Research Manager for the Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP)
About the Organization
The Regulatory Assistance Project
(RAP) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help policy-makers and
regulators develop and implement policies that will improve the environmental
sustainability and economic efficiency of the electric sector (www.raponline.org). RAP
is headed by five Principals – all veteran utility regulators who advise policymakers
on critical issues such as energy efficiency, power sector reform, renewable
resource development, the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, the establishment
of efficient markets, performance-based ratemaking and other regulatory reforms,
resource planning and portfolio management, and the nexus of environmental and
energy regulation. Formed in 1992, RAP
is an international leader that has worked with public utility regulators and
energy and environmental officials across the U.S. and Europe, China, Brazil,
India, Namibia, Egypt, and a host of other countries.
Current changes and growth in the electric
utility sector are driving increased demand for RAP’s services in the U.S. and
abroad. In addition, RAP has recently formed a partnership with the
ClimateWorks Foundation (www.climateworks.org), a new global philanthropic network dedicated
to winning the battle against climate change.
RAP will serve as ClimateWorks’ Best Practice Network (BPN) for the
public utility and electric power sector. RAP
is expanding to meet the demands of this exciting new opportunity.
Research Manager
RAP seeks an experienced manager and
researcher to fill the key role of Research Manager for this quickly growing
organization. The Research Manager will work closely with the RAP Principals to
determine and implement organizational research priorities, with the help of
our experienced team of Research and Policy Analysts. The Research Manager will
oversee research at RAP and, with web and publication support from the
Communications Division, information management. The Research Manager will be responsible for
ensuring that RAP’s programmatic work and policy recommendations are grounded
in rigorous research and quantitative analysis. The ideal candidate will be an experienced
team leader, knowledge manager, and communicator, with experience managing people,
complex information, and research for a growing, global organization. The
Research Manager will report to the COO and/or one of the RAP Principals.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
The Research Manager will:
• Work closely with the RAP Principals to help define the research priorities for the organization.
• Design and manage the implementation of all research projects, including project budgets and deadlines, delegating tasks to the Research Team members as appropriate.
• Lead, supervise, and learn from a growing team of full- and part-time researchers (presently 4 FTE) who are located in the US and abroad.
• Conduct research and analysis – including original research, and research based on
secondary sources. Research priorities will cover both US and non-US markets.
• Serve as the hub and knowledge manager for all research and substantive information produced
and gathered by the organization; filter tasks and assign all research
resources, serving as a liaison among principals, associates, and researchers.
• Develop the processes and systems for conducting, managing, and prioritizing research tasks
for RAP; continually evaluate and, as necessary, revise research processes.
• Provide or support professional development for research staff; serve as mentor and
advisor to junior research staff.
• Collaborate with RAP Principals and staff to
identify new research needs and opportunities for the organization.
• Develop an approach to regularly “mine” knowledge from RAP principals and staff.
• Build and manage relationships with officials in governmental, industry, public interest, and academic institutions.
• Support the design, writing, and editing of work products for the organization.
• Ensure qualitative and quantitative rigor and accuracy for all research work products.
• Collaborate with the Communications Division to develop user-friendly knowledge management systems, including databases for classifying,
organizing, storing, and disseminating data and other research results.
• Take on other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
The successful applicant will have the following minimum qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree required (preferably in a quantitatively rigorous field). Master’s degree or PhD preferred.
• 7+ years experience in a research role, with 3+ years in a research management role.
• Experience managing and supervising a team. Management of remote or international teams is a plus.
• Strong understanding of current energy and environmental policy issues. Familiarity with non-US markets is a plus.
• Deep experience successfully leading technically and analytically complex research projects.
• Superb research skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication.
• Diplomatic management style.
• Creativity, resourcefulness, and a professional
manner.
• Ability to work under pressure, to set priorities,
and to be flexible.
•Technical competence with database management as well as with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).
• Commitment to and enthusiasm for RAP’s
mission.
Other Desirable Skills and Attributes
These additional qualifications are highly desirable:
• Experience with knowledge management and library sciences.
• Experience in the energy sector.
• Experience working with a diverse and international network/coalition/organization.
• Experience managing research for a multi-office organization.
• Knowledge of climate science.
• Experience with a “start-up.”
• Competence in SharePoint.
• Proficiency in a foreign language (Spanish, French, German, or Chinese in particular).
Compensation and Benefits
The expected start date for this position is December 2009.
The position will be located in Montpelier, Vermont. RAP offers
an excellent benefits package and a competitive salary that is commensurate
with experience.
To Apply
Interested
candidates should follow the link below to submit a resume, cover letter, and
salary requirements:
http://www.ceaconsulting.com/what/position_details.aspx?client=CEA&jobId=56
No phone
calls, please.
RAP is an equal opportunity
employer.
