Mexico Clean Energy Policy Advisor; Remote​/Hybrid

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Location
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The preferred location for this position is in New Mexico. The position may work remotely in New Mexico or in WRA’s Santa Fe, New Mexico office, or a hybrid of the two. Alternate locations may include working remotely in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, or Utah, or in those state offices, or a hybrid of the two.

Position

Policy Advisor, Clean Energy is responsible for developing and advocating policies and programs that reduce the environmental impact of electricity production, spur a rapid transition to a clean energy economy, and address climate change in New Mexico. The Policy Advisor will work with guidance from the Deputy Director of State Advocacy. The Senior Policy Advisor, Clean Energy will independently develop and advocate for policies and programs with similar goals in New Mexico.

About Western Resource Advocates

WRA is a regional nonprofit fighting climate change and its impacts to sustain the environment, economy, and people of the West. WRA drives state-level action to advance policies that create a healthier and more equitable future for all communities, deploying clean energy and protecting air, land, water, and wildlife.

Responsibilities

Policy Research and Development

• Develop and advocate for equitable policies in regulatory, legislative, administrative and other policy forums that reduce the environmental impact of electricity and natural gas use, spur a rapid transition to a clean energy economy, and address climate change in the Interior West with guidance from a senior team member.
• Monitor relevant local, state, and federal policy developments.
• Research and analyze current and emerging clean energy policy in New Mexico, including legislation, administrative rules, and utility proceedings at the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, focusing on gas and electric resource planning, energy efficiency, distributed resources, load management, beneficial electrification, and rate design.
• Assist in supervision of outside consultants.
• Stay informed on emerging energy and climate topics to inform policy development with an emphasis on equitable and inclusive policies.
• With guidance from a senior team member, evaluate utility plans and applications, state and local regulatory proposals, and pending legislation to advance decarbonization goals.

Advocacy

• Develop strategies and prepare expert witness testimony, comments, and discovery in regulatory proceedings with guidance from a senior team member.
• Track regulatory proceedings and identify opportunities to advance WRA’s objectives.
• Represent WRA in regulatory, legislative, and other policy forums through written and oral testimony with guidance from a senior team member.
• Assist in negotiation and drafting of settlement agreements.
• Coordinate with WRA’s Government Affairs team to support advocacy campaigns.

Relationship Building and Outreach

• Build relationships with regulators, utilities, consumer advocates, clean energy and environmental advocates, state agencies, legislators, and other stakeholders to advance the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
• Engage in and help lead coalitions of diverse partners aligned around shared goals and strategies.

Internal Coordination/Other

• Assist with grant proposals and reports.
• Coordinate with other WRA policy teams to execute a common set of strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with policy, Government Affairs, and Communications staff to craft outreach strategies and messaging that convey WRA’s positions to stakeholders and decision makers.

Qualifications & Competencies

Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered. Examples follow.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least 2 years of relevant experience.
• Experience or familiarity with public utility regulation, the energy industry, clean energy technologies, decarbonization strategies, climate policy, or related work.
• Background in economics, public policy, engineering, or related disciplines.
• Knowledge of or desire to…