Policy Advisor, Climate & Sustainability

The Policy Advisor manages API's policy development and supports advocacy efforts on GHG reporting and broader climate and corporate sustainability issues. Manages ongoing work through member committees and coordinates with API Communications, Legal, and Government Affairs departments. Engages with external stakeholders such as academia and policymakers as appropriate, particularly through agency regulatory action.

Develops and implements industry priorities and programs on climate and sustainability to support and advance public policy to benefit API and its members. Develops and executes national, regional, and state-based strategies on issues as described in the Duties/Responsibilities below.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Manages the development and implementation of API policy positions in coordination with API members and API staff, in particular on (1) the measurement, reporting, and verification of greenhouse gases (GHGs); (2) GHG inventories, including measurement informed inventories, and compliance reporting programs such as the EPA Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP); and (3) technology innovation to reduce GHGs. Provides support to similar organization-wide efforts on other API climate policy positions, including carbon accounting and the regulation of GHGs.
• Lead the API subcommittee with responsibility for GHG methodologies and reporting. Manages the assigned committees to ensure member company engagement on potential approaches to regulations, legislation and policies in assigned issues based upon API policy positions and supports strategy development and execution to effectuate positive outcomes with API staff, allied trades, coalitions, and other stakeholders. Works with member companies to organize and lead committee meetings and facilitate agenda outcomes that meet committee goals. Support the staffing of other API committees, subcommittees, and workgroups related to climate and sustainability.
• Recognized as subject matter lead on GHG emissions reporting and inventories, including a good understanding of relevant external frameworks (e.g., OGMP2.0). Will coordinate policy position for advocacy efforts at the federal and state levels as well as technical expertise on issues and ensures consistency and alignment between API policy and advocacy efforts. Builds API staff capabilities in Climate & Sustainability Policy team and other teams on GHG emissions reporting and inventories, especially querying and analyzing the data of the US EPA Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP) and US Greenhouse Gas Inventory (GHGI).
• Oversee the industry-wide implementation and any updates to the API Compendium of GHG Emissions Methodologies, used globally by the oil and natural gas industry.
• Provides direct input on yearly budget needs and expectations. Oversees spending and project management of third-party contractors in area of responsibility.
• Acts as an advocate and spokesperson for API and the industry with national, state, and local policy makers as well asprivate sector companies,the media, think tanks,andnon-governmental organizations (NGOs) with the purpose of:
  1. driving alignment on climate and sustainability policy positions and advocacy;
  2. collaborating to produce joint guidance documents and research;
  3. helping implement joint industry programs or similar industry initiatives related to climate and sustainability; and
  4. seeking to optimize US and global oil and natural gas industry objectives and resources across such associations and initiatives.
• Critically assesses US federal and state legislation or regulation and US participation in international negotiations that could be of impact to the oil and natural gas industry in the area of climate change and sustainability reporting. Provides quick and concise information on public policy proposals as needed. Formulates recommendations for API positions, responses to federal and state regulations (e.g., on GHG emissions and sustainability reporting), and other communications to government that are consistent with API policy positions and research results.
• Develops and manages API climate industry initiatives on reporting, development of industry practices/guidance and technology innovation to measure, monitor, and reduce GHG emissions. Serves as a project manager: defining and executing project plans; preparing clear and concise requests for proposals and selecting consultants; achieving alignment between member companies, API staff, and relevant external stakeholders; and completing deliverables. Assures that project results and recommendations are communicated internally to API staff and to industry and the public, as appropriate, in a timely manner.
• Conducts in-depth analyses of research findings and technical background documents in order to maintain a working knowledge of ongoing climate and sustainability research by government agencies, other industry groups, financial institutions, and academia - working with API's policy advisors, economists, and environmental and public health scientists.
• Assists the Director of Climate & Sustainability, to whom this position reports, in departmental matters and represent the department in collaboration with other departments and segments. Supports the Vice President of Corporate Policy and other API groups as needed.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in a similar role and subject matter expertise in addressing climate, environmental regulatory/legislative issues, and corporate sustainability issues.
• Bachelor's degree, and ideally an advanced degree, in environmental or social science, public policy, or law with an academic focus on environment, climate, and corporate sustainability in the relevant area or other related field equivalent work experience.
• Extensive knowledge of the oil and natural gas industry is preferred.
• Initiative and ability to work both independently and collegially with others in the department, across the organization, with member company representatives, and allies are essential - with the ability to work on several tasks/projects simultaneously under tight time deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal, communications (written, verbal and graphical), project management and organizational skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze public policy and corporate sustainability issues and present them clearly and concisely in short memos, white papers, and presentations.

Physical Requirements

• Able to remain in a stationary position working on a computer
• Move about the office to access office machinery, meeting rooms, etc. on occasion
• Operate a computer and other office machinery such as printers and copy machines
• Transport items and equipment up to 10 lbs. on occasion

Travel Requirements

• Approximately 10% but may vary based on individual job needs and function. Travel may be in US or to other countries; will at times require overnight stays.

This job outline describes the typical accountabilities and requirements of the position and should not be construed as an all-encompassing description of every duty performed by or expected of the incumbent.

EEO Statement

API is an equal opportunity employer and diversity is a core value. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Our success in maintaining a reputation for professional excellence depends on selecting the best qualified candidates. Achieving this objective means that no employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, age, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including childbirth, related medical conditions, breastfeeding, and reproductive health decisions), genetic information, national origin, disability, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, political affiliation, matriculation, credit information, the status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual offense, or any prohibited basis under federal, state or local law.

API is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Human Resources Department via email at HumanResources@api.org.

Candidates are typically hired at a point in the salary range based on prior experience, education, and market demand for the role; candidates are also compared internally to their peers.

API offers a comprehensive benefits package for our employees and their families. More information about our benefits may be found at api.org/about/careers/benefits.