USGBC and our sister organization, GBCI, have an impact around the globe, largely through our flagship program, LEED, as well as the LEED AP suite of credentials. Our growing international activities create opportunities to work with partners to advance policy and our market-led tools supporting sustainability in the built environment.
The Global Policy Lead is an exciting new position within USGBC’s advocacy and policy team. This position is based and focuses on Europe and will lead on global initiatives as well as regionally focused policy.
Guided by an annual strategic plan, the Global Policy Lead will focus on expanding awareness and positive effect of USGBC, GBCI, and our suite of tools in international markets. The primary objectives include:
- Increasing global visibility of USGBC and GBCI with governments, influencers, and significant USGBC members active in international events and initiatives.
- Engaging as a valuable partner to represent our interests and accomplish shared policy goals with the UN Environment Program (UNEP), the International Energy Agency (IEA), the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC), the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC), the U.S. State Department, and various multi-lateral organizations;
- Building strategic relationships with and educating selected government agencies and international finance entities on benefits of LEED certification and its value in meeting their goals; and
- Informing leadership and internal teams on relevant policy developments and opportunities.
The Global Policy Lead will also collaborate with members of the Technical Development team, staff supporting LEED for Cities and Communities, and from time to time on projects with our in-country staff (e.g., China, India, Germany), the Communications Team, Market Development, and Education & Events teams.
Specific Responsibilities:
Note: The Global Policy Lead will engage in global initiatives and high priority regional policy initiatives with an emphasis on Europe.
- International Policy and Finance
- Continuously assess and report on the intersection of green building policy and practice trends in international markets for LEED and other USGBC/GBCI tools.
- Track and develop an understanding of important policy developments most significant to USGBC mission and programs, such as national building taxonomies, net zero definitions, and whole life carbon and embodied carbon laws.
- Monitor sustainable buildings-related investment policies of major financial institutions (e.g. regional development banks) and investor groups.
- Selectively engage with multinational development banks and other international finance institutions to support sustainable finance policy goals and opportunities including green building investment.
- Engagement with global and regional initiatives
- Represent USGBC/GBCI, participate in and build alliances with relevant UN initiatives focused improving the environmental footprint of the built environment, including the Global ABC and UNEP.
- Engage in initiatives such as the Buildings Breakthrough, the GlobalABC Adaptation Working Group, and the Whole Life Cycle Policy Coalition to represent USGBC/GBCI priorities and to add value.
- Identify and engage in priority regional initiatives which may include country-specific or regional efforts, roadmaps, taxonomy development, and others
- Represent USGBC/GBCI on relevant working groups of the WorldGBC.
- Monitor UNFCCC developments and seek meaningful opportunities to engage.
- Monitor relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) developments.
- Identify opportunities for engagement by USGBC/GBCI to advance goals.
- Events
- Plan and implement USGBC activities at assigned events which may include the annual UNFCCC COP and/or the biannual CBD Biodiversity COP. Travel for each event may be between 7 -14 days. Activities will include developing session proposals, promoting USGBC speakers and speaking at sessions or special events, coordinating with USGBC members, supporting the USGBC delegation with logistics and schedule, and other activities. Collaborate with Marketing and Communications team to execute the communications strategy for each event.
- As opportunities arise, plan and execute events such as workshops, group meetings, conference sessions, and receptions/dinners. This will include collaboration across the organization.
- Assist in scheduling and managing meetings for leadership during global events.
- Support other global events as assigned.
- Relationships
- Develop relationships with counterparts and leaders in networks of governmental and industry leads at the WorldGBC, the World Resources Institute (WRI), C40, the Global Covenant of Mayors, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), and other organizations.
- Develop relationships with global policy-focused environmental officials in U.S. agencies such as EPA, the State Department, Commerce, and ITA, to find areas of shared commitment.
- Communications
- Write timely articles on global buildings policy developments (through USGBC blog and appropriate outlets).
- Develop and nurture ongoing channels of communication with internal teams. Provide briefings as needed. Share relevant information from WorldGBC, GlobalABC, and other working groups with internal teams.
- Consult with internal experts including USGBC Technical Development team to inform input through committees and engagements.
Employee Supervision:
None.
Location and Travel Requirements:
This position is remote and based in Europe.
Travel to and throughout Europe subject to budget approval, to attend and present at conferences, and engage with relevant networks. Approximately 1-2 weeks of travel per quarter on average should be anticipated but may be more or less depending on schedule of relevant events. All trips will often include longer hours to accommodate travel and business meals.
Metrics for Success:
- Measurable increase in visibility of USGBC, GBCI, and relevant tools in the global ecosystem of buildings, climate, and cities organizations and initiatives advancing climate, UNSDGs and other sustainability goals.
- Ability to understand and communicate relevant global policy issues to internal and external audiences.
- Implement global advocacy projects.
- Ability to effectively represent USGBC in public settings (e.g., participating in conferences and meetings, presentations, and initiatives).
- Development of contacts and relationships over time.
- Willingness to learn, conduct policy research, and appropriately consult with internal teams.
- Continually develop working knowledge of USGBC/GBCI/Arc portfolio of tools and platforms, and awareness of green building industry issues and advances.
Education & Training Requirements/Preferences:
- Bachelor’s degree required; international studies, government, public policy, law, communications, public administration, government, history, environmental studies (or similar) preferred.
- Master’s degree preferred.
- LEED AP, LEED GA preferred (can be earned after hire).
Experience Requirements:
- Minimum 15 years of professional post-bachelor’s degree experience with relevant exposure to global policy issues (preferably some experience related to the built environment) and some participation in global events.
- Exceptional candidates with at least 7 years’ relevant experience may be considered for the position at a Program Manager level.
- Note: Internships and summer positions during college will not be counted towards total professional experience.
Other Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Commitment to USGBC mission
- Experience with LEED preferred
- Proven capacity for self-direction and initiative
- Strong organizational skills
- Project management skills
- Strong writing and communications skills
- Experience working with partnerships, foundations, or philanthropy
