Farm & Food Legal Fellow, Rhode Island Advocacy Center

FARM AND FOOD LEGAL FELLOW, RHODE ISLAND 

Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) is seeking a legal fellow to work in its Rhode Island Advocacy Center. Working with the director of the Rhode Island Advocacy Center, as well as program staff, the Rhode Island Farm and Food Legal Fellow will be responsible for a suite of work related to CLF’s Farm and Food Initiative. Responsibilities will include identifying and advocating for policy changes, building coalitions, developing and overseeing a direct legal assistance pro bono network, conducting outreach and trainings, and communicating with the press and the public.

This position is based in CLF’s Providence office. The position will be full-time for two years, with the possibility of extension contingent on fundraising.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have a J.D. and be a member of a state bar (Rhode Island Bar membership strongly preferred);

• Have experience working with issues relating to agriculture, aquaculture, or other elements of the food system; 

• Have experience working with private law firms; 

• Have demonstrated experience with policy advocacy; 

• Have strong interpersonal skills, including the proven ability to work with people from different backgrounds and communities; 

• Have the ability to understand and explain scientific issues related to CLF’s environmental advocacy; 

• Have excellent organizational skills; 

• Have exemplary oral and written communication skills; 

• Be able to manage multiple advocacy projects; 

• Be a mature self-starter, able to work both independently and as a productive team member; 

• Be a persuasive, credible, well-prepared advocate; 

• Have the capacity to develop expertise in relevant non-legal technical or policy areas.

General Advocacy Work

• Conduct outreach to a diverse set of Rhode Island food-system stakeholders to identify common legal issues; 

• Build alliances and coalitions among community groups, public officials, business interests, and advocacy organizations; 

• Develop and oversee a direct legal assistance pro bono network serving farmers, aquaculturists, food businesses, and food organizations (the Legal Services Food Hub);

• Develop trainings to advise food-system stakeholders, pro bono attorneys, community groups, and other advocacy groups on legal and policy matters; 

• Write public educational materials, articles, and opinion pieces; 

• Educate and advocate to local, state, and federal legislatures and administrations; 

• Engage in public outreach and speaking on advocacy initiatives; 

• Work effectively with administrative support staff; 

• Work with other CLF attorneys and communications and policy specialists; and 

• Work with the media to amplify and disseminate CLF’s work and policy goals.

Management Responsibilities

• Participate in efforts to raise financial support for individual initiatives and for the organization as a whole, and prepare funder reports and related materials as requested by the Rhode Island advocacy center director and/or program directors; 

• Be actively involved in the mentoring and recruiting activities for interns, staff, and volunteers; 

• Prepare and present for management and board approval proposals for new work; and 

• Participate in program strategic planning. 

Experience in a nonprofit public interest advocacy setting is highly desirable. Candidate must be a registered member of a state bar (Rhode Island strongly preferred).

Salary and Benefits

CLF offers a competitive salary for a legal fellow, an extensive benefits plan, and an open, inclusive, and accepting work environment where differences are highly respected.

CLF protects New England’s environment for the benefit of all people. A nonprofit, member-supported organization, CLF uses the law, science and the market to solve the region’s most challenging environmental problems from climate change to ocean conservation to transportation. Every day, CLF advocates stand up for New Englanders — in statehouses, courthouses and boardrooms, regulatory hearings and community gatherings — to forge innovative paths to environmental progress and economic prosperity for all in our region. To that end, CLF works with communities of color, and also communities that are economically or otherwise disadvantaged, which often suffer disproportionately the impacts of environmental degradation. CLF is committed to representing New England’s diversity in our staff, volunteers, boards and membership and creating a positive, inclusive workplace culture where all can thrive. People of color are encouraged to apply.

To Apply

Send your resume titled "your last name-first initial-resume" (e.g. "SMITH J RESUME") and a detailed cover letter titled "your last name-first initial-cover" (e.g. "SMITH J COVER") to careers@clf.org. Please make "Rhode Island Legal Fellow" the subject of your e-mail. No phone calls please. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Temporary Position re: GM Labeling Compliance at Walmart

Walmart has a new temporary position open in their Labeling Compliance Department. It's a 3-6 months project, working with our alumna Amy White and her colleagues.  This position will primarily focused on GMO labeling in Vermont, data capture and analysis, but the successful candidate would also likely be called upon to research legal/regulatory issues in a variety of interesting areas as they arise.

 

If interested, send a resume and a cover letter to both Catherine Cosby, Catherine.Cosby@walmart.com and Amy White, Amy.White@wal-mart.com. 

 

Human Rights Attorney, Fair Food Standards Council (FFSC)

About FFSC

The mission of the Fair Food Standards Council (FFSC) is to monitor the development of a sustainable agricultural industry that advances the human rights of farmworkers, the long-term interests of growers, and the ethical supply chain concerns of retail food companies through implementation of the Fair Food Program (FFP), a unique worker-led, market-driven social responsibility program that emerged from the Coalition of Immokalee Workers' successful Campaign for Fair Food. The FFP has been recognized by human rights experts as "the best workplace-monitoring program" in the US and "one of the great human rights success stories of our day." To learn more, please see the FFSC's annual report.

About the Position

Attorneys make findings of fact and apply the Fair Food Code of Conduct to those facts; draft comprehensive reports; negotiate corrective action plans; carry out complaint intake, investigation and resolution through negotiation or formal decision drafting; conduct legal research; prepare memoranda of law on issues affecting farmworker rights; and make presentations to staff and director, as well as the public. FFSC is based in Sarasota, FL, with work-related travel throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. Salary and benefits are competitive within the non-profit sector.

Qualifications/Skills
Fluency in Spanish or Haitian Creole;
Strong communication and interviewing skills;
Strong writing and documentation skills, including attention to detail;
Ability to connect facts and discern patterns;
Ability to interact well with people of different nationalities, gender, and education levels;
Comfort working in rural areas, including onsite at farms (outdoors);
Willingness to work irregular hours and "do what is necessary";
Ability to work well as part of a team, as well as independently;
Discipline and initiative; and
Valid drivers' license




View the full Job Posting here.

Executive Director, Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NOFA-NY


The Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, Inc. (NOFA-NY) is seeking a dynamic Executive Director to lead the organization into the next decade. The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to organic agriculture as well as experience in organizational management and fundraising.

Founded in 1983, NOFA-NY is the premier statewide organization growing a strong organic and sustainable agriculture movement in New York State. NOFA-NY provides education and assistance to local organic and sustainable farmers; connects consumers with these farmers; and advocates policies that support a sustainable food and farm system at both the state and federal levels.

NOFA-NY’s Executive Director leads a vibrant member-based organization representing over 1,200 certified organic and sustainable farms in New York State, the nation’s largest consumer market, and a dedicated staff of 12.

Position Requirements and Expectations: The Executive Director will work collaboratively with the Board of Directors and Staff to lead the organization’s: 

· Vision- Exemplify progressive leadership that promotes organic and sustainable agriculture

· Network Building – Expand and strengthen NOFA-NY’s role as a leader of the organic farming community and local foods movement by building relationships with state and national organizations.

 · Fundraising – Lead and work with staff to maintain and grow NOFA-NY’s financial stability by coordinating grants for federal, state, and foundation funding, cultivating major donors, growing individual donations and membership, organizing fundraising events.

· Policy Action – Contribute, articulate and implement clear policy that promotes sustainable and organic farming and food in New York State.

· Membership Development- Improve programs and policies that promote and increase membership and influence of NOFA-NY

· Program Development –Work with Education and Operations managers, and staff to develop and support dynamic and engaging educational programs that meet the stated needs of our constituents. 

· Organizational Management – Insure collaboration and cooperation among NOFA-NY staff, Certified Organic LLC staff and with the Board of Directors. Oversee and support financial management, communications, development, and program development.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have extensive practical experience in organizational management and a record of exemplary success in the professional domains encompassed by the position requirements and expectations described above. The successful candidate will have:

· Experience with local, organic agriculture, and rural community development.

· An engaging and positive personality.

· A proven ability to manage and inspire a professional staff and board.

· Experience with management and administration.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills through all media channels.

· A proven, creative and effective fundraising record with public and private donors, foundations, and grant writing.

· An effective and respected public presence.

· Excellent communication skills

· Willingness to travel, and meet farmers, funders, members and staff.

· Ability to be the public face of NOFA-NY as a leader in the national organic food and farming movement.

· Ability to build bridges among diverse communities, stakeholders and networks. 

Although NOFA-NY’s office is located in Farmington, NY, extensive statewide travel will be part of the job. The candidate may be based elsewhere. Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience and comparable to those of organizations of similar type, size, and location. NOFA-NY’s benefits package includes employer-paid medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan. Vacation, personal, and compensatory time policies are generous.


Application: Candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, two relevant writing samples, and three references (two supervisor references) to NOFA-NY’s Search Committee. The cover letter should specifically address the following four points:

1. Your commitment and passion for organic food and farming.

2. Your connection with agriculture.

3. Your experience in organizational management and administration.

4. Your experience in fundraising detailing experience with grants and donors.


Application materials shall be submitted electronically by April 15th, 2016 as a single PDF attachment and addressed to hr@nofany.org, subject line: “<candidate’s name> – NOFA-NY ED Application.” 

Questions regarding this announcement may be submitted by email to hr@nofany.org; subject line: “<your name> – NOFA-NY ED Inquiry.” Please include your full name and contact information (email address and phone number) in the body of the email.

NOFA-NY is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

CRS Legislative Attorney: Environmental, Energy and Constitutional Law

Legislative Attorney (Environmental, Energy, and Constitutional Law)

CRS has extended the application deadline for the Legislative Attorney (Environmental, Energy, and Constitutional Law), GS-13 until March 28, 2016.

Click here for more information.

CRS Legislative Attorney: Food & Drug and Constitutional Law

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/429254400/

Job Title:  Legislative Attorney (Food and Drug and Constitutional Law)

Department:  Legislative Branch

Agency:  Library of Congress

Job Announcement Number:  160042

The Congressional Research Service (CRS), American Law Division (ALD), seeks a Legislative Attorney to analyze legal questions that emerge from the work of Congress related to food and drug and constitutional law in particular and American public law generally. This is a non-litigating position emphasizing qualifications and interest in legal research and writing in a public service legislative context. Candidates with research experience in and broad general knowledge of legal issues regarding food and drugs and the U.S. Constitution in particular and American public law in general; who demonstrate strong research, writing, and oral communication skills; and who possess a portfolio of high quality legal analytical writing are encouraged to apply. Experience as a judicial clerk will be beneficial.

JOB SUMMARY:
The position’s primary focus is the broad area of food and drug and constitutional law. However, given ALD’s relatively small staff and the breadth of issues ALD covers for Congress, candidates must also be capable of working in a number of different areas of the law and have the intellectual curiosity to seek out and maintain a broad portfolio of legal issues. Thus, applicants should also have knowledge of administrative law and budget and appropriations.

The Legislative Attorney prepares objective, non-partisan analytical studies and descriptive and background memoranda and reports on legal issues of national significance; provides personal consultation and assistance to congressional committees, Members, and staff on legal issues throughout the legislative process; and participates in or leads team research projects and seminars. The Legislative Attorney is expected to develop over time the skills necessary to provide legal analysis and consultation to congressional committees, Members, and staff at increasingly sophisticated levels.

CRS works exclusively for the United States Congress, providing policy and legal analysis to committees and Members of both the House and Senate, regardless of party affiliation. As a legislative branch agency within the Library of Congress, CRS has been a valued and respected resource on Capitol Hill for more than a century.

CRS is well known for analysis that is authoritative, confidential, objective, and nonpartisan. Its highest priority is to ensure that Congress has immediate access to the nation's best thinking on legal and public policy issues of interest to its Members and Committees.

---

DUTIES:

Prepares probing and innovative written legal analyses, arguments, briefs, or other analytical documents that relate complex variables within the attorney's specialized field of law to the development, interpretation, or implementation of important public policies.

Provides congressional staff with consultations and oral briefings that clarify legal questions, identify and discuss legal options, and inform congressional staff of CRS informational and analytical capabilities within the scope of the attorney's subject areas.

Prepares authoritative descriptive and background reports, memoranda, bill digests, surveys of laws, comparisons of laws and bills, and other types of written responses for congressional committees, Members, and staff that are characterized by substantial breadth and depth and that cover all pertinent factors and relationships.

Advises and assists other legislative attorneys and analysts and specialists through provision of legal analysis and information in support of their service to Congress.

Prepares and delivers oral presentations at CRS seminars and other outreach programs.

In response to congressional inquiries, locates, organizes, summarizes, and interprets legal information and other pre-existing legal materials, on difficult or misunderstood policy issues through research, including search of the reference collections and databases of CRS, the Library, other institutions or through contacts and networking with Executive Branch officials or other professionals in the field.

---

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

BASIC REQUIREMENT: Applicant must be a graduate from a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association and be a member in good standing of the bar of a state, the District of Columbia, a territory of the United States, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

In addition, applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.

• Knowledge of food and drug and constitutional law in particular and American public law generally**
• Ability to analyze legal issues**
• Ability to write in a legal context**
• Ability to convey legal analysis and information orally through briefings, consultations and other presentations
• Ability to work effectively in a high pressure environment
• Ability to work collaboratively with others
• Ability to exercise objectivity in all phases of analysis and consultation
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion
• Ability to build and maintain a professional network
• Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing

SALARY RANGE:

$92,145.00 to $119,794.00 / Per Year

OPEN PERIOD:

Wednesday, February 10, 2016 to Monday, April 4, 2016

SERIES & GRADE:

GS-0905-13

POSITION INFORMATION:

Open - Permanent

PROMOTION POTENTIAL:

15

DUTY LOCATIONS:

1 vacancy - Washington DC

WHO MAY APPLY:

U.S. citizens

SECURITY CLEARANCE:

Public Trust - Background Investigation

Associate Counsel: Livestock Marketing Association

http://www.lmaweb.com/careers/

ASSOCIATE COUNSEL, LIVESTOCK MARKETING ASSOCIATION
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

Job Description: Assists Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) and its members with legal inquiries related to Packers and Stockyard Act requirements and other business-related legal issues. Assists in government and industry affairs activities for the LMA.

Duties Include:

• Works with out-of-house counsel to respond to LMA-member questions about market-related legal and compliance issues.
• Develops educational training materials for LMA-membership relating to legal issues.
• Works with Region Executive Officers to provide state-specific training materials.
• Legal research.
• Assists Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs in representing LMA’s interest before U.S. Congress and Executive Branch departments and agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, and USDA’s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service.
• Manages fundraising for LMA Political Action Committee.
• Develops and executes grassroots advocacy plan engaging LMA members with their elected officials.
• Reviews proposed policy for its potential impact on the marketing sector.

The following knowledge and skills are required:

• Law degree
• Demonstrated knowledge of/experience in the livestock industry
• Legal research skills
• Good interpersonal communication skills

Note: Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Please send cover letter and resume to Chelsea Good, VP of Government and Industry Affairs, cgood@lmaweb.com, 816-305-9540.

Program Associate 1, Wallace Center: Pasture Project

Program Associate 1, Wallace Center: Pasture Project - Arlington, VA

Effective with the release of this position announcement, Winrock International will be recruiting applicants for the position of Program Associate 1 for the Wallace Center. The responsibilities, duties and qualifications for this position are described in the attached position description.

GENERAL:

Winrock is a recognized leader in U.S. and international development with a focus on social and environmental issues. As a mission driven, field-based organization, we believe that sustainable development is inclusive and that complex challenges require integrated solutions. Winrock embraces continuous quality improvement and a culture of impact, accountability and entrepreneurship.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

The annual salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Excellent benefits include life, disability and medical insurance; retirement; and other normal Winrock benefits.

APPLICATIONS:

Applicants should go to Jobs page at http://www.winrock.org/page/careers-winrock to submit their application, cover letter and current resume. Candidates must not require sponsorship to work in the U.S.


POSITION SUMMARY:

The Program Associate will support the Center’s Pasture Project, working in coordination with other staff, consultants, and partner organizations to achieve project goals. Project goals are ambitious and multi-faceted and the project is structured as a continuous adaptation of methods. The person in this position must manage many pieces of work occurring simultaneously, helping ensure that all are on task and each element of the project is progressing effectively. He or she should thrive in a fast-paced environment, be adaptive, comfortable moving forward in the face of uncertainty, and able to build strong working relationships with people of diverse backgrounds and skills. The Program Associate will also at times lend support to other Wallace Center projects and program development efforts.

Director of Food Strategy - Rhode Island

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND invites applications for the position of

CHIEF PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

DEPARTMENT:                                   DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

DIVISION:                                            Office of Director

OPENING DATE:                                 03/03/16

CLOSING DATE:                                  03/22/16 11:59 PM

SALARY:                                              $37.95 - $43.02 Hourly

$69,076.00 - $78,305.00 Annually

PAY GRADE:                                        134 A

JOB TYPE:                                            Non-Union (99)

NAME OF BARGAINING UNIT

UNION:                                               Non-Union (99)

LOCATION:                                         235 Promenade Street, Providence

SCHEDULED WORK DAYS:

HOURS OF WORK                               Monday - Friday; 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

WORK WEEK:                                                 Non-Standard

RESTRICTIONS/LIMITATIONS:           Limited to Grant Funding

ASSIGNMENT(S)/COMMENTS:         Pending Budget Approval

JOB NUMBER:                                     1710-10000-00 (11834)

CLASS DEFINITION:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Within a state department, to be responsible for the total planning, program development and research for the various programs of the department, for the purpose of coordinating the programs within the department and with other departments and agencies, improving present programs and creating new programs to provide better services to the people of the state in the most effective and efficient manner possible; and to do related work as required. . . .

―    Develop a state food plan and provide leadership and coordination around the multiple activities and initiatives related to food system development in Rhode Island.

―    Connect the IFNPAC function with economic development and government process reform efforts, spearhead a robust tracking and metrics system for food sector development, and interface with all levels of government to streamline processes and systems affecting local food system development efforts.

―    Align food sector development goals with economic development tools at the municipal and state level; streamline food and also associate goals that address policy development.

―    Develop and maintain working relationships with leadership and key staff in IFNPAC member agencies to ensure engagement of member agency stakeholders in the State's food policy agenda.

―    Track relevant data and metrics to measure progress on specific goals related to food equity, economic development, policy change, and community engagement; perform complex analysis of legislative and policy recommendations regarding food on public health.

―    Advocate for IFNPAC goals and values in meetings with other state entities developing strategic plans that could impact food systems and health outcomes.

―    Meet with food systems funders and investors to discuss opportunities to bring food system investments into Rhode Island; Interface with Federal government on regulatory and federal legislative barriers and opportunities; and coordinate, develop and submit an Annual Report to the Rhode Island General Assembly, as well as multiple technical reports to the IFNPAC membership, as needed.

APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT: http://www.apply.ri.gov

One Capitol Hill

Providence, RI 02908

questions@hr.ri.gov

Position #1710-10000-00 (11834)

CHIEF PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

CW

Job Bulletin

http://agency.governmentjobs.com/rhodeisland/default.cfm?action=jobbulletin&JobID=1369877

CRS Agricultural Policy Analyst - Washington, D.C.

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/431957200

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) Resources, Science and Industry Division (RSI) is seeking an Analyst in Agricultural Policy. Analyst duties include preparing objective, non-partisan analytical studies and descriptive background reports on issues of national significance; providing personal consultation and assistance to congressional committees, Members, and staff on public policy issues throughout the legislative process; and participating in or leading team research projects and seminars. The employee is also expected to develop over time the skills necessary to provide public policy and legislative analysis and consultation to congressional committees, Members, and staff at increasingly sophisticated levels.

CRS works exclusively for the United States Congress, providing policy and legal analysis to committees and Members of both the House and Senate, regardless of party affiliation. As a legislative branch agency within the Library of Congress, CRS has been a valued and respected resource on Capitol Hill for more than a century.

CRS is well known for analysis that is authoritative, confidential, objective, and nonpartisan. Its highest priority is to ensure that Congress has immediate access to the nation's best thinking on public policy issues of interest to its Members and committees.

SALARY RANGE:                     $92,145.00 to $119,794.00 / Per Year
OPEN PERIOD:                          Tuesday, March 8, 2016 to Friday, April 8, 2016
SERIES & GRADE:                    GS-0101-13
POSITION INFORMATION:     Open - Permanent
PROMOTION POTENTIAL:      15
DUTY LOCATIONS:                  Washington DC, DC
WHO MAY APPLY:                   U.S. citizens
SECURITY CLEARANCE:        Public Trust - Background Investigation

Regulatory Counsel, Department of Health and Human Services, FDA

 

 

Become a part of the Department that touches the lives of every American! At the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) you can give back to your community, state, and country by making a difference in the lives of Americans everywhere. It is the principal agency for protecting the health of citizens. Join HHS and help to make our world healthier, safer, and better for all Americans.

 

This position is located in the Department of Health and Human Services ( DHHS), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Office of Compliance (OC), Immediate Office (IO), located in Silver Spring, MD. 

 

This vacancy is also being announced concurrently with vacancy announcement FDA-CDER-16-MP-1625764JS under merit promotion procedures. Please review that announcement to see if you are eligible for consideration under merit promotion procedures.

 

NOTE: Applicants must apply separately for each announcement in order to be considered.

 

 DUTIES: 

• Plans, develops, and directs compliance and enforcement strategies and actions that are patient-focused and risk-based to secure the safety, efficacy, and quality of the nation's drug supply.
• Oversees the development of human drug enforcement and compliance policy and standards.
• Prepares complicated documents, including reports and/or written analyses, regarding FDA policies and positions on difficult or complex matters with minimal oversight.
• Provides expert advice and guidance on government programs and policies which are of significant interest to the public and congress.

To view the full posting and to apply, visit the USA Jobs Board.