Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Communications Position at NOAA

Communications Specialist

NOAA Office of Program Planning and Integration

Silver Spring, MD

I.M. Systems Group, Inc. (IMSG) www.imsg.com is looking to hire a Communications Specialist for NOAA’s Office of Program Planning & Integration (PPI) in Silver Spring, MD. The incumbent will perform a variety of communications and analytical support services for PPI including document editing, web content management, and electronic media work.

Job Duties:

* Provides a wide range of electronic media services to meet the internal and external communications needs of the office.
* Works with PPI senior management & analysts, Regional Teams and Goal Teams on preparing documents, web site content, messages, etc., in order to better communicate plans, objectives and outcomes.
* Assists teams of high performing professionals with communications support, document editing, and specialized support for specific projects, events, and activities.
* Manages office web sites to ensure content is understandable and current.
* Provides content, copy editing and proofreading of a wide variety of PPI and NOAA documents.
* Maintains a positive working relationship with the NOAA Communications Office to support effective use of stakeholder and event databases and resulting information, lessons learned, etc.

Requirements:

* Bachelor’s degree and experience in communications field required
* Expertise in document composition, editing and proofreading
* Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office products including Excel and PowerPoint; experience with Microsoft Project a plus
* Proficiency with web site content management and knowledge of web development software (Dreamweaver)
* Knowledge of communication techniques and stakeholder interactions
* Familiarity with NOAA a plus

To Apply:

Please send your resume, three references and a cover letter explaining how your qualifications meet the needs of this requirement to jobs@imsg.com with the following subject heading: NOA08020 – Communications Specialist.

IMSG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Action on Climate in Africa: Oct. 16, 2008

Prof. Emmanuel Kasimbazi

“Opportunities and Constraints for Action on Climate in Africa: Experiences from Uganda”

October 16th at Noon in the SIS lounge

Dr. Emmanuel Kasimbazi is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Law, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda He has degrees from the University of Dar as salaam, the University of Calgary in Canada, and completed a doctoral thesis in law at the University of Kwazulu Natal, South Africa focusing on international water law. He is widely published in areas of international law, environmental law, Water law, energy law, criminal law and forestry Law. This year is a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Maryland School of Law, Baltimore.

"The Tyranny of Oil": Oct. 9, 2009

Antonia Juhasz, “The Tyranny of Oil”

October 9 at Noon in the SIS lounge

The Tyranny of Oil (HarperCollins 2008) is the first book in decades to investigate the major oil companies and how they shape policy making on the economy, global warming, and war. Antonia Juhasz pulls back the curtain on “big oil,” revealing corporate influence over local, national, and international policy. She is also the co-author, with John Perkins, of A Game As Old As Empire: The Secret World of Economic Hit Men and the Web of Global Corruption (Berrett-Koehler 2007), and The Bu$h Agenda: Invading the World, One Economy at a Time (HarperCollins 2006). She is a Fellow with Oil Change International and the Institute for Policy Studies.

Hunger and Development in Africa: Oct. 3, 2008

The International Development Program Student Association
The Africa Council
The African Student Association
The President's Office
Project Contact Africa

Present

Hunger and Development in Africa:Finding solutions beyond discourses

Friday, October 3rd
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
SIS Lounge

Featuring:

Rep. James McGovern (tbc)
Co-Chair of the Board of Directors
The Congressional Hunger Center

Rev. Jim McDonald
Vice President, Policy and Programs
Bread for the World

Ms. Imani Countess
Senior Director of Public Affairs
TransAfrica Forum

Mr. David Atwood
Director, Office of Sustainable Development
Bureau for Africa – USAID

Moderator:
Prof. Deborah Brautigam
International Development Program

Hunger is the most extreme form of poverty, and in Africa, thousands and thousands of people die due to hunger and hunger-related causes. The problem now is taking odious dimensions because of the so-called food crisis. Food prices rose 80 percent from the beginning of 2005 to early 2008, according to the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization, and that is plunging more than 100 million of the world's poorest people deeper into poverty. "This crisis could result in a cascade of others ... and become a multidimensional problem affecting economic growth, social progress and even political security around the world." (U.N. Secretary General). Different analysis and actions are being undertaken, but are they really tackling the roots of the problem? Will they suffice?

Within the week of events related to Mr. Kermit Washington's fast at American University, please join us for a lively discussion with four well-known figures involved in current major initiatives on this topic.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Echoing Green's Fellowship: Deadline Dec. 1, 2008

Echoing Green's Fellowship Program

Each year, Echoing Green awards 20 two-year fellowships to entrepreneurs creating new social change organizations. Fellows receive up to $90,000 in seed funding and technical support to turn their innovative ideas into sustainable organizations. These fellowships offer them the opportunity to develop and test their ideas. We accept applications from citizens of all nationalities, working in any country.

This is not a scholarship program. Our fellows do not develop their ideas in an academic setting. Our fellows work in the community. They launch, manage and grow organizations that implement and continually expand their ideas for creating lasting social change.

Echoing Green seeks individuals or partnerships (organizations led by two people) with:

* Innovative solutions to significant social problems
* Strategies to create high-impact, sustainable change in people’s lives
* The ability to grow and lead a new organization

The application process is open to citizens of all nationalities, working in any country.

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for an Echoing Green Fellowship:

* Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
* Applicants must have sufficient English fluency to participate in interviews and Echoing Green events.
* Organizations must be the original idea of the applicant.
* Organizations must be independent and autonomous. Organizations cannot be considered independent or autonomous if they are started under the direction of an existing organization. The applicant must be the primary decision maker for the organization’s development and management. Generally, organizations with fiscal sponsors are still considered autonomous.
* Organizations must be in a start-up phase. To be considered a start-up, the applicant may have been running the organization full-time for approximately two years and Echoing Green's financial support should qualify it as a major/primary early funder. Applicants who have only worked on their organization on a part-time basis or have yet to start an organization are generally considered eligible.
* Applicants must make a full-time commitment to the organization's development. A full-time commitment is defined as a minimum of 35 hours per week; it is expected that the fellow would resign from their current employment to dedicate themselves full-time to their initiative.
* Partnerships (organizations led by two individuals) may apply. Both partners must make a full-time commitment of no fewer than 35 hours per week to the development of the organization.
* Applicants must commit to lead their organization for at least two years. Students who apply should note that they will not be eligible for their fellowship stipend if their organization is put on hold due to time commitment conflicts with their studies.
* Applicants can be citizens of any nationality and their organizations can be based in any country. However, if the applicant is not a US citizen or permanent resident and does not have legal status to work in the US, no services in connection with their fellowship may be performed in the United States. If you are authorized to work in the US but this status is granted to you through your current employer and you are only authorized to work for that employer, you are not eligible to apply for a US-based proposal.
* Applicants must commit to attending Echoing Green's training conferences, if selected as fellows. All new fellows attend a conference in July the year they are selected, as well as a November conference that year and for the next three years. Echoing Green covers all expenses related to these events and will announce the dates a few months prior to each conference.

The following proposals are not eligible for consideration for an Echoing Green Fellowship:

* Plans for the expansion of an existing organization that is past its start-up phase
* Plans for research projects
* Plans for lobbying activities
* Plans for faith-based initiatives (in this context, faith-based implies that you are associated with a religious institution or are promoting a specific faith; if your work has a spiritual basis but is not tied to any specific religion or faith, you may be eligible for consideration)
* Recipients of prior Echoing Green funding

Will you be a competitive candidate?

Applicants will be evaluated on the following criteria during the course of the selection process:

Applicant is an emerging social entrepreneur:

* Demonstrated entrepreneurial characteristics
* Demonstrated leadership potential
* Strong passion and commitment for the program area in which they plan to work
* Intelligence and problem solving skills
* Practical skills (e.g., strategic, organizational)
* Personal integrity

Applicant's plan will result in a sustainable organization:

* Clear and compelling mission and objectives
* Sound strategy and plan for program development and delivery
* Plan for evaluating success and performance
* Plan for financial sustainability and growth
* Existing support network

Applicant can clearly articulate their vision for social change:

* Seriousness of the social problem they will address
* Innovative idea and approach
* Potential for tangible impact to the beneficiary population
* Potential for replication and growth
* Potential for effecting systemic change (e.g., policy change, societal change, influence in their field)


To apply for an Echoing Green Fellowship, please visit our Fellowship section. Proposals submitted via mail or email will not be considered.

See http://www.echoinggreen.org

Our 2009 application is now open. The deadline for submissions is 5 PM EST on December 1, 2008

AU's Campus Sustainability Report Card

Hi all – here’s a link to our grade on this year’s “Campus Sustainability Report Card:” http://www.greenreportcard.org/report-card-2009/schools/american-university.

Note the surprisingly low score for student involvement on campus. A sign that we can be doing more? Or a sign that the good work already being done is not receiving adequate recognition?

Van Jones in DC: Sept. 27, 2008

Van Jones in DC on Saturday!

Come here this inspirational eco-justice champion make the connections between the solutions to both poverty and global warming. A shift to a clean, green economy can improve the health and well-being of low-income people, who suffer disproportionately from cancer, asthma and other respiratory ailments in our current pollution-based economy. Such a shift can also create and expand entrepreneurial, wealth-building opportunities for American workers who need new avenues of economic advance.

He will join with DC Councilmembers, Anacostia Families to Demand Green Jobs Now! The District stands to benefit tremendously from the emerging green jobs movement, and this local will educate and empower DC families to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the transition to clean energy. The event is part of the National Day of Action for Green Jobs, a day when thousands of citizens from across the nation will20get together to show our leaders that we are ready for green jobs now!

WHAT: "Get Going, Get Green: Green Jobs Now" rally and jobs fair in Anacostia

WHEN: September 27th 2008
Clean-up Project 9:00am - 12:00am
Green-Collar Jobs, Health and Community Fair 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Van Jones to speak at 2:00pm

SPEAKERS: Van Jones, Founder and President of Green For All
Councilmember Marion Barry, Ward 8 Councilmember
Councilmember Mary Cheh, Ward3 Councilmember
Reverend Anthony Motley, President of the Jobs Coalition
Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton, US Congresswoman from DC
And more…

WHERE: Bethlehem Baptist Church
2458 Martin Luther King, Jr Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20020
Bethlehem Baptist Church is directly across from Anacostia Metro Station (Green line)

WHO: We Campaign, Green For All, 1Sky, the Ward 8 Environmental Council, Environmental Justice and Climate Change Initiative, the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Jobs Coalition, Serve Nation, and Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light.

Earth Conservation Corps Film: Sept. 30, 2008

AU’s Center for Environmental Filmmaking and Filmmakers for Conservation

Present

River of Hope: The Story of the Earth Conservation Corps

By Bob Nixon, Earth Conservation Corps

Tuesday, September 30 at 7 pm in the Wechsler Theater

Bob Nixon will screen an excerpt from a reality series about young men in Washington DC’s toughest and poorest neighborhoods. In this clip, young men in juvenile detention compete in a triathlon with DC’s Mayor Adrian Fenty. Members of the Earth Conservation Corps Youth Media Arts Team—who are producing the films—will join Nixon.

Admission is FREE!

Open to the public!

3rd Floor, Mary Graydon Center, American University
4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016-8017

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Soybean Wars: Sept. 30, 2008

Soybean Wars: Militarization, Agribusiness Exploitation, and Community Resistance in Paraguay

In the midst of a global food, energy, and climate crisis more and more people are challenging the industrialized agricultural model by constructing local and regional alternatives with a vision for food sovereignty worldwide.

Leticia Galeano, of the Movimiento Agrario y Popular, will speak about militarization in Paraguay, criminalization of social movements, local resistance to soy expansion, and about the role of U.S. agribusiness giants like ADM, Bunge, and Cargill in the soybean wars.

Kay Spiritual Life Center Lounge
Tuesday, September 30th
12 Noon

Pizza will be served
Please RSVP to KSLC@american.edu

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Sustainable Business Conference: Oct. 29, 2008

Sustainable Business Success
New York City October 29, 2008

Join Your Community at Sustainable Business Success
As a member of the Sustainable Life Media community, we know you are already exploring sustainability as a path to improved business management. Innovators in our community are uncovering new opportunities every day to save money, reduce risk and improve stakeholder relations by rethinking the way they do business. We are pleased to be convening many of those innovators to meet with you and share their experience at the upcoming Sustainable Business Success: NYC in midtown Manhattan on October 29. Please join us at a special 10% SLM Community discount (if you register by September 30th and use code: zoho108d).

We know time and resources are tight this fall. But we also know your ability to adopt smart sustainability initiatives will play an important role in your ability to survive the roller coaster global economy of the coming years. So we've designed Sustainable Business Success to help you smooth the ride. By joining your colleagues at this price and time-conscious, one-day event you'll gain an up-to-the-minute look at how you can adopt emerging best practices that turn sustainability into real, bottom line benefit.

Spend One Full Day — Leave Equipped to Prioritize
From "Measurements That Matter" to "Green Buildings & Manufacturing" and "Logistics & Transportation" to "The Sustainable Workforce", and more, here's your opportunity to sit down with some of the top thought leaders, consultants and practitioners in the sustainability arena to get a candid look at the obstacles and mistakes they've faced, and the benefits they've captured on the road to success.

Beginning with a top down look at the latest sustainable business trends from top selling green business book author, Andrew Winston, and continuing with an up to the minute look at Institutionalizing Sustainability at Wal-Mart, you'll learn from sustainable business pioneers at PepsiCo, GE, Xerox, Interface and many more. And by keeping the gathering intimate, you'll have plenty of opportunity over breakfast, lunch and cocktails, to engage in animated one-on-one discussion with speakers and peers. You'll even have the opportunity to sign up in advance for lunch with the faculty member of your choice -- first come, first served, of course! By the end of the day, you'll leave with a good sense of the kind of goals to set, metrics to put in place and where to prioritize your own sustainability initiatives as you plan for next year and beyond.

Early Registration Discounts Extended to Sept. 30th!

Sustainable Business Success is already structured -- and priced – to maximize your learning while minimizing your out of pocket expense. And if you register now, you can ensure your place at this limited-capacity venue at the lowest possible registration rate of only $895 – an unbeatable value.

Early Registration Discounts extended until TUESDAY, September 30. And if you sign up using our personal invitation discount code: zoho108d, you'll always receive the best available pricing. So corral your team and set aside the day to join us at this in-depth 1-day learning and networking event.

For Schedule, Speaker, Pricing, and Location, go to:
www.sustainablelifemedia.com/sbsnyc

P.S. Remember that seating is purposely limited at this event to give you plenty of one on one time to delve into your specific questions with the experts. Don't miss out by waiting to register. If you have questions about this event, getting there, or registering, please call us at 650/344-9693.

Water and Peace in the Israeli/Arab Conflict: Oct. 6, 2008

“Water and Peace in the Israeli Arab Conflict: Challenges and Opportunities.
The Impact of the World Bank proposed Red Sea to Dead Sea Canal”
Monday October 6th: 12:00-1:20pm
Washington College of Law: room 401

For questions contact: pmoore@wcl.american.edu or 202-274-4113

Volunteer Opportunities in Ecuador

The Yanapuma Foundation in Quito, Ecuador is offering volunteer opportunities. We offer long term/short term opportunities in such areas as professional medical background, environmental conservation, animal care, working with children, teaching English, sustainable tourism, museum work and agriculture activities. Please consider our programs a valuable opportunity for your students. Please visit our website in English at www.yanapuma.org to learn more about about our exciting
opportunities.

Green Corps

A new academic year has dawned, and with it new opportunities for making
this world a better place.

During this academic year, Green Corps will select 35 soon-to-be college
graduates for our 2008-2009 training program. We give college graduates the
skills and experience they need to launch a career in the environmental
movement.

But Green Corps alumni - people like MoveOn.org's Adam Ruben - that tell our
story best. Click here to watch the video that tells the story of Green
Corps:

http://www.greencorps.org/about-us/15th-anniversary-video

Through our classroom instruction, field training and career placement,
Green Corps organizers become Green Corps alumni -- like Adam Ruben,
Bernadette Del Chiaro of Environment California, and more than 200 others.

As alumni, they work with environmental and social change groups such as
Sierra Club, Greenpeace and Rainforest Action Network.

And in their careers, they work on some of the biggest environmental
problems we're facing today.

If that sounds like something any of your students might be interested in
please take a moment to watch the video and feel free to share this email
with your colleagues and students.

http://www.greencorps.org/about-us/15th-anniversary-video

Thank you and best of luck on a successful semester.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Intern Position at the Africa-U.S. Higher Education Initiative

Intern – Job Description

The Africa-U.S. Higher Education Initiative is led by the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges (NASULGC), Higher Education for Development (HED) and the Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa, in collaboration with the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and others in the academic and international development communities. The Initiative is working to strengthen higher education institutions in Africa to contribute more effectively to African development and transformation and to increase the competence of U.S. higher education institutions in global affairs related to Africa. The Initiative is developing the framework for and seeking funding to support a program that will provide competitively awarded resources for long-term partnerships between African and U.S. universities that focus on achieving the Initiative's vision.

We are seeking a part-time intern to support the Initiative team. This position is 10-15 hours per week and will entail the following responsibilities:


1. Assist in the writing of grant proposals. In addition to writing, this work entails conducting research, editing, pulling together support materials, etc.
2. Assist with the development of an interactive web portal that will provide a platform for communication about the grants program and facilitate the development of capacity building partnerships.
3. Assist the Chief Operating Officer and other Initiative staff members with project management, research and writing as needed.


Desired Qualifications:
a. Strong writing and research skills.
b. Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
c. Good interpersonal skills, team-player, flexible.
d. Web development skills or desire to learn a plus
e. Interest in international development and Africa.
f. Knowledge about/experience in Africa and international development strongly desirable.


This is an unpaid position. Interested candidates should submit a letter and resume to:

Anne-Claire Hervy
Chief Operating Officer
Africa-U.S. Higher Education Initiative
1307 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20009

Call for Proposals: Deadline Oct. 24, 2008

CALL FOR WORKSHOP AND PRESENTATION PROPOSALS
Fourth National Farm to Cafeteria Conference
"Going the Distance and Shortening It, from Farm to Cafeteria"
Portland Oregon, March 19th – 21st, 2009

Co-sponsored by:
The National Farm to School Network, The Community Food Security Coalition
The Center for Food & Justice, UEPI, Occidental College

Proposal Period: September 23nd – October 24th
No proposals will be accepted after October 24th

The National Farm to School Network seeks proposals for workshops, short courses and a poster session at its 4th national conference in Portland, Oregon, March 19 – 21, 2009.

Presentation Formats
We are accepting proposals for the following presentation formats:

a. Poster Session
b. Workshop Sessions of 90 minutes in length
c. Short Course Sessions- half day (4 hours)

Workshop, Short Course, and Poster Session Possible Topics

* Distribution, processing, and infrastructure development
* Farm to school as a "green" issue
* Experiential education, curriculum development
* Youth-led initiatives
* Food service-led initiatives
* Grassroots voices, community initiatives
* Farm to hospitals, prisons, colleges, senior centers, daycare and other institutions
* Advocacy at the local, state, regional and/or national level
* 2008 Child Nutrition Authorization, issues, framing, collaborations
* Innovative approaches to food safety issues and concerns
* Farm to cafeteria and economic development
* Research and evaluation
* Grant writing and funding for farm to cafeteria
* State-level farm to school policies – what's worked, what hasn't
* Farm to cafeteria and public health issues
* Does farm to cafeteria work for farmers?
* Skill building, such as facilitation skills, community assessments, survey design, etc.
* Food service, farmers, price and profit
* Farm to school – a social justice agenda
* Farm to school and wellness policies


Session format
Interactive sessions that provide opportunities for significant audience participation are encouraged. We are also seeking workshops and short courses that build specific skills such as grant writing, policy advocacy, facilitation, working with farmers, working with children etc. Sessions that lead to a specific outcome, that are linked to the activities of the National Farm to School Network, or that build the farm to cafeteria movement, are also desired. We encourage session organizers to include a diverse group of leaders, such as youth, farmers, food service staff and community members. Introductory and advanced level workshops and short courses are also welcome.

Audience
Expect a very diverse audience in terms of occupation. They include food service, policy-makers, public health staff, farmers, environmentalists, community based organization activists, community residents, parents, school administrators, nutritionists, teachers, sustainable agriculture activists, food system representatives, researchers/academics, students, funders, and others engaged in building a sustainable food system. Please try to use plain language and limit the use of acronyms and jargon to make your session accessible to all participants.

Session details
Workshop sessions will be 90 minutes in length. Short courses are a half-day, or 4 hours. Expect approximately 30-50 attendees per workshop or short course session.

Submission of Proposals and Deadlines
Please submit your proposal to marion@foodsecurity.org by October 24th.
Audio-Visual
We will contact you regarding your AV needs, if your session is chosen.

Registration Fees
Presenters are entitled to a 50% discount off their registration fees (excluding field trips and short courses). Presenters that want to attend their session only can do so free of charge. All presenters must register for the conference.

Travel Costs
Presenters should plan on covering their own travel costs to participate in the conference.

You'll Hear Back From Us Soon
Submission of a proposal is not a guarantee of its acceptance. All proposals will be reviewed by a planning committee. Notifications of your proposal's status will be provided by November 15th. Contact us if you don't hear back by then.

For more information, please contact Marion Kalb at marion@foodsecurity.org, 505-474-5782.


PROPOSAL FORMATS

Poster Session

Please describe in 150 words or less the focus of your poster. In addition to those listed above, topics may include results of evaluations or studies, describe a new farm to cafeteria program or approach, or describe and/or analyze an experiential learning component of farm to school. Please continue below and fill out #s 2, 4, and 9.

Workshops and Short Courses

1. Please describe session type: (circle one)

Workshop – 90 minutes Short Course – 4 hours

2. Please provide the name, address, zip code, e-mail address and phone number for the primary presenter/organizer, and a short bio, no more than 50 words.

3. Please provide the names and affiliations of other presenters.

4. Please provide a title for your session (no more than 10 words)

5. Please provide a summary of your proposed session in no more than 50 words for use in the conference brochure. Provide information regarding format of presentation – lecture, small group, panel, activity-based, and how speakers will engage participants attending the workshop or short course.

6. Please provide a description of your session in no more than 150 words.

7. List two to three objectives describing how participants will benefit from this session and what tool(s) or message(s) participants will "take home." Learning outcomes should be action statements describing what participants will be able to do as a result of the experience, usually defined in terms of knowledge, skills, or attitudes. Statements should complete the following statement with observable and measurable verbs: "After this presentation, the attendee will be able to…"

8. Describe desired audio-visual needs.

9. Skill Level of Presentation Content:
Conference attendees are typically looking for focused sessions that deliver new information or knowledge. Please state which level your session addresses.

Basic: Assumes little or no prior knowledge of area(s) covered. The focus of the activity is to increase knowledge and application by the participant.

Intermediate: Assumes a general knowledge of the area(s) covered. The focus is to enhance knowledge and application of the participant.

Advanced: Assumes thorough knowledge of the area(s) covered. The focus synthesizes recent advances, research, new initiatives, and future directions.

Please submit proposals to marion@foodsecurity.org by October 24th. If you have any questions, e-mail Marion Kalb or call at 505-474-5782.

Recycling Discussion: Sept. 26, 2008

International Development Program Student Association
American University • School of International Service • www.idpsa.org


FRIDAY FORUM SERIES 2008-2009
Wastepickers: Informal Recycling in the Developing World

Friday, September 26th
4:30 – 6:00 PM
SIS Lounge

Panelist discussion including:

Bharati Chaturvedi
Founder, Director
Chintan Environmental
Research & Action Group

Peter F. Cohen
Anthropologist
Social Development Consultant
The World Bank

Sandra Cointreau
Solid Waste Management Advisor
Urban Sector Anchor
The World Bank

For further information, please call: 202-885-1657

Monday, September 22, 2008

USAID Internship: Deadline Sept. 26, 2008

USAID Global Development Commons Internship Opportunities
in International Development

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is the lead agency for the U.S. Government providing economic development and humanitarian assistance to people around the world. By creating the conditions to help countries move from poverty to prosperity, we serve both the American public and millions of people living in countries in development and transition.

The Global Development Commons is USAID Administrator Henrietta H. Fore's initiative to lead the development and application of a more open, collaborative approach to development practice and to catalyze an online Commons community. The Commons will change the way USAID and the broader development community do business, strengthening development impact through better collaboration and more effective partnerships. As a result, the internship is a unique opportunity to participate in a cutting-edge initiative that seeks to do nothing less than change the overall development "business model" for the better.
USAID intends to hire two interns to work 15-20 hours per week with the Global Development Commons team during the Fall 2008 semester. There may be an option to extend the internship into the Spring 2009 semester. Interns will receive a monthly stipend; housing assistance, salary, and/or other benefits will not be provided.

Qualifications: All candidates must be U.S. citizens (without dual nationality) currently enrolled and in good standing with a GPA of 3.0 or better in a graduate program in the Washington, D.C. area. Candidates should have an academic concentration related to (but not necessarily explicitly focused on) international development. In addition, candidates should possess excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to adapt quickly and work in a self-directed manner in a fast-paced environment. The successful candidate will be broadly familiar with international development practice and institutions/organizations and will have experience and/or expertise in one or more area(s) of development practice such as agriculture, democracy and governance, global health, economic growth, public/private partnerships, education, etc. Experience with or significant knowledge of USAID and its work is an advantage. In addition, advanced coursework, work experience, and/or knowledge of information technology, knowledge management, and/or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) would be an advantage. Candidates possessing an active secret level security clearance are strongly preferred.

About the Commons and Interns' Responsibilities: The intern will provide direct support to the small, dynamic Global Development Commons team, covering a wide portion of our activities and responsibilities. These activities relate to the four major objectives of the Commons, which are:

1) Improve USAID's own information infrastructure to enhance the ability of people to share and search the U.S. Government development knowledge.

2) Partner with external organizations to aggregate high-quality development knowledge into sector-focused portals for use by the entire spectrum of potential users, but with a special emphasis on those users in developing countries.

3) Partner with external organizations to create investments in innovative technologies which will: a) make development knowledge more easily available or b) demonstrate or catalyze the application of new technologies in meeting development challenges.

4) Enhance knowledge sharing among bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, and between donors and the recipients of Official Development Assistance and the public.

Contact: If interested, please submit a cover letter and resume before September 26th to the Internship Coordinator via email at commons@usaid.gov. Please include "Global Development Commons Internship" in the subject line of your email. Applicants should specify the approximate days of the week and times they are available to work in their cover letter. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Multinational Companies and Developing Countries Discussion: Sept. 25, 2008

Wake up with the OECD Washington Center!

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Multinational Companies and the Impact on Wages and Working Conditions in
Developing Countries

Presentation:
Stefano Scarpetta, Head of the OECD Employment
Analysis and Policy Division

Discussants:

David A. Smith, Chief Economist
House Financial Services Committee

Franck Wiebe, Chief Economist
Millennium Challenge Corporation


Register online at www.oecdwash.org/NEWS/EVENTS/event_registration.htm

Thursday, September 25
8:30 AM Registration, 9:00-10:00 AM Presentation
B-339 Rayburn House Office Building

While the series is free of charge, we ask that you please
register by Wednesday, September 24 for security reasons.


Event Description:
Foreign direct investment (FDI) by multinational corporations in developing and emerging economies has increased dramatically over the past two decades. FDI now represents 26 percent of world GDP, 32 percent of which is inward investment to developing countries. While generally perceived beneficial for local development, it has also raised concerns about unfair competition and the protection of workers' rights in host countries. This program examines the effects of FDI on wages and working conditions for workers of foreign affiliates of multinational corporations and those of their independent supplier firms. The evidence suggests that multinational corporations tend to provide better pay and working conditions than their domestic counterparts, especially when they operate in developing and emerging economies. The effects on wages and working conditions also spread to the foreign suppliers of multinational corporations, but the effects are smaller.

Biographies:
Stefano Scarpetta is the Head of the Employment Analysis and Policy Division of the OECD and the editor of the Employment Outlook, the annual flagship publication of the OECD on employment and labor market policy issues. The division is in charge of the analysis of labor market developments in OECD countries and key emerging economies and of the assessment of policy and institutions that affect these developments. Mr. Scarpetta received his laurea (summa cum laude) from the University of Rome, his Master of Science in Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science and his PhD from the Département et Laboratoire d'Economie Théorique Appliquée (DELTA) of the Ecole des Hautes Etudes in Science Sociales in Paris. He has published extensively in academic journals and edited several books in the fields of: labour economics and industrial relations; economic growth; and industrial organisation.

David A. Smith is the Chief Economist of the House Financial Services Committee. Smith has experience handling a range of domestic and international issues, with an emphasis on economics. Most recently, Smith was Senior Fellow at Demos, a think tank focusing on public policy issues such as income inequality and corporate governance. Prior to that, Smith was Director of Public Policy and senior advisor to President John J. Sweeney at the AFL-CIO. In addition, he has held positions as senior deputy budget director and Commissioner of Business Development for the City of New York, and also served as a Senior Economist at the Joint Economic Committee and as an advisor to Senator Edward Kennedy. Mr. Smith has also held positions as a fellow at the Century Foundation, and has taught at the University of Massachusetts and the New School.

Dr. Franck S. Wiebe is Chief Economist for the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). He is responsible for ensuring the quality and consistency of the analysis of economic logic and growth impact across all of MCC's activities. His responsibilities include developing and implementing MCC's approach to economic analysis, including advising on impact evaluations and guiding analysis and research activities. Prior to joining MCC, Dr. Wiebe was Chief Economist and Director of Economic Reform and Development programs at The Asia Foundation. He also worked for the Harvard Institute for International Development, where he served as project associate on the Customs and Economic Management Project in Jakarta, Indonesia. Dr. Wiebe has served as a faculty member in the Master of Public Policy Program at National University of Singapore, and has worked as a consultant for the Government of Indonesia, The World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank.

Register online at www.oecdwash.org/NEWS/EVENTS/event_registration.htm


For more information, please contact Holly Richards,
OECD Washington Center, 202-822-3873

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Animal Planet Showings: Sept. 23, 2008 7PM

See clips from some of Animal Planet’s top-rated programs on Tuesday evening (Sept 23) at 7 pm in the Wechsler Theater on the 3rd floor of the Mary Graydon Center.

Most of the material will be from shows about conservation efforts - saving whales, orangutans, chimpanzees and domestic animals that need homes.

How do you take a topic that normally appeals to a segmented audience and make it interesting to a broader one? Animal Planet doesn’t want only to preach to the choir. It is competing against all the television networks, so it is imperative they break through the clutter.

Animal Planet’s VP, Kevin Mohs, will tell us what’s REALLY going on at the network.

You are warmly invited! It is open to the public. Invite your friends and family. It will be an entertaining evening!

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Effective Activism Workshop: Sept. 22, 2008

Effective Activism Workshop

This short workshop will examine why some activists are successful and others less so. It will help its participants improve the level of their game by reflecting on and refining their own personal “theory of activism.” It will be highly interactive and intensely practical and focus on case studies. Open to everyone interested in not only studying the world but also changing the world.

When: Monday, September 22nd, at 9:00 p.m.
Where: Kay Lounge

Snacks will be provided

Questions? Contact Christine Gettings at kslc@american.edu for more information.
Sponsored by the Office of the University Chaplain.

"Climate Change and Energy: A UK perspective" : Sept. 26, 2008

"Climate Change and Energy: A UK perspective"


Dr. David Thomas, First Secretary Energy and Environment, British Embassy, Washington DC


September 26, 12:45-2:00 PM
McDowell Formal Lounge

4th Annual Fall Film Series

AU’s Center for Environmental Filmmaking and Filmmakers for Conservation
Present: The 4th Annual Fall Film Series

Hosted by Chris Palmer and Justine Schmidt
All shows are held in the Wechsler Theater at 7pm on Tuesdays
3rd Floor, Mary Graydon Center, American University
4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016-8017

Admission is FREE!

Open to the Public!

Passion that Connects
Kevin Mohs, Animal Planet
Tuesday, September 23
Kevin Mohs, Vice President of Production at Animal Planet, shares tips and insights into creating passion-based programming about animal-related topics that connect with a broad general audience. He will show examples of the network’s recent commercial and critical successes, along with previews of upcoming specials and series.

River of Hope: The Story of the Earth Conservation Corps
Bob Nixon, Earth Conservation Corps
Tuesday, September 30
Bob Nixon will screen an excerpt from a reality series about young men in Washington DC’s toughest and poorest neighborhoods. In this clip, young men in juvenile detention compete in a triathlon with DC’s Mayor Adrian Fenty. Members of the Earth Conservation Corps Youth Media Arts Team—who are producing the films—will join Nixon.

Screening of Land of Dreams: Homesteading America
Charles Dunkerly, National Park Service
Tuesday, October 7
Filmmaker Charles Dunkerly presents and discusses the making of the film Land of Dreams: Homesteading America, which explores the 130 year history of the 1862 Homestead Act. From Nebraska to Alaska, homesteading has been a part of the American landscape and history of the west. Land of Dreams portrays the personal stories of struggle and success, and shows the land that was lost and claimed, settled and tamed.

Using the Power of Humor to Change Environmental Behavior
Jan Canterbury (EPA), Fred Grossberg (Mill Reef Productions), Casey Roe (EcoSense)
Josh Hilgart (Friends of the Earth) and FOE’s President Brent Blackwelder
Tuesday, October 14
Cosponsored by EcoSense and Friends of the Earth
Come and see funny films from the Web and other places that illustrate how humor can be used to advance environmental goals. Learn how comedy is an underutilized resource for environmentalists.

The PBS System is Not The Matrix
Steven Schupak, Maryland Public Television
Tuesday, October 21
It may be more complicated than a basic cable channel, but the rewards can be impressive. Learn how to navigate the public television system: where the money comes from, how a public television station fits into the puzzle, the advantages over commercial TV, what kind of programming is succeeding, the pitfalls of producing public media and how to get started. In addition, see how your local public TV stations differ and the best way to seek employment in public media.

Getting Your Dream Job (Ten Years Before it Seems Possible)
Bridget Whalen, National Geographic Channel
Tuesday, October 28
Don’t know where to start on your career on TV and film? Bridget Whalen talks about how to get your first job, mentors, promotions, industry exposure, pros and cons of distribution, production and television gigs. She’ll go over developing and pitching ideas to cable networks, and how to build a creative dream team to develop projects that you love. She will also discuss National Geographic programming, how she got her current position, her favorite shows and how to break into the system at NatGeo.

Classroom in the Wild, Extreme HD Alaska!
Larry Engel and Students, School of Communication, American University
Tuesday, November 11
We made it! Learn how twelve brave students faced survival instructor Brian Horner, Professor/filmmaker Larry Engel and the Alaskan wilderness for eight days and came back unscathed (relatively). Professor Engel will lead a presentation of the experience that will include video, photos, and several of the students themselves.

Salmon Versus Gold: Red Gold
Travis Rummel and Lauren Oakes
Tuesday, November 18
Cosponsored by the Turner Foundation
Join us for a screening of the award-winning film Red Gold documenting the proposed Pebble Mine in Alaska's Bristol Bay, followed by a discussion with the filmmakers about Alaska's choice between salmon and gold.

The Best of the Santa Barbara Ocean Film Festival
Michael Hanrahan and Justine Schmidt
Wednesday, November 19
Details to come!

For more information, contact Chris Palmer at 202-885-3408 or Justine Schmidt at 202-413-4490, or visit soc.american.edu/cef or environmentalfilm.org or filmmakersforconservation.org.

New Publications from WRI

It has been two years since the Equity, Poverty and Environment Objective at WRI has sent out an announcement of its new publications. A long list of new publications that have accrued during this period is now available on line!

Our Representation and Equity Research Publications List, with links to all of our publications since 2000, can be accessed by clicking on: http://pdf.wri.org/epe_publications_catalog.pdf (new publications on this list are highlighted).

NEW Publications from Representation and Equity Research at WRI

WRI Research Reports & Briefs

·Soon to be NEW: Ribot, Jesse C. Forthcoming. Democracy Effects of Natural Resource Interventions: Institutional Choices and Responsibilities.Washington, D.C.: World Resources Institute.

·Soon to be NEW: Veit, Peter G. 2008. On Whose Behalf: Legislative Representation and the Environment in Africa. Washington, D.C.: World Resources Institute Research Report.

·NEW: Veit, Peter G., R. Nshala, M. Odhiambo, and J. Manyindo. 2008. Protected Areas and Property Rights: Democratizing Eminent Domain in East Africa. Washington, D.C.: World Resources Institute Policy Brief.

·NEW: Foti, Joseph, L. de Silva, H. McGray, L. Shaffer, J. Talbot, and J. Werksman. 2008. Voice and Choice: Opening the Door to Environmental Democracy. Washington DC: World Resources Institute.

Edited Journal Special Issues

NEW: Ribot, J.C., Ashwini Chhatre, and Tomila V. Lankina (eds.). Special Issue, Conservation and Society. Vol. 6, No. 1, 2008, with articles by: Ribot, Chhatre, and Lankina; Chhatre; Lankina; Larson; Mongbo; Bandiaky; and Hara; Spierenburg, Steenkamp, and Wels.

NEW: Ribot, J.C. and Oyono, Phil Rene (eds.). Special Issue, Africa Development, Vol. XXXI, No. 1, 2006, with article by Ribot and Oyono; Bazaara; Namara; Muhereza; Mandondo and Kozanayi; Mapedza; Oyono and Efoua; Oyono and Nzuzi; Kassibo; and Feyissa.


Representation, Equity and Environment Working Paper Series (formerly ‘Environmental Governance in Africa’ Working Paper Series)

NEW: Working Paper #38.
Steering Community-Driven Development A Desk Study of NRM Choices. Jesse Ribot and Robin Mearns. March 2005 [Working Paper Printing 2008].
NEW: Working Paper #37.
Analyse de la filière Charbon de Bois au Sénégal:Recommandations. Jesse Ribot. September 2006.
NEW: Working Paper #36fr.
Non-décentralisation démocratique au Sénégal: Le non-transfert de l’autorité sur les forêts. Jesse Ribot. January 2008.
NEW: Working Paper #36.
Authority over Forests: Negotiating Democratic Decentralization in Senegal. Jesse Ribot. January 2008. [Note: This working paper is accompanied by four videos listed under Films and Videos, below. These are: Film on Vimeo English; Film on Vimeo French; Dialogue about film on Vimeo; and a talk about the case on Vimeo.
NEW: Working Paper #35.
Institutional Choice and Recognition in the Formation and Consolidation of Local Democracy. Jesse Ribot, Ashwini Chhatre, and Tomila Lankina. January 2008.
NEW: Working Paper #34.
Institutional Choice in the Shadow of History: Decentralization in Indonesia. Takeshi Ito. December 2007.
NEW: Working Paper #33.
State Building and Local Democracy in Benin: Two Cases of Decentralized Forest Management. Roch Mongbo. October 2007.
NEW: Working Paper #32.
Party Politics, Social Movements, and Local Democracy:Institutional Choices in the Brazilian Amazon. Fabiano Toni. October 2007.
NEW: Working Paper #31.
Engendering Exclusion in Senegal’s Democratic Decentralization: Subordinating Women through Participatory Natural Resource Management. Solange Bandiaky. October 2007.
NEW: Working Paper #30.
‘Fragmented Belonging’ on Russia’s Western Frontier and Local Government Development in Karelia. Tomila Lankina. August 2007.
NEW: Working Paper #29.
Undermining Grassland Management Through Centralized Environmental Policies in Inner Mongolia. Wang Xiaoyi. August 2007.
NEW: Working Paper #28.
Dilemmas of Democratic Decentralization in Mangochi District Malawi: Interest and Mistrust in Fisheries Management. Mafaniso Hara. August 2007.
NEW: Working Paper #27.
Indigenous Peoples, Representation and Citizenship inGuatemalan Forestry. Anne M. Larson. August 2007.
NEW: Working Paper #26.
Enclosing the Local for the Global Commons: Community LandRights in the Great Limpopo Transfrontier ConservationArea. Marja Spierenburg, Conrad Steenkamp, and Harry Wels. August 2007.
NEW: Working Paper #25.
La réglementation de la filière du charbon de bois à l’épreuve dela décentralisation: entre discours, lois et pratiques. El Hadji Diaigué Bâ. February 2006.
NEW: Working Paper #24.
Institutional Choice and Recognition: Effects on the Formationand Consolidation of Local Democracy, Minutes of aComparative Policy Research Workshop. Rapportuers: Bradley L. Kinder, Nathaniel Gerhart, and Anjali Bhat. December 2006.
NEW: Working Paper #23.
Accountability in Decentralization and the Democratic Context:Theory and Evidence from India. Ashwini Chhatre. January 2007.
NEW: Working Paper #22fr.
Or Vert et Or Noir dans le Cameroun Rural: Ressources Naturelles pour la Gouvernance Locale, la Justice et laDurabilité. Phil René Oyono, Jesse C. Ribot et Anne M. Larson. October 2006.
NEW: Working Paper #22.
Green and Black Gold in Rural Cameroon : Natural Resources for Local Governance, Justice and Sustainability. Phil René Oyono, Jesse C. Ribot and Anne M. Larson. October 2006.

Journal and Other Publications from the WRI Program

·NEW: Veit, P.G. 2007. “Legal Distortions: Government Policy and the Distribution of Environmental Benefits.” South African Journal of International Affairs. Vol. 13, No. 2. pp. 33-52.
·NEW: Larson, Anne, and J.C. Ribot. 2007. “The Poverty of Forestry Policy: Double Standards on an Uneven Playing Field.” Journal of Sustainability Science. Vol. 2, No. 2.
·NEW: Ribot, J.C. 2007. “Institutional Choice and Recognition in the Consolidation of Local Democracy.” Democracy. Vol. 50, No. 1, pp. 43-49.
·NEW: Ribot, J.C. 2006. “Choose Democracy: Environmentalists’ Socio-political Responsibility,” Global Environmental Change. Vol. 16. No. 2, pp. 115-119
·NEW: Ribot, J.C. 2006. “Democratic Decentralization of Natural Resources: Institutionalizing Popular Participation,” Forestry Economics. Vol. 163, No. 2. [Chinese language journal published in Beijing, China—article composed in English and translated into Chinese.]
·NEW: Ribot, J.C., Arun Agrawal and Anne M. Larson. 2006. “The Decentralization of Natural Resource Management: Theory Meets Political Realty,” World Development. Vol. 34, No. 11. Pp. 1864-86.

Film and Video

NEW: “Weex Dunx and the Quota: Plucking Local Democracy in Senegal,” A film by Jesse C. Ribot, (Twenty-four minute video—Wolof with English and French subtitles)
Synopsis: Mr. Weex Dunx (Mr. Scapegoat), the elected President of the Rural Council of Nambaradougou (Place of many problems), is ecstatic to learn that new decentralization laws have given his council the right to manage and use forests. The council now has the right to decide how much woodcutting will take place in their jurisdiction and who gets to do the cutting and selling. But, when Weex Dunx tries to exercise his new powers he is confronted by incredulous foresters, administrators and merchants who are in shock that he thinks he can make decisions about the forests. Exasperated because these powerful notables don’t like him if he resists and his people don’t like him if he gives in, Weex Dunx is torn between doing what is right for his community and surrendering to pressures from powerful people whom he does not want to disappoint. Copies on DVD or CD can be provided on request. [The research for this film is presented in Working Paper #36 listed above.] Please visit the WRI web page to view the film.The film can also be viewed via Vimeo (English and French) and YouTube (English and French). A discussion of this film with the author can be viewed under the next item below, “The Scapegoat’s Tale.”

NEW: “The Scapegoat’s Tale: Decentralizing Democracy in Africa,” Television Interview with Jesse C. Ribot on Dialogue, a television program produced by George Liston Seay at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. The program is a discussion of the film “Weex Dunx and the Quota: Plucking Local Democracy in Senegal,” above. [Also see accompanying working paper Working Paper #36.] The program can be viewed on line via Vimeo or the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars site.

NEW: “Distributional Equity in Forest Exploitation: Double Standards on an Uneven Playing Field,” Keynote Speech by Jesse C. Ribot for the Seminar on the economic social and ecological importance of the world’s tropical forests and the challenges facing them Forest and Landscape Institute, University of Copenhagen 5/08. [Also see accompanying working paper Working Paper #36.] The talk can be viewed on line via Vimeo.

NEW: “The Business of Sustainable Development: An African Forest Tale,” A Story for Children and Select Adults by Jesse C. Ribot with Illustrations by Mor Gueye. Please visit YouTube to view. A discussion with the author of this story can be seen on the television program ‘Dialogue’ of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.


Electronic copies of WRI publications and working papers that are not available on line can be requested by emailing wri.equity@wri.org. You may also request a complimentary printed copy of most publications sending your mailing address.

Niger Delta Documentary: Sept. 29, 2008

[Please note that on the program for this forum is a short preview of the new documentary Sweet Crude, about the complex situation in the Niger Delta; the film is scheduled for release in early 2009. The director of the documentary, Sandy Cioffi, will be attending from Seattle to introduce the film, address the current situation in the Niger Delta, and discuss the broad international alliances the film crew has built in an effort to effect useful political intervention. www.sweetcrudemovie.com

Mary Ella Keblusek
AU MIS graduate student
Associate Producer, Sweet Crude}
A PUBLIC FORUM ON NIGERIA 48TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY
under the theme
THE NIGER DELTA SITUATION:
‘POLITICAL INDEPENDENCE REQUIRES CITIZEN CENTERED APPROACH’
in WASHINGTON D.C on SEPTEMBER 29TH, 2008
at the NATIONAL PRESS CLUB

Civic Life International Inc (CLI) is a non-governmental organisation based in Kettering, USA and Lagos Nigeria. For the past three years, the organisation has been active in convening citizens to talk and think together about issues facing people and communities and strengthen the competencies of citizens, institutions and governments to respond to these challenges.

For this event, CLI is partnering with the Coalition of Niger Deltans in Diaspora (CONDIDIA) to organize a one-day deliberative public policy event on the situation in the Nigerian Delta region.

The purpose of this conference is to bring together academics, NGOS, policy-makers, the media and members of civil society with the aim of:
Informing International civil society as well as the sub-Saharan diaspora about the situation in the restive but oil -rich Delta region of Nigeria
Advocating on behalf of political independence of the people of Nigeria in regard to proposed “military” assistance by foreign governments in the Nigerian Delta crisis.
Creating a Euro-African network and a forum for productive dialogue between sub-Saharan Africa, policy makers, International media and civil society, towards finding sustainable solutions to the current challenges of In the Delta region.

This is an effort by Nigerian grassroots organisations to seek alternate solutions that will reflect the true independence of the Nigerian people and their determination to find lasting solutions to the situation in the Delta region. This effort is not the government sponsored Niger Delta summit. It is a citizen focus forum.

There is no cost for individuals to attend this forum. Please kindly note that places are limited so early registration is recommended.

Register online now@ http://www.idealist.org/en/event/106691-273


PROGRAMME

09:00 Registration 30 mins
09:30 Opening remarks Rev. Jerry O. Eziomano, President, Redemption Voice Ministries Inc./Coordinator, CONDIDIA 10 mins
Introduction of Guests of HonourTokunbo Awoshika, Founder, Civic Life International Inc. 10 mins
09:50 Speaker Chairman of the Occasion 30 mins
10:20 Film projection film no 1Segments from documentary on the situation in Nigerian Delta region ( SWEET CRUDE)30 mins
10:50 Tea break (Refreshments provided)30 mins
11:20 Speaker (Keynote Address)Professor Saliba Mukoro, Asst. Professor and Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice at Mississippi Valley State University 40 mins
12:00 Q&A 20 mins
12:20 Lunch break
14:00 Speaker Sandi Cioffi, Producer,’ Sweet Crude’ a soon to be released documentary on the Niger Delta.15 mins
14:15 Poster exhibition & Presentations Posters, Painting, and other exhibits about the Niger Delta situation15 mins
15:30 Deliberations45 mins
16:00 Tea break (refreshments provided)30 mins
16:45 Conclusions & recommendations
(Section Chair: Mr. Isaac Eferighe )
Gathering of notes taken during the forum, Conclusions and recommendations.(To be forwarded to the Nigeria Embassy,White House, UN, other world leaders, and national/international press)30 mins
17:45 Dinner with Speakers

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

China's Aquaculture: Oct. 1, 2008

After a relatively slow summer of meetings we are gearing up for a busy fall! The first meeting of the fall at the Wilson Center will be on October 1st (9:00 am to 11:00am) and will address China’s aquaculture and its impact on food safety and the environment. The meeting will feature David Barboza of The New York Times who will discuss some of the “upstream” challenges facing Chinese fish farmers in lakes, rivers, and fish ponds, while Wang Hanling of China’s Academy of Social Sciences will focus on the “downstream” issues of coastal pollution and over fishing that is endangering China's coastal fisheries. As one potential model for China in better enforcing standards for fish, Teresa Ish will introduce Environmental Defense Fund’s seafood work with U.S. corporations. Details are below, please RSVP to CEF@wilsoncenter.org or online at www.wisloncenter.org/cef.

Several Openings at The Environmental Law and Policy Center

Public Interest Scientist Post-Doctoral Fellowship
http://elpc.org/2008/09/03/public-interest-scientist-post-doctoral-fellowship
The Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC) – the Midwest’s leading environmental legal advocacy and eco-business innovation organization – has created an innovative Science Fellows Program to enable post-docs scientists to engage in environmental and natural resources policy analysis and advocacy. ELPC Post-Doctoral Science Fellows will work with ELPC’s professional staff of public interest attorneys, [...]

See the full job description » http://elpc.org/2008/09/03/public-interest-scientist-post-doctoral-fellowship

Public Interest Environmental Attorney Fellowship
http://elpc.org/2008/09/02/public-interest-environmental-attorney-fellowship
The Environmental Law and Policy Center (“ELPC”) seeks to hire a public interest attorney advocate who is a recent law school graduate for a one-year Environmental Attorney Fellow position in our Chicago, Madison or Des Moines offices starting in Fall 2009. The Environmental Attorney Fellow will work on ELPC’s environmental litigation and policy issues in [...]

See the full job description » http://elpc.org/2008/09/02/public-interest-environmental-attorney-fellowship

Public Interest Scientist - Senior Sabbatical Fellowship
http://elpc.org/2008/08/13/public-interest-science-senior-sabbatical-fellowship
The Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC) – the Midwest’s leading environmental legal advocacy and eco-business innovation organization – has established an innovative Science Fellows Program to engage university professors in environmental and natural resources policy analysis and advocacy during their sabbatical year. ELPC Science Fellows will work with ELPC’s professional staff of public interest [...]

See the full job description » http://elpc.org/2008/08/13/public-interest-science-senior-sabbatical-fellowship

Media Relations Associate
http://elpc.org/2008/08/13/media-relations-associate>
The Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC) seeks to hire a Media Relations Associate to join our team to generate positive media coverage for ELPC’s advocacy program initiatives and build overall media recognition, visibility and presence for our organization, headquartered in Chicago with seven offices in the Midwest. This is a full-time position reporting directly [...]

See the full job description » http://elpc.org/2008/08/13/media-relations-associate>

Senior Public Interest Environmental Attorney
http://elpc.org/2008/06/23/senior-public-interest-environmental-attorney
The Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC) – the Midwest’s leading environmental advocacy and eco-business innovation organization – seeks to hire a public interest environmental attorney with 10+ years of litigation and policy experience to play a significant leadership role on ELPC’s growing work to promote clean renewable energy development, natural resources protection and global [...]

See the full job description » http://elpc.org/2008/06/23/senior-public-interest-environmental-attorney

Public Interest Environmental Attorney
http://elpc.org/2008/06/23/public-interest-environmental-attorney
The Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC) – the Midwest’s leading environmental advocacy and eco-business innovation organization – seeks to hire a Public Interest Environmental attorney with 5+ years of litigation and policy experience to play a significant role on ELPC’s growing work to promote clean renewable energy development, natural resources protection and global warming [...]

See the full job description » http://elpc.org/2008/06/23/public-interest-environmental-attorney

Green on the Screen (The Story of Stuff and Isle of Flowers): Sept. 18, 2008

Green on the Screen @ the AU Library - Thursday, Sept. 18 The Story of Stuff (2007) and Isle of Flowers (1990)

The Story of stuff. 20 min. 2007.
The goal of this film is to raise awareness about the often hidden impacts of production and consumption, to highlight the connections between a wide range of issues, and to spark discussion about both the systemic nature of the problem and effective strategies to address them.

Also
Isle of Flowers. 13 min. 1990.
A funny but ultimately bitter film from Brazil about values, the food chain, and the human condition as it looks at what becomes of the garbage produced by the inhabitants of Porto Alegre, Brazil.
This documentary is currently ranked #12 in IMDB.com documentary category and #1 Brazilian short film.
In 1995, it was named by European critics as one of the 100 most important short films of the century.

Date: Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008
Time: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Location: Media Services Classroom - located on the Lower Level of Bender Library
The Green on the Screen video series is open to all and visitors are welcome to bring lunch. The series is coordinated by the Library Green Team with support from AU Ecosense and the Center for Environmental Filmmaking.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Fishing Permits and Data Technician at NOAA

I.M. Systems Group, Inc. (IMSG) www.imsg.com is looking to hire a Fishing permits and Data Technician to work at the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, Southwest Region in Long Beach, California in support of the Sustainable Fisheries Division's (SFD) mission.

Responsibilities:
·Provide services and deliverables in the Fishery Services Branch to assist in the issuance of fishing permits and verification of compliance.
·Tracking and correspondence of fishery permit applications.
·Fishery permits conditions compliance monitoring and coordination with Office of Law Enforcement and the Southwest Fisheries Science Center.
·Tuna product import documentation compliance monitoring and coordination with Office of Law Enforcement.
·Fishery data extractions and summarization in response to periodic and annual requests.

Requirements:
·Proficiency in Microsoft Office ( Access, Excel, Word) with specific experience in extracting and importing data.
·Familiarization with database fundamentals and experience with SQL (Structured Query Language) Oracle based databases and queries are highly desirable.
·Strong communication skills both oral and written as well as exceptional customer service skills are essential.
·Travel to La Jolla office and other locations are anticipated.
·Bachelor's degree and 2-5 years experience in a related field.
·Bilingual in Spanish would be desirable asset.
·Experience with fisheries or any marine related background is highly desirable.

To Apply:

Please send your resume, three references and a cover letter describing how your knowledge and skills fulfill the requirements of this position to jobs@imsg.com with the following subject heading: NOA0819 –Permits and Data Technician. Salary for this position is $45,000-$55,000 and is commensurate with experience.

IMSG is an equal opportunity employer.

Environmental Book Launch at Wilson Center: Sept. 29, 2008

Please join the Woodrow Wilson Center’s Division of International Security Studies and the Environmental Change and Security Program for a book launch of

Hot, Flat and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution-and How It Can Renew America

featuring

Thomas Friedman, Foreign Affairs Columnist, New York Times, and Author


Monday, September 29, 2008
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Reception to follow
6th Floor Flom Auditorium
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Webcast live at www.wilsoncenter.org

Please RSVP to ecsp@wilsoncenter.org with your name and affiliation.


Thomas Friedman’s new book, Hot, Flat and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution-and How It Can Renew America, brings a fresh outlook to the crises of destabilizing climate change, rising competition for energy, and rapid population growth. Plagued by inaction, the United States and the rest of the world have watched as “global warming, the stunning rise of middle classes all over the world, and rapid population growth have converged in a way that could make our planet dangerously unstable,” writes Friedman.

Yet undergirding Friedman’s book is his sense of optimism that renewed American leadership on energy conservation, population, and multilateral cooperation-what he calls “Geo-Greenism”-could not only stave off the worst climate change scenarios but also bolster America’s economy and flagging global reputation. Friedman sets out the clean-technology breakthroughs the world will need; shows that the ET (Energy Technology) revolution will be both transformative and disruptive; and explains why America must lead this revolution-with the first Green President and a Green New Deal, spurred by the Greenest Generation. Whether you defend or challenge Friedman’s perspective, Hot, Flat, and Crowded is certain to become a lightning rod in the debates over climate change, energy, and environmental security.

Thomas Friedman, a world-renowned author and journalist, joined The New York Times in 1981 as a financial reporter specializing in OPEC- and oil-related news and later served as the chief diplomatic, chief White House, and international economics correspondents. A three-time Pulitzer Prize winner, he has reported on the Middle East conflict, the end of the Cold War, U.S. domestic politics and foreign policy, international economics, and the worldwide impact of the terrorist threat. His foreign affairs column, which appears twice a week in the Times, is syndicated to 700 other newspapers worldwide. He is the author of From Beirut to Jerusalem, The Lexus and the Olive Tree, Longitude and Attitudes, and The World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century. Friedman graduated summa cum laude from Brandeis University and received a master's degree in modern Middle East studies from Oxford University. He has served as a visiting professor at Harvard University and has been awarded honorary degrees from several U.S. universities.


If you are interested, but unable to attend the event, please tune into the live or archived webcast at www.wilsoncenter.org. The webcast will begin approximately 10 minutes after the posted meeting time. You will need Windows Media Player to watch the webcast. To download the free player, visit: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download.

Location: Woodrow Wilson Center at the Ronald Reagan Building: 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW ("Federal Triangle" stop on Blue/Orange Line), 6th Floor Flom Auditorium. A map to the Center is available at www.wilsoncenter.org/directions. Note: Due to heightened security, entrance to the building will be restricted and photo identification is required. Please allow additional time to pass through security.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

TransFair USA Position: Program Manager

GPS Program Manager for Africa

Job Number JOB-000047
Category Global Producer Services
Location
Oakland, CA

Overview of Position:
The Global Producer Services (GPS) department of TransFair USA works to strengthen farmer organizations through product quality improvement, business and cooperative management training, and market linkage opportunities. GPS is currently working with a number of cooperatives in African countries. Working with the GPS Director, fellow Project Managers, Associates and Interns, this position will be responsible for overseeing capacity building projects with producer organizations in multiple countries to augment their Fair Trade market opportunities. The GPS Project Manager for Africa will be responsible for identifying potential producer partners, building relationships with donors, producers, and technical assistance providers, mapping out strategic priorities, implementing start-up projects and providing leadership in establishing program management structures in support of excellence in service delivery. GPS projects in Africa will always involve our producer partners, will target multiple commodities and will often involve one or more of our 500 industry partners.

Description
Specific duties include:

• Plan and execute a portfolio of targeted capacity building and market development projects for Africa producer organizations, and provide a baseline level of support to other Fair Trade producer groups as needed and carry out market linkage activities with producer representatives;

• Implement industry-standard project management processes, tools and evaluation methodologies for the GPS Department to monitor producer involvement and activities;

• Manage budgets and expenses, and carry out financial reporting;

• Develop and manage relationships with technical assistance providers to ensure on-the-ground services to producer groups;

• Visit producer groups and project partners in target countries to monitor project implementation and provide periodic evaluations and recommendations for project improvement;

• Conduct research, data collection and analysis for reporting to funding agencies, measuring Fair Trade impact, and informing GPS strategy and services;
• Investigate producer needs and industry opportunities to create GPS proposals for development agencies, foundations and multilateral development banks;

• Supervise staff and consultants.

Qualifications
• A BA or equivalent degree is required, a masters degree in international development, business or a related field is desired;
• A minimum of four years work experience with donor funded projects in international agricultural or SME development with at least two years in the field managing project implementation is required;

• Knowledge of small holder commodity value chains, in particular in the coffee, cocoa, tea, sugar or fresh fruit industries is preferred.
• Experience managing donor projects with an emphasis on USAID experience is required.

• Experience supervising and managing a multicultural team is required
• Fluency in French and English is required

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are a must.

• Must be proficient using the applications of Microsoft Office.

TransFair USA: Project Manager Position

Project Manager for Latin America and the Caribbean

Join the leader of the nation's fast-growing Fair Trade movement!

Supervisor: Global Producer Services Senior Program Manager

Schedule: Full time, M-F

Salary: Competitive; includes standard benefits package

Overview of Position:
The Global Producer Services (GPS) department of TransFair USA works to strengthen farmer organizations through quality improvement, business training, and market linkage opportunities. GPS is currently developing implementing work with coffee cooperatives in a number of Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries. Working with the GPS Director, Senior Manager, fellow Project Manager(s), Associates and interns, this position will be responsible for overseeing capacity building projects for multiple farmer organizations in multiple countries, to augment their Fair Trade market opportunities. The GPS Project Manager for LAC will be responsible for identifying potential producer partners, building relationships with donors, producers, and technical assistance providers, mapping out strategic priorities, implementing start-up projects and providing leadership in establishing program management structures in support of excellence in service delivery. GPS projects in LAC will always involve our producer partners, will target multiple commodities and will often involve one or more of our 500 industry partners.


Specific duties include:

Plan and execute a portfolio of targeted capacity building and market development projects for Latin American and Caribbean producer organizations, and provide a baseline level of support to other Fair Trade producer groups as needed
Develop and manage relationships with technical assistance providers to ensure on-the-ground services to producer groups;
Visit producer groups and project partners in target countries to monitor project implementation and provide periodic evaluations and recommendations for project improvement
Implement industry-standard project management processes, tools and evaluation methodologies for the GPS Department to monitor producer involvement and activities
Conduct research, data collection and analysis for reporting to funding agencies, measuring Fair Trade impact, and informing GPS strategy and services
Carry out market linkage activities with producer representatives
Investigate producer needs and industry opportunities to create Global Producer Services proposals for development agencies, foundations and multilateral development banks
Supervise staff.
QUALIFICATIONS:


Bachelor’s Degree in International Development required, Master’s Degree Preferred
A minimum of four years combined experience in Project Management and Agricultural Development work.
Must include experience on the ground in international project management in Latin America, including complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
Experience managing USAID projects required. Related experiences such as work with cooperatives and smallholder farmers at origin will be considered.
Experience in international commodity trade, with exposure to capacity building projects in developing countries with producers of commodities is desired.
Experience in the coffee, cocoa, tea, sugar or fresh fruit industry preferred.
Fluency in Spanish and English is required. Additional fluency in Portuguese or French is ideal.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills are a must and demonstrable capacity for multi-tasking and detail orientation is essential.
Must be proficient using the applications of Microsoft Office.



To Apply: Please submit a resume and cover letter A.S.A.P. to: TransFair USA,1500 Broadway. Suite 400, Oakland, CA 94612. Fax: 510 663-5264. Email: personnel@transfairusa.org.

More information available: www.transfairusa.org

No phone calls please.

About Us: Fair Trade is an exciting alternative business model that guarantees fair prices and a better quality of life for farming families in developing countries, as well as encouraging sustainable farming practices for producers of coffee, tea, chocolate, fresh fruit, sugar and rice.
TransFair USA is a nonprofit organization that provides the only certification for Fair Trade products in the US market. Fair Trade is an exciting alternative to “business as usual” that guarantees fair prices for farmers and farm workers around the world. We partner with over 1.1 million farming families in the developing world and with over 400 businesses that market and sell Fair Trade Certified products in the US. In the last four years, Fair Trade coffee has become the fastest growing segment of the $18.5 billion coffee industry, and TransFair is currently in an exciting strategic phase of growth to continue to increase the sales of Fair Trade products in the mainstream market. We invite enthusiastic, qualified individuals to join us to change the world one cup at a time.


TransFair USA is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We actively encourage all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation to apply.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Call for Papers: Deadline Sept. 15, 2008

Call for Papers, Global Goods, Human Rights and the Environment

Rutgers University is hosting a Junior Scholars Workshop next April but abstracts are due September 15. The site says eligibility is current PhD candidates or recent graduates but I have been told that the will likely accept exceptional proposals form master's candidates. This is a great way to get published if you have a good idea about the global economy, human rights and sustainable development. Come ID, IER & GEP students, BRING IT ON!

The Abstract is only 500 words and final submissions are not due until March, plenty of time to polish up one of this semester's papers (or an SRP) for presentation.

Information available at:
http://globalgoods.rutgers.edu/

or email globalgoods2009@gmail.com

Good luck!

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Upcoming Events at the Wilson Center

Fall event season begins with prominent population, environment, foreign policy experts

SAVE THE DATE

Launch of Paul Ehrlich's The Dominant Animal on September 18

Future U.S. global water policy on September 23

Lester Brown on biofuels, food security on September 23

Conditional cash transfers and the health sector on September 25

Launch of Thomas Friedman's Hot, Flat, and Crowded on September 29

Managing marine ecosystems on September 29

Launch of World Watch magazine's population issue on September 30

ECSP events at the World Conservation Congress on October 7, 8

Society of Environmental Journalists population and climate change panel on October 17

FYI
Apply for fellowships at the Wilson Center

International Hunger Fellows Program: Deadline Dec. 1, 2008

The Congressional Hunger Center seeks applicants for the Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellows Program. This two-year commitment begins with a one-year field placement in countries throughout Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The second year of the program places Fellows in a policy setting (often in the field organization’s headquarters) to focus on public policy and its effects on hunger, food security and poverty.

The Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellows Program cultivates leadership and professional skills, provides substantial exposure to the international development and relief arenas, and provides links to a vast network of development professionals. Fellows receive a monthly stipend, health insurance, a housing subsidy, and transportation and travel funds. At the end of their two-year program, Fellows earn an end-of-service stipend.

Application Information
Because Fellows apply to specific work plans from different organizations in different regions of the world, and since each placement requires a specific set of skills and experience, interested candidates should review the various Fellowship work plan descriptions before submitting an online application. For more information and to view Fellowship opportunities and apply online, please visit www.hungercenter.org/international.

Selection Criteria
Applicants should have a Graduate degree (or equivalent experience) appropriate to the relevant Fellowship placement, at least one year work or volunteer experience in a developing country, demonstrated leadership qualities and abilities, flexibility, personal maturity, and a strong commitment to alleviating hunger and poverty. Other skills and knowledge as specified in each Fellowship placement may also be required. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents.

Application Deadline
December 1, 2008
Early applications welcome

Oxfam Hunger Banquet: Sept. 18, 2008

Oxfam Hunger Banquet: International Trade and Investment Law and Policy for Foodstuffs During a Global Food Crisis
September 18th (Noon) Join a hunger banquet discussion about the global food crisis. The International Trade and Investment Law Society along with the International Legal Studies Program and the Sustainable Development Law and Policy Publication will be hosting a conversation with the Director of Policy and Research from Oxfam America and a former World Bank consultant who now is a Fellow at the CATO Institute. Warning- you may leave hungry... The Hunger Banquet will be held in the Student Lounges. Questions? Contact:Michael Lore at michael.lore@hotmail.com.

Greenpeace Organizing Term

Students,

I am writing to let you know about an exciting opportunity: the Greenpeace
Organizing Term (http://www.greenpeace.org/got). The GOT is an
action-packed semester of travel and training. It's a hands-on training
program designed to give you the skills to be an environmental leader.

You'll learn about current environmental issues and solutions while being
trained by experts in grassroots organizing, leadership, media, and
campaign strategy.

You'll travel internationally with Greenpeace to work with activists
abroad. Also, you'll learn how to engage in peaceful direct action, climb,
and drive Greenpeace boats!

On top of all of that, many students are able to receive class credit for
the semester.


ACTION * TRAVEL * TRAINING
Spend a Semester with Greenpeace
http://www.greenpeace.org/got

Our Spring class is filling up, and early applications are due September
15th.

Apply now at http://www.greenpeace.org/got.

The semester is offered in the Washington D.C. and San Francisco Greenpeace
offices.

Contact program staff with questions at got@wdc.greenpeace.org or
877-450-3517 ext. 320.


For a green and peaceful future,
Linda Capato and Kate Bower
Greenpeace USA
Got@wdc.greenpeace.org
http://www.greenpeace.org/got.

Call for Papers for Sustainable Development Law and Policy: Deadline Sept. 30, 2008

Sustainable Development Law and Policy (“SDLP”) is currently accepting submissions for its Fall 2008 issue that will focus on an array of legal and policy implications of current affairs in the global food industry. If you would like to submit an article for consideration, please send your paper or a summary of your topic to sdlp@wcl.american.edu ASAP. The deadline for submission of final papers will be September 30, 2008.

SDLP’s Food issue hopes to provide a forum for practitioners to discuss the legal, social, and political implications of the current global food crisis. We are hoping to evaluate issues such as, but not limited to, bioengineering, food labeling, food aid, climate change and food, intellectual property and food, and the Farm Bill. SDLP aims to represent a range of viewpoints, including those from academia, the private sector, public sector, multilateral organizations, and others. Please view our recent issues at http://www.wcl.american.edu/org/sustainabledevelopment/.

Requirements for Submissions:

• Articles or abstracts should be submitted to sdlp@wcl.american.edu.

• Articles must be no longer than 15 pages (double spaced, 12 point font, Times New Roman print).

• Articles should be submitted electronically in Microsoft Word or a Word-compatible software program.

• All articles should attempt to follow the format presented in previous issues of SDLP. This includes an introduction, which outlines the rest of the article, and a conclusion. Please refer to recent issues for examples.

• Please provide complete citations to every fact, opinion, statement, and quote that is not your original idea. Complete citations include: the name and author of the cited document, title of publication or publisher, date of publication, relevant page numbers, and specific website address.

• We encourage the submission of photographs and graphics to accompany your article. Please send proof of permission to use others' images.

• Please include a 3-4 sentence biography of yourself and indicate whether you would like your email address included with the published article.

We reserve the right to reject submissions and hold all submissions on file for later publication. We also reserve the right to revise your submission and/or cut text. You will have the opportunity to accept or reject any revisions. SDLP accepts submission of timely articles that have already been published elsewhere, so long as permission of the previous publisher is received.

SDLP is available online at LexisNexis, Westlaw, VLex and Hein Online and is widely distributed throughout the Washington, DC community, law and graduate schools, and to representatives of international organizations worldwide. You can also view the pdf versions of recent SDLP issues at http://www.wcl.american.edu/org/sustainabledevelopment/.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Climate Change Internship

Thought I would let you know that I am looking for a part time intern this academic year to help with research on climate change policy. In particular, I am looking for research assistance for a policy paper on financing GHG mitigation activities in developing countries. If you happen to know of any potentially interested and qualified students, please ask them to send their resumes to me.

Many thanks,

Keith Kozloff
Environment and Energy Office
U.S. Department of the Treasury
phone: 202-622-7719
fax: 202-622-0664

Job Opening: Funders Workgroup for Sustainable Production and Consumption: Deadline Oct. 1, 2008

Job Announcement

Workgroup Coordinator

Funders Workgroup for Sustainable Production and Consumption

The Funders Workgroup for Sustainable Production and Consumption (the Sustainability Funders) is a collaborative effort of foundations committed to building a sustainable and just society by increasing awareness of the impacts of production and consumption on the environment, human health and social equity; identifying and highlighting efforts to reduce the negative environmental, health and social effects of current production and consumption patterns; expanding funding in this area; identifying leverage points and opportunities for strategic funding; and facilitating information exchange and collaboration among grantmakers. There are more than 20 foundation members in the Workgroup with potential for growth. A member-based Steering Committee and Executive Committee provide regular direction.

The Sustainability Funders Workgroup is seeking a Coordinator. This is a senior level position that requires someone with both strong facilitative and individual leadership skills. To be successful, the Coordinator must be comfortable working both by committee and by exerting individual leadership in project planning and implementation.

Job Title: Sustainability Funders Workgroup Coordinator

Reports to: the Workgroup Executive Committee

Compensation: Competitive, commensurate with skills and experience

Hours of Employment: Monday-Friday; some weekends & travel with advance notice

Location: Flexible

Duties:

Workgroup Coordination: Facilitate participatory process with workgroup members to develop and implement a long-term strategy to advance the Sustainability Funders?s mission and promote its vision to environmental philanthropists and other interested parties, e.g. other grantmakers, policymakers, nonprofit leaders, business leaders and the media. Specific tasks include leading the workgroup planning process, strategic communications, event planning, and networking among grantmakers, the NGO sector and public and private sector decision-makers. Coordinate regular funder education activities; regular phone calls and in person meetings of the working group; respond to member requests for information. Plan an annual steering committee retreat and an annual meeting for sustainability funders and practitioners. Encourage a participatory, engaging and fun workgroup culture.

Outreach & Recruitment: Develop a long-term organizational development plan and informational/recruitment materials for the workgroup. Identify potential new members and forums for targeted outreach to new funders. Moderate listserve and manage e-newsletter and website. Lead workgroup fundraising efforts through recruitment of new members, prepare funding proposals, and maintain relations with current funders. Represent Sustainability Funders at meetings, conferences and other events.

Regional Convenings & Briefings: Research and screen emerging production and consumption issues, both national and international, for presentation to the working group; lead the working group in selecting topics to explore further in funder calls, papers or in-person meetings. Work with other NGOs and EGA affinity groups, manage the planning and execution of issue-related briefings and conference calls. Attend the convenings of allied affinity groups and NGOs for research and networking purposes. Coordinate planning of workshops and events at the annual EGA retreat and other philanthropic gatherings. Some travel (mainly within the U.S.) will be required.

Research and Analyze Production and Consumption Issues: Plan and implement a participatory systems mapping project, engaging contracted facilitation support, workgroup members, allied funders and experts from NGOs and academia, to deepen our collective understanding of strategic leverage points for transforming production and consumption systems.

Sustainability Coordinator's Time Allocations:

55% Implementation and Coordination of Activities, Program and Outreach

20% Administration

25% Research, analysis and writing

Anticipate about 20 % travel

Qualifications:

Demonstrated knowledge of sustainable consumption and production issues and the leading organizations in this field
Excellent research, writing and oral communication skills
Five years exposure to grantmaking processes and institutions
Five years event planning and coordination experience
Excellent interpersonal, organizational and time management skills
Strong facilitation skills
Experience, or interest in, systems thinking and application
Fluency in Microsoft Office Suite applications; knowledge of web-based applications a plus
College degree, Master's level preferred
Ability to multi-task with patience and a sense of humor

Application Process:
Please send a letter of interest, resume and brief writing sample to: Allison Cook, Sustainability Funders Workgroup at SustainabilityFundersPosition@gmail.com by October 1, 2008. Position opened until filled. Target starting date: As soon as possible.

US-China Climate Change Policy: Sept. 17, 2008

Please join us for a special presentation:U.S.-China Climate Change Policy

A public symposium at which the central conclusions of a 2-day roundtable discussion on how to strengthen U.S.-China collaboration on climate policy will be presented.

September 17, 2008, 3:00 – 4:30pm
Center for American Progress, Washington, DC

Click here to RSVP for this event (http://www.americanprogress.org/events/2008/09/climate_policy/rsvp)

Introduction by:
Helga Flores Trejo, Executive Director, Heinrich Boell Foundation (Washington, DC)

Moderated by:
Robert M. Sussman, Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress

Featured speakers:
Christopher Flavin, President of the Worldwatch Institute
Malachy Hargadon, Environment Counselor, Delegation of the European Commission to the U.S.
Frank E. Loy, Former Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs
Jiahua Pan, Senior Fellow and Executive Director of the Research Centre for Sustainable Development at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), China
Orville Schell, Arthur Ross Director of the Center on U.S.-China Relations at the Asia Society

Climate change is one of the greatest global challenges of the 21st century. Following the release in November 2007 of the final report by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Rajendra Pachauri, the head of the IPCC, declared "If there's no action before 2012, that's too late. What we do in the next two to three years will determine our future. This is the defining moment."

The US and China are the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases. Given their enormous political and economic influence, leadership by US and China will be essential as we move toward agreement on a new global framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Cooperation between the US and China will be increasingly important as we approach the conference of the parties in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2009

The Center for American Progress, the Heinrich Boell Foundation and the Worldwatch Institute are convening an off-the-record dialogue between climate change and energy experts from China, the European Union, the US Congress, business and NGOs to discuss how best to frame a new global agreement. Key participants will be speaking on a public panel to present the conclusions and insights resulting from the roundtable.

RSVP
Click here to RSVP for this event (http://www.americanprogress.org/events/2008/09/climate_policy/rsvp)


Location
Center for American Progress
1333 H St. NW, 10th Floor
Washington, DC 20005
Map & Directions
Nearest Metro: Blue/Orange Line to McPherson Square or Red Line to Metro Center