Climate change student assistant II

Tracking Code: 12177

Background

Please note:

This is a new Casual (as needed/no benefits) position through August 30, 2013 with possibility of extension. THIS POSITION IS LOCATED IN WASHINGTON, D.C. Initial consideration will be given to applications received prior to 5:00 p.m. MDT on Friday, August 10, 2012. Thereafter, applications will be reviewed on an as-needed basis.

UCAR Community Programs (UCP) - Joint Office for Science Support (JOSS)

United States Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) Office

Basic job function:

This position provides an excellent opportunity to learn about ongoing Federal climate change activities, specifically those related to climate change adaptation. Additionally, the student assistant will gain knowledge in federal policies, interagency cooperation, and Congressional reporting mechanisms.

In this role, the incumbent will utilize their experience in the intersection of climate change science and adaptation to (1) support the coordination of interagency planning efforts for the Adaptation Science function by assisting the Inform Decisions Lead with the Adaptation Science Workgroup and related activities; and (2) provide logistical and organizational support for the development of USGCRP’s Annual Report to Congress, Our Changing Planet for Fiscal Year 2014 (OCP FY14).

Additional information:

The United States Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) coordinates and integrates research and solutions for climate and global change conducted by 13 Federal Agencies and Departments, and overseen by the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) of the Executive Office of the President. The day-to-day activities and operations of the USGCRP are facilitated by the U.S. Global Change Research Program National Coordination Office (USGCRP NCO). As part of its strategic realignment, the USGCRP is placing a greater emphasis on impacts, vulnerabilities, and on understanding the options for adapting to a changing climate. The mission of the new Adaptation Science program function at USGCRP is to ensure that the Federal Government’s science enterprise informs and empowers adaptation decisions at a range of scales for a diversity of users. One specific tool to do so is the USGCRP’s Annual Report to Congress, known as Our Changing Planet. The report, mandated by the Global Change Research Act (GCRA) of 1990, is delivered to Congress on an annual basis to document programmatic achievements and future priorities.

Duties include:

Adaptation Science Workgroup coordination and support:

Under direct supervision of the Inform Decisions Lead, the incumbent will support the implementation of the Adaptation Science function. Specific duties may include:

- Assisting with the coordination of monthly Adaptation Science Workgroup meetings, including drafting meeting agendas and recording meeting minutes/summaries.
- Assisting with the coordination of the Adaptation Science Co-Chair meetings.
- Providing updates to the Adaptation Science Co-chairs and Inform Decisions Program Associate on progress made for Adaptation Science Workstream groups (evaluation, regional coordination, translation, Agency Adaptation Plan support, etc.).
- Supporting the Evaluation Workstream leads in developing a framework(s) for evaluating the effectiveness of adaptation actions. Contributing to the build-out of the Adaptation component of the Global Change Information System (GCIS)

Support for the Annual Report to Congress for Fiscal Year 2014:

Under direct supervision of the Inform Decisions Lead, the incumbent will provide logistical and organizational support for the development of USGCRP’s Annual Report to Congress, Our Changing Planet for Fiscal Year 2014 (OCP FY14). Specific duties may include:

- Assisting the Inform Decisions Lead with the gathering draft content for OCP FY14.
- Drafting memos, templates and email requests for collection of OCP input from the Subcommittee on Global Change Research, Programmatic Interagency Working Groups (IWGs), NCO staff and other groups as needed.
- Assisting in implementation of other OCP-related tasks as necessary and identifying innovative solutions to streamline the OCP production process.

Requirements include:

Education and experience:

- College level coursework in relevant disciplines such as environmental, earth sciences, or social sciences. Must be enrolled in a college, university or professional school at the time of appointment.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

- Demonstrated knowledge of climate change issues. Additional interest or knowledge in risk management, impacts and vulnerabilities, or decision support preferred.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to synthesize and edit technical content as well as compose non-technical communications (e.g., memos, requests for input, etc.).
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues from various backgrounds.
- Ability to recognize and propose solutions to moderately complex problems.
- Ability to sit at a computer monitor for long periods of time.
- Ability to handle confidential/sensitive information in a manner consistent with UCAR policy, acting with integrity and exhibiting behavior that merits public trust and confidence. (Note: The employee remains bound, even after their employment ends, not to disclose or disseminate any confidential information received or accessed while employed by UCAR). This obligation applies to both confidential information belonging to UCAR, as well as confidential information received during employment at UCAR pertaining to any third party.
- Ability to work both independently, under minimal supervision, and as part of a professional team.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize projects or deliverables and carry out multiple tasks under tight deadlines.