Opportunity to impact emerging regulatory and policy issues by performing analysis, as well as research on various issues important for the trade association for U.S. manufacturers of pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products. This position serves as the primary resource to prepare quantitative and economic assessments of policy issues facing the industry.

Location:

This is a hybrid position with in-office and remote work. The selected person will be expected to regularly work two days in the DC office at 11th and K Street, NW. In-office workdays may increase based on business needs.

Working at AF&PA:

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) values diverse backgrounds and capabilities and invites all talented individuals to apply to be part of our team and support our culture and mission. We encourage the exchange of knowledge, innovative ideas and different perspectives to reach our goals and we support work/life balance. We offer a generous benefits package that includes:

• Paid Vacation, Personal and Sick leave totaling 27-42 days per year, plus holidays
• 100%-85% paid CareFirst medical plans for employees (multiple options)
• Generous 401(k) retirement plan with up to 9% employer contribution
• Free access to new 7,000 sqft fitness center with Pelotons, Mirror Fitness, and more
• Plus dental, vision, life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account...

Essential Functions:

• Analyze bills, regulations, policy proposals, scientific/technical reports, standards, data and reports from legislators, government agencies, think tanks, academia, non-governmental organizations, etc.
  • Identify potential impacts/opportunities to the paper and wood products industry and develop quantitative policy arguments for the industry. Examples include fiber supply impacts, tax credit opportunities, carbon credit impacts, etc.
• Perform quantitative analysis and develop analytical reports on policy issues facing the paper and wood products industry. Examples include the carbon benefits of the industry, job impacts, value chain multipliers, etc.
• Collaborate with AF&PA Statistics Team to utilize industry data in support of policy analysis.

• Help design and support research projects on policy issues such as economic and employment impacts of environmental regulations, as well as the carbon benefits of bioenergy and industry products.
  • Manage outside consultants working on policy analysis and economic studies for AF&PA.
• Help draft comments and testimony related to international regulatory issues, particularly from the European Union.
• Keep up with literature and research from other organizations on the forest products industry.
• Interface with think tanks on various industry-related issues.
• Deliver presentations to industry and non-industry audiences.
• Help to respond to member company inquiries regarding policy issues facing the paper and wood products industry.

Qualifications:

We recognize few individuals may have all the qualifications listed below. If your experience is a good match for the role, and you meet most of the requirements, we encourage you to apply.

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in economics, public policy, environmental science, or related field; master’s degree preferred.
• Seven or more years of relevant experience required.
• Experience analyzing federal regulations, including their economic impact; preferably related to manufacturing.
• Ability to effectively perform research, analyze policy and contribute to policy development.
• Working knowledge/familiarity with climate/carbon policies and government databases. Examples include EPA carbon accounting, carbon border adjustment mechanisms, carbon markets, forest carbon offsets and credits, social cost of carbon, GHG Protocol, Science-Based Targets, cap and trade policies, USDA’s Forest and Inventory Analysis (FIA) program and datasets from government agencies such as the Energy Information Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Commerce, Department of Labor.
• Knowledge of major sectors of the forest products industry value chain, including paper products, wood products, and forestry preferred.
• High degree of analytical ability with respect to economics and statistics.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate issues to multiple audiences from generalists to technical experts.
• Skilled at using Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work as an effective team member.
• Ability to juggle multiple responsibilities with high quality execution and performance.

About AF&PA:

AF&PA serves to advance U.S. paper and wood products manufacturers through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. The forest products industry is circular by nature. AF&PA member companies make essential products from renewable and recycle resources, generate renewable bioenergy and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2030: Sustainable Products for a Sustainable Future. The forest products industry accounts for approximately 5% percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures nearly $350 billion in products annually and employs approximately 925,000 people. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $65 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 43 states.