Climate Program Associate

Please note: Please apply via the instructions below. Applications received via the Idealist platform will not be reviewed.

The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) is looking for a full-time Climate Program Associate, based in our Minneapolis office.

Who are you?

You are a passionate researcher and writer focused on the critical intersections of climate change and food systems with a deep understanding of corporate accountability. You have experience in nonprofit advocacy work and know how to drive policy change. You thrive in a collaborative environment. You will be part of IATP’s climate team and will work closely with communications staff and external partners in aligned coalitions. Your strong analytical skills allow you to navigate and interpret complex corporate and government documents, while your ability to translate technical information into compelling narratives resonates with wider audiences. A detail-oriented professional, you take pride in meeting deadlines and ensuring projects are completed efficiently and to the highest standards. 

Who are we?

IATP is a nonprofit policy advocacy organization with its headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Our mission is to work locally and globally at the intersection of policy and practice to ensure fair and sustainable food, farm and trade systems. Staff match high-level research and analysis with on-the-ground engagement to bring good policy into practice. In addition to our headquarters in Minneapolis, we have small offices in Washington, D.C. and Berlin, Germany. (Find out more at www.iatp.org.) 

The Position:

The Climate Program Associate will track the greenhouse gas emission and climate-risk reporting of major meat and dairy companies, using public, corporate and government data. You will analyze company claims about greenhouse gas emissions, the targets they set and the strategies they propose to achieve those targets.  As part of IATP's climate team working for a just transition for farmers and rural communities, you will contribute to holding polluting agribusiness corporations accountable through research that supports advocacy in the U.S., the EU and internationally. The work builds on our series of reports entitled “Emissions Impossible.”  

Responsibilities:

• Analyze and report on corporate documents and governmental filings in the U.S., Europe and California related to the climate targets and strategies of the meat and dairy industry
• Work with IATP staff and partners to track and advocate for strong regulatory rulemaking requiring corporate climate disclosure, specifically in the U.S. and EU.
• Work closely with IATP’s external partners in the U.S. and Europe who are also tracking aspects of corporate climate-related disclosure
• Publish accessible reports and articles, related to different aspects of this research
• Collaborate with IATP’s communications team to publicize the work using a variety of communications tools

Preferred Qualities and Qualifications:

• Committed to IATP’s mission and values
• Minimum 2-4 years of experience working on climate and food issues, within coalitions or networks, and on policy or campaigns
• Minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Minimum of two years of research and writing experience
• Excellent writing, oral and interpersonal communications skills
• Proven ability to analyze complex corporate, governmental and agricultural documents and data
• Background or experience in food systems, climate advocacy or related areas is highly desirable
• Strong understanding of corporate power and influence
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

Physical Requirements:

• The position will be based in Minneapolis and follow a flexible hybrid schedule
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Some travel required

IATP offers excellent health insurance, a Health Savings Account (HSA), paid vacation and holidays, sick leave, a 403B retirement plan with employer match, employer paid life, AD&D and LTD insurance, and an optional employer paid mobile phone plan. Enjoy a lively, collegial, flexible and dog-friendly work environment. This hybrid position is in the Minneapolis office and requires at least two in-person workdays per week.

Please combine your resume, cover letter and two samples of your work into a single PDF and submit to jobs@iatp.org. Option to include a video or audio sample. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after June 10. No phone calls, please.