Senior Fellow - Planetary Politics Initiative

New America’s Planetary Politics initiative is a call to action for reimagining a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable global order. Our work is guided by three key principles:

• Power flows from adaptation. Power no longer emerges only from control of land and resources, but from the control of flows of data, money, people, goods and from our ability to adapt to technological and environmental change.
• Global governance must be inclusive. International cooperation will only succeed if all the players are at the table. We can no longer operate in a world where the Global South is an afterthought and civil society, businesses, and historically marginalized communities are excluded from directly shaping global affairs.
• People and the planet are the priority. Nationalism will not disappear, but the origins of our challenges are global and their impacts local. The interests of people and the planet should take priority over ideology, profit, and power plays between states.

The Power Reimagined workstream under this initiative is aimed at building a new community of practice that will develop a research agenda and roadmap for building institutions and promote processes that will contribute to getting to Net Zero through a Just Energy Transition. To achieve this, New America’s Planetary Politics initiative will convene a series of events and commission briefing papers and blogs with the support of partners and subject matter experts.

To this end, New America’s Planetary Politics Initiative is seeking a Senior Fellow for a 10-month term to help set conditions for a comprehensive mapping of a people and planet-centered approach to planetary politics by:

1. 1. 1.  Aiding in developing partnerships in the Global South and Global North;
   2. 2. Convening scholars and practitioners who will shape the public debate in core focus areas  of the initiative;
   3. 3. Cultivating and championing the voices of emerging thought leaders from diverse backgrounds in international and national security affairs.
   4. 4. Contributing to public debates about the future of the international order in the era of the anthropocene epoch through written products, editorial oversight, and project management.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in climate policy, sustainable finance, and expertise in promoting equitable and inclusive energy transitions. The candidate should also have experience and extensive knowledge of existing multilateral platforms and existing policy making channels in international fora.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the internal subject matter specialist on climate policy, climate finance, and just energy transitions.
• Conduct research around climate policy, climate finance, and just energy transition in alignment with Planetary Politics objectives to facilitate successful thematic opportunities and collaboration
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to identify key climate policy challenges and opportunities, aiming to inform evidence-based policy solutions.
• Monitor and assess global, regional, and national climate policies, providing insights and best practices.
• Analyze the social and economic impacts of energy transition policies, providing recommendations to mitigate adverse effects on marginalized groups.
• Build coalitions and partnerships with key policy makers, academics, civil society actors, climate scientists, to collectively navigate complex political landscapes and accelerate policy action
• Author and publish research papers, policy briefs, and reports on climate-related topics to drive thought leadership and policy influence.
• Work with the Planetary Politics team to commission up to 8-12 blogs for the Planetary Politics site and written provocations for events.
• Writing and editing written material including blogs, briefs and reports; developing and executing on a publications roll out schedule in coordination with the Director.
• Organize workshops, symposia, and other high-level events both domestically and internationally.

Requirements:

• 7+ years of relevant experience in international relations, energy security, climate policy, climate finance, and/or just energy transitions.
• Advanced degree (Masters or Ph.D.) in environmental policy, development economics, sustainable development, or a related field.
• In-depth understanding of climate finance mechanisms, including public and private funding sources, climate funds, and impact investing.
• Strong knowledge of global climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, and their implications for national and regional policies.
• Familiarity with climate justice principles and demonstrated commitment to advancing social equity in energy transitions.
• Excellent analytical and research skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and provide actionable recommendations.
• Exceptional communication and presentation abilities, including experience engaging with stakeholders at various levels.
• Demonstrated project management skills, capable of leading cross-functional teams effectively.
• A sense of humor and a “campaign mentality” i.e. no job too big, small or hard.
• Understanding of global developments in climate action and financing arrangements, awareness of policy and market drivers, and an appreciation of challenges and opportunities facing countries and other stakeholders active in this area.
• An innovative, critical thinking mentality for solving complex and interconnected challenges and proposing clearly articulated, workable solutions; Track record of successfully contributing to and executing strategies.

We are offering a term-limited fellowship program, spanning 9-10 months, with a maximum of 35 hours per week. As part of this fellowship, you will have the chance to work with New America and contribute to our mission. At the conclusion of the 10-month term, there is a potential opportunity to transition into a full-time staff position with us. This provides a unique pathway for professional growth and long-term engagement with our organization.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a passionate and dedicated individual to make a significant impact on shaping global institutions to be more just, equitable and well-equipped for the planetary crisis. If you are eager to contribute your expertise and drive positive and inclusive change in the fight against the climate crisis, we encourage you to apply for this position.

How to apply:

Submit a resume, and a one-page cover letter. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We would like to fill this position as soon as possible.

New America is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce at all levels of the organization thereby creating a culture that allows us to better serve our clientele, our employees, and our communities. We value and encourage the contributions of our employees and strive to create an environment where everyone can reach their full potential and drive outstanding results. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. This policy applies with regard to all aspects of one’s employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, eligibility for benefits, and termination.