Senior Analyst, Dairy Sustainability

EDF+Business OverviewThe food system accounts for around one-third of global climate impacts, and this will only increase as we work to feed a growing global population of 10 billion people. Methane emissions are a major part of these impacts but are mostly an under-realized strategy for climate action. The livestock sector must accelerate methane mitigation if the world is to slow the rate of climate change and avoid disastrous tipping points.Food and agriculture companies have the resources and influence to play a critical role in bringing methane emission solutions into widespread practice across their global dairy supply chains. EDF’s work with the food and agriculture sector aims to 1) inspire leading companies to take action to prove new business models; 2) scale progress through collective action across industry; and 3) shape the rules and standards to ensure climate action is achievable and has maximum impact. Overall FunctionDairy Methane Action Alliance (DMAA) is a global initiative convened by EDF to spur action and accountability to drive down dairy methane emissions. With 8 major companies already signed on, it requires signatories to measure, report, and make a public action plan to reduce methane emissions, while providing the tools, resources and networks to unlock barriers and speed action.The Senior Analyst, Dairy will lead dissemination and uptake of technical guidance for dairy-sector companies to drive climate action, specifically around agricultural methane reductions. In order to deliver on the DMAA, this position will engage scientists, consultants, and other resources and conduct moderately complicated research and analysis to advance the development of business-ready technical guidance on reporting, supplier engagement, and action planning. They will help scale impact by developing and executing approaches to embed DMAA principles into existing standards and industry best practices, such as Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). The Senior Analyst will be a critical part of the overall Food and Forests team and support the execution of the dairy strategy alongside peers. The Senior Analyst will report to the Manager, Dairy Industry, EDF+Business.Duration: This is a two-year fixed-term position with the possibility for extension.Location: This position may either be fully remote or hybrid out of one of EDF's U.S. offices.Key ResponsibilitiesWith guidance from Manager, Dairy Industry, support delivery of dairy strategy of the Food and Forests team focusing on the Dairy Methane Action Alliance (DMAA).Conduct relevant independent, rigorous research and analysis to support the development and execution of project and team initiatives and achieve goals.Evaluate projects, identify new opportunities, engage in thought-partnership, disseminate and communicate sector results, and support strategic refinement of plans as part of the broader Food and Forest team.Train and assist companies in actioning on DMAA technical guidance and ensure they are able to meet their commitments by conducting 1-1 and group engagements, answering questions, and providing overall technical support.Translate technical materials into compelling documents or slide decks to be easily digested by corporate audience and conduct engaging presentations to small groups as necessary.Landscape existing corporate climate standards and best practices, such as Climate Disclosure Project, GHG Protocol, and others, to determine overlap with DMAA guidance.Support key partnerships with technical bodies and/or consultants to align DMAA guidance with other corporate standards.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.Lead dissemination of the DMAA guidance by creatively integrating it on EDF’s Net Zero Action Accelerator web hub and by developing and executing webinar and technical workshops.Build and maintain internal and external relationships that cultivate trust, generate ideas, and support with advancing relevant goals.Support the Manager, Dairy Industry to track deliverables and report against them.Forge strong internal collaborations with the Climate Smart Agriculture and Office of the Chief Scientist teams as a critical member of a cross-cutting team working on agricultural methane emissions.Work with internal team to identify corporate engagement goals and strategies to achieve overall EDF objectives.Work with key stakeholders to receive feedback and build consensus on the work to meet scientific and technical rigor while being able to provide practical and actionable guidance to companies.Additional relevant responsibilities as assigned.Qualifications4+ years of experience of relevant work experience and a Bachelor’s degree required. An advanced degree may substitute for up to 2 years of experience.Technical understanding of greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting and disclosure frameworks and the landscape of climate transition action plans/roadmaps required.Experience of working with a company on their GHG accounting and disclosure and/or development of climate transition action plan/roadmap is preferred.Experience working with and/or managing consultants is preferred.Experience in or foundational understanding of the dairy industry is preferred.Strong research and analysis skills, with preference for candidates who have conducted rigorous analysis on corporate accounting, disclosures, or action planning.Ability to deliver tailored analysis with an advocacy lens, including ability to synthesize information to with a view to drive action.Exceptional critical thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.Exceptional personal organization and attention to detail.Ability to work well independently as well as collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams while working on multiple projects concurrently, meeting deadlines, and responding quickly to changing opportunities.Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills, with a demonstrated ability in building effective coalitions and partnership management.Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to work with companies, colleagues, and external stakeholders of varied backgrounds and experience, including the ability to translate scientific and technical concepts for private sector audiences.A broad understanding of food and agricultural supply chains, agricultural GHG emissions reduction opportunities, and corporate sustainability trends.Strong capacity to bring constituents together toward a common goal, build strategic relationships, and successfully advocate for environmental issues.Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.Highly proficient computer skills, including MS Office Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and advanced Excel.Ability to travel up to 10% of the time (as appropriate given COVID).An understanding of and commitment to Environmental Defense Fund’s mission of protecting the natural environment and limiting humankind’s impact on the planet.