climate policy or local efforts to address climate change and further climate justice, including advocacy organizations, community-based organizations, and coalitions.
• Track legislation at the state, local, and federal level that would impact IRA implementation in Florida and make recommendations as to when it is appropriate for FPI to weigh in on policy proposals.
• Attend relevant meetings and conferences.

Competencies

Applicants should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Analytical – Synthesizes complex or diverse information; collects and researches data; uses intuition and experience to complement data; designs work flows and procedures.
• Expertise – Competent in required subject area expertise knowledge; keeps abreast of current developments;.
• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions.
• Project Management – Approaches deliverables and scope of work collaboratively; communicates changes and progress; completes deliverables on time and budget.
• Oral and Written Communications – Speaks and writes clearly, informatively, and persuasively; selects and uses appropriate communication methods; exhibits good listening and comprehension; responds well to questions; ability to self-edit and vary writing style to meet needs; delivers effective and engaging presentations
• Outreach: Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations. Ability to conduct outreach to individuals and organizations. Ability to develop productive partnerships and build coalitions.
• Ethics – Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and principles; upholds organizational values.

Qualifications

FPI seeks a Visiting Fellow with a high level of expertise in the areas of climate policy, federal policy, economic policy, and/or state and local policy. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Education and/or Experience – Master’s degree in a relevant field; or Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university with at least two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Communications Skills – Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.  Ability to make effective and persuasive presentations on complex topics to community partners, the general public, legislators and/or legislative staff, public groups, and/or boards of directors. Verbal and written Spanish language proficiency is a plus.
• Analytical Skills – Ability to employ both quantitative and qualitative analysis to data interpretation, including a working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and statistical software. Ability to generate charts and graphs that are understandable, informative and interesting and to effectively support data analysis with qualitative research.
• Reasoning Ability – Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Compensation

This is a part-time contract position supported by a 3-year project grant offering $40,000 annually.