Job Description

Research Assistant – Climate & Energy

(9-month temporary position)

ABOUT RAN

For more than 30 years, Rainforest Action Network (RAN) has campaigned to preserve forests, protect the climate and uphold human rights by challenging corporate power and systemic injustice through research, education, partnerships, peaceful direct action, grassroots organizing, strategic campaigns and communications. We are committed to working with Indigenous and frontline communities directly impacted by profit-driven systems of injustice. In partnership with allies from around the world, RAN challenges corporations to stop destructive operations, respect human rights, and adopt policies that reduce their contributions to climate change.

RACIAL JUSTICE, DIVERSITY AND EQUITY

RAN strives to integrate values of equity and fairness into our work, which includes bringing an intentional racial justice and cultural equity analysis to our programmatic work and organizational structure. We strive to create an internal culture built on mutual trust, collaboration, and respect where all staff feel supported, valued, and heard.
RAN values diversity in race, class, gender, culture, and religion, and implements programs internally to ensure that staff, board, and activists understand and adopt anti-oppression principles. For more information about RAN’s history, culture, and philosophy, visit our website.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Climate & Energy team at RAN has a unique opportunity for an early career researcher to gain skills in fossil fuel finance campaigning and data analysis. This 9-month work and training opportunity is especially suitable for a recent college graduate with excellent research, analytical, and writing skills and an interest in climate campaigning, sustainable finance, or data analysis.

The Climate & Energy team campaigns to keep fossil fuels in the ground and accelerate a just transition by pressuring financial institutions to end their support for fossil fuel expansion, commit to fossil fuels phase out, and respect human rights and the rights of Indigenous Peoples. The research assistant will join a small research team that manages the production of the annual Banking on Climate Chaos report. Entering its 16th year, the report highlights bank financing for fossil fuels and is co-produced by a coalition of 8 global NGOS, convened by RAN.

A successful candidate will have a commitment to climate justice, environmental protection, and/or corporate campaigning. They will enjoy working collaboratively on fast-moving projects and will have opportunities to learn about the operations of an international environmental NGO.

They can expect to learn new skills in corporate research, data analysis, and finance campaigning and will work with a variety of campaigning and frontline groups.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct research for the Climate and Energy program on climate, finance, insurance, financial and energy regulation, the fossil fuel industry, and corporate targets.
• Use company annual reports, sustainability reports, and other publicly available data to track fossil fuel companies’ and financial institutions’ policies and business models.
• Provide fact-checking for research and data analysis.
• Contribute to reports, briefings, and campaign materials as needed, summarizing research findings concisely.
• Monitor financial industry and energy financing trends.
• Develop and use knowledge of advanced Microsoft Excel formulas and other data management tools to support the production of a large dataset on bank finance to all fossil fuel companies globally.
• Provide customized data analysis as needed for RAN campaigns and external partners.
• Participate in working group and other coalition meetings with the 8 partner research organizations which co-produce Banking on Climate Chaos.
• Participate in team-wide strategy and tactical planning and implementation.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong research, analytical, and writing skills
• Comfort with quantitative analysis, including experience with spreadsheets and basic data manipulation, such as pivot tables
• Superior attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills
• Highly organized and able to work independently while seeking feedback regularly
• Ability to work collaboratively and adaptable to shifting priorities
• Demonstrated interest in climate change, environmental, and human rights issues
• Willingness to acquire in-depth knowledge of corporate finance
• Commitment to RAN’s organizational values and approach to racial and global justice
• A high level of professionalism and confidentiality
• Knowledge of data science and/or a scripting and/or querying language a plus
• Experience with large, complex datasets a plus
• Experience in or knowledge of the financial sector a plus
• Experience working in a non-profit organization a plus
• Previous campaigning or advocacy experience a plus

COMPENSATION

This is a temporary, 9-month (maximum) position with anticipated compensation of $29 per hour for US candidates; compensation may vary outside the US and will be discussed during the initial interview. This position is eligible for RAN benefits including paid time off; in the US, benefits also include health insurance. For those outside the US, benefits vary but include reimbursement for healthcare expenses. RAN has staff in time zones across the world, and staff are expected to work flexibly in order to connect with colleagues.

LOCATION/WORKING CONDITIONS

While there is a slight preference for candidates in the US, we are open to considering non-US applicants. In order to be most successful, candidates should be prepared to work at least several hours of overlap with US Eastern and Pacific time zones, several times per week.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND ACCESS

RAN is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing all people with equal access to employment and volunteer opportunities. If you need assistance with accommodations during our interview or employment process, please contact HR@ran.org. We encourage applicants of color and from other historically excluded identities to apply for this position.

TO APPLY

Please use the link below to submit a resume and cover letter. For optimal consideration, please apply before September 30, 2024.

APPLICATION LINK:
https://rainforest-action-network.breezy.hr/p/682bc2f04709-research-assistant-climate-and -energy-team

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