US Department of Agriculture - Office of General Counsel

ATTORNEY ADVISOR

Washington, DC
Application Deadline: 04/06/2018

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE - OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL

http://www.usda.gov

Date Posted: 03/22/2018
Job Type: Attorney Position
Schedule: Long-term & full-time
Experience: Lateral 3+ years
Bar membership required: At start date

Practice Areas: Environmental, Food and Drug, Real Estate/Land Use

Job Description

DISCLAIMER: This is not a complete job posting. To view the full details of the position please follow the link in the Application Instructions section below.

Salary

$96,970 to $148,967 per year

Summary

Attorneys assigned to the Office of the General Counsel provide legal advice and services to all agencies of the United States Department of Agriculture in administering USDA programs and activities within the defined geographic area. The incumbent serves as an attorney providing legal advice, research, analysis and interpretation of federal, state and local laws, as well as oral and written opinions, memoranda, pleadings, briefs and legal support of all USDA programs and litigation, and performs other legal services as assigned.

This is a permanent, full-time position.

If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed.

Salary

Dependent on Experience

Application Instructions:

To view the full job posting or apply, please click here: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/494069400

Earth Justice: Associate Legislative Counsel

Earthjustice is the nation’s premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health; to preserve magnificent places and wildlife; to advance clean energy; and to combat climate change. We partner with thousands of groups, supporters, individuals and communities to engage the critical environmental issues of our time, and bring about positive change. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.

Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting environmental protections. We achieve this by hiring talented and dedicated attorneys who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment. Our headquarters are in San Francisco with nine offices across the U.S.

This position assists in the development and implementation of legislative and administrative strategies on environmental issue priorities for Earthjustice on issues in our Healthy Communities program area (e.g. Toxics, Pesticides, Clean Air, Clean Water), as assigned by the Legislative Director of the Healthy Communities program.

Responsibilities:

Lobbying Duties (60%)

• Assists in development and implementation of legislative and administrative strategies relating to assigned issues.
• Directly lobby Congress and the Administration.
• Tracks legislation and policy initiatives relating to assigned issues.
• Develops lobby and education materials, including but not limited to fact sheets, letters and action alerts.
• Works with the Communications Department on occasional outreach to the media and the creation of blogs and op-eds on assigned issues.
• Perform policy, legislative and legal analysis.
• Educate the Administration and Congress on key legal challenges and rulings.

Coalition and Partnerships (20%)

• Represent Earthjustice in coalitions and with allies on assigned issues.
• Support members of PAL in community partnership objectives.
• Coordinate briefings, seminars, and informational sessions with partners.

Internal Coordination/Administration (20%)

• Represents PAL on Earthjustice practice groups related to assigned issues.
• Liaison with relevant litigators working on assigned issues.
• Manage projects and other efforts performed on assigned issues by Assistants and interns.
• Assist other PAL lobbyists when needed.

Qualifications:

• JD degree and 1 year of experience in the legislative process and/or public interest work or advocacy.
• Commitment to serving the public interest, and passion for Earthjustice’s mission. Direct lobbying experience is a plus.
• Previous experience with social, economic or environmental justice communities and/or organizations is a plus.
• Conversational or fluent in Spanish is a plus.
• Basic understanding of the legislative process.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, projects and deadlines.
• Excellent writing and oral communications skills.
• Proven ability to work independently.
• Demonstrates an awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds and orientations.
• Contributes to the creation of a diverse, equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.

We offer a mission- and employee-focused work environment and a competitive compensation package, including excellent benefits. Earthjustice is an equal opportunity employer and highly values diversity. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

 To Apply:

• Resume.
• One- or two-page cover letter that addresses at least the following subjects: (1) why you are drawn to Earthjustice’s mission and whether there are particular legal, environmental, or justice issues that inspire you; and (2) aspects of your background that demonstrate competence to work with diverse clients and colleagues.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Please reach out to jobs@earthjustice.org if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application. No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies.

Center for Food Safety

Position: Staff Attorney
Location: San Francisco, CA or Portland, OR.
Status: Full-time

Center for Food Safety (CFS), one of the nation’s top food and environmental advocacy non-profits, is seeking applications to fill a staff attorney position.  The position will be based in either the CFS San Francisco, CA office or the CFS Portland, OR office, with San Francisco preferred.

About CFS
CFS empowers people, supports farmers, and protects the earth from the adverse impacts of industrial food and farming production, and promotes organic and sustainable food systems. CFS uses legal actions, policy initiatives, scientific and policy reports, and corporate and grassroots campaigns to reduce the impacts of industrial agriculture on the environment and human health. CFS has an integrated suite of issue areas, including: GMOs, organic foods, climate change, factory farming, pesticides, pollinators, food labeling, food safety, nanotechnology, and more.

About the Position
CFS staff attorneys are responsible for developing, coordinating, and pursuing strategic litigation in federal and state courts on an ever-expanding variety of cutting-edge food and environmental issues, in support of CFS’s overall mission and its specific program areas, including:

·         Aquaculture

·         Climate Change

·         Food Labeling

·         Food Safety

·         Genetically Engineered Organisms

·         Industrial Animal Agriculture

·         Organic Integrity

·         Pesticides

·         Pollinators

·         Soil Protection

·         Water Privatization

ResponsibilitiesOther responsibilities of legal staff include:

·         State and federal rule-making and administrative work

·         Participating in agency, Congressional, and other meetings

·         Representing CFS and other clients at hearings and policy events

·         Maintaining and developing organizational partnerships

·         Working collaboratively with policy staff

·         Law clerk supervision.

Qualifications
The successful candidate will have the following qualifications:

·         At least 3 years litigation experience (administrative/environmental/health law or related area preferred)

·         A passion for enforcing and strengthening environmental laws

·         The ability to independently manage an impact litigation docket

·         Excellent legal research and writing skills

·         Self-motivation and willingness to do administrative tasks

·         The ability to work closely with others in small, team-oriented environment

·         Timely admission to the California or Oregon bar  

·         Interest or a background in food and agriculture issues a plus

To Apply: For consideration, apply to Russell Howze, CFS Legal Assistant, jobs@centerforfoodsafety.org Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.  Please include a cover letter explaining your interest, a resume, a legal writing sample (not to exceed 10 pages), and three references.

CEO: Feeding America

Full-time

Apply

The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the leadership and operation of one of America’s largest charities.  S/He will have responsibility for a $146 million budget which leverages a $2.7 billion organization, a 256-person staff at the national offices; relationships with 200 food banks throughout the country; developing and maintaining support from over 500 food manufacturers, retailers, corporations and foundations; and, maintaining a strong relationship with the Board of Directors.  The CEO must have or be able to quickly develop the knowledge to speak credibly with the highest level strategic donors and in public forums about the issue of hunger.

Areas of Responsibility 

S/He will have an experience base to understand and navigate a network-based, federated organization.  The CEO will provide leadership to a team of professionals responsible for building and maintaining effective working relationships amongst its nationwide network, community partners, donors, the media, government, and the people the organization serves.  S/He will have a proven track record of leading an organization of comparable complexity.  The CEO will provide dynamic leadership for Feeding America, building consensus between diverse partners, and developing strategic relationships with external stakeholders.  S/He will have the ability to personally, inspirationally and authentically connect to the cause of hunger.   

The successful candidate will report to the Board of Directors, and lead Feeding America’s operations.  S/He will work to align resources with strategic priorities, and focus the organization on a strong course for the long-term.

• Serve as the chief advocate for Feeding America and its nationwide network.
• Working with the Board of Directors and Executive Team, set annual and long-term strategic and funding priorities with focused execution plans and measurable objectives; exercise fiscal discipline over the investment of the organization’s resources. 
• Demonstrate visionary leadership with the ability to clearly define a strong value proposition to the network, partners, media, donors, government, and others.
• Oversee the development of a broad, comprehensive fundraising strategy to include individuals, corporations and foundations; cultivate meaningful personal relationships with major donors, and be active in the solicitation process.
• Provide leadership for the staff and network members via open, two-way communication with the National Council and leadership of the food banks.
• Develop, strengthen, and maintain strategic alliances and relationships with key stakeholders and partners in non-profits, corporations, academia, community-based organizations, educational institutions and government.
• Serve as spokesperson and key influencer for Feeding America on a broad range of issues.
• Construct a streamlined organizational structure that attracts and encourages talented team members to achieve excellence and establish accountability; develop and implement internal policies and procedures that facilitate the success of team members and the organization.
• Create an empowered, energized work environment that encourages open expression of opinions; encourage innovation and risk taking while effectively managing overall risk. 
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and transparency.
• Lead the effort to develop greater “brand awareness” for Feeding America among existing constituencies, as well as others who are not aware of the organization and its contributions to fight hunger in the U.S.
• Serve as the primary link to the Board of Directors, providing them with advice and information related to the operations of the organization, as well as assistance in their development of policy for the organization.

Educational Background 

A Bachelor’s degree is required.  An advanced degree will be considered a plus.

Skills/Experience 

The successful candidate will be a leader with proven relevant executive leadership experience and a track record of supporting dynamic organizations.  S/He will be an innovative, strategic thinker with proven leadership, communications, fundraising, advocacy, and relationship-building skills, and will possess strong leadership and management skills.  S/He will have proven governance leadership experience with particularly complex governance models.

• A minimum of 15 years of relevant and progressively rising levels of executive leadership experience, and a track record of advancing the agenda for a dynamic, evolving organization.
• Strategic and savvy leader capable of anticipating and addressing significant challenges and opportunities.
• Track record of effectively working with diverse stakeholders to forge an organization’s strategic plan and execute upon that plan with appropriate urgency, timeliness and responsiveness to outline goals, establish metrics and meet benchmarks, and deliver projects on budget.
• Demonstrated experience as spokesperson with wide range of audiences including senior government officials, association and corporate leadership, the media, donors, and the public at large.
• Ability to motivate, empower and grow Feeding America staff including recruiting, hiring, and retaining top caliber professional talent.
• Ability to convene organizations reflecting broad and diverse stakeholders on issues of interest to Feeding America, and to develop coordinated strategies.
• Successful generation of new sources of revenue while managing the operating budget in a cost constrained environment.
• Strong financial management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically regarding future trends and their long-term effect, while at the same time focusing on day-to-day operational issues.
• Outstanding interpersonal and persuasion skills, including the ability to relate well to a wide range of constituencies; outstanding listening skills, with the ability to clearly articulate the message and command the respect of his/her audience.
• High EQ and empathy – humble and approachable; a servant leader; a demonstrated commitment to diversity, multiculturalism and ethics.  
• Demonstrated success in positively affecting organization dynamics through energetic leadership, strategic thinking, practical business acumen, and analytical skills.
• Strong executive presence; the ability to inspire, motivate and excite various constituencies. 
• Unquestionable integrity, credibility and character, demonstrated high moral and ethical behavior.
• Passionate about the Feeding America mission.
• The courage and conviction to challenge and defend ideas and strategies before opponents; superior analytical skills.
• Collaborative, inclusive leader and team player, collegial, open to partnering with others.

How to Apply 

http://jobs.jobvite.com/feedingamerica/job/o1b56fw7

World Vision Bujumbura, Burundi: Grants Officer

The purpose of this position is to implement the B4MCN food production, marketing, and value chain interventions, to ensure the operations by supporting the monitoring and evaluation in the assigned province.

Areas of Responsibility 

• Implement the project’s activities related to food production, marketing and value chain, as per the approved budgets, scope & timeline at province level
• Ensure that all project approaches and activities, reporting tools & documentation are clearly understood and implemented accordingly;
• Ensure timely and high quality implementation of all planned activities in the province of assignment; Communicate timely to Grant Manager any changes or adjustments needed to the plan
• Provide adequate support to the planned studies (baseline, midterm, and project evaluation surveys) and help the M&E staff in close collaboration with other external partners at provincial level
• Guided by the project’s supervisor – agronomy and value chain , monitor the use of business process implementation is aligned with WV, donor and other relevant standards
• Participate in the regular project coordination meetings at province level
• Provide inputs to Grant Manager for monthly reports for WV’s internal records
• Provide inputs to Grant Manager for quarterly, annual and final project reports at provincial level

Skills/Experience 

Minimum education, training and experience requirements to qualify for the position:

• At least Agronomist A1 or Bachelor in Community Development;
• Reliable experience in coordinating production and food assistance in during humanitarian crisis
• At least 1 year of relevant experience working with Non-Governmental Organizations in Food Security and/or Value Chain
• Basic project management skills and good understanding of the project life cycle
• Experience with development project management tools such as log frames, monitoring and evaluation tools and budgets
• Good written and verbal communication skills, including report-writing
• Good computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office and Lotus Notes (or another main email system such as Microsoft Outlook)
• Ability to work under stressful conditions
• Agreement with World Vision’s Christian ethos and participation in devotions
• Oral and written communication skills in English, Kirundi and French - Essential

Preferred Skills, Knowledge and Experience:

• Cross-cultural sensitivity, flexible worldview, and ability to work with a wide range of people from different backgrounds.
• Emotional and spiritual maturity and ability to lead a team of professionals.
• Commitment to World Vision Core Values and Mission Statement.
• High level of integrity and ability to exhibit exemplary lifestyle as interpreted in specific local cultural context.

Work Environment:

Complete Travel and/or Work Environment statements if applicable.

• Domestic Travel: Regular internal travel to project areas is required
• On call: As required
• Position will work directly with project staff and implementing partners
• Huge work load may requires work beyond regular office time
• Child friendly working environment exits in the project team

How to Apply 

https://careers.wvi.org/jobs/burundi/field-operations/grants-officer-agr...

Natural Resources Defense Counsel: Director, Food & Ag Initiative

Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is a leading nonprofit environmental group with more than three million members and online activists. We have offices in New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Montana, and Beijing, and a staff of 600+ including lawyers, scientists, and policy analysts-- all working to protect the environment and public health.  NRDC tackles a wide array of health and environmental issues, including food.  NRDC’s Food and Agriculture Initiative focuses on protecting the food supply from unsafe pesticides, reforming industrial livestock practices, reducing overuse of antibiotics in animal agriculture, promoting more plant-based food, making school food healthy and sustainable, conserving precious soil resources, and slashing the amount of food that goes to waste.  Over the last decade the Initiative has grown from a small project at NRDC into a cross-department initiative engaging dozens of NRDC staff.

We now seek a seasoned leader to take this work to the next level.  The Director will be a thought leader on key sustainable food issues, manage a diverse team of six to ten staff, and help lead fundraising for this work.

This position will be based in the San Francisco, Washington, DC or New York office.

Areas of Responsibility 

• Management of the NRDC food team staff and consultants, including project management, decision-making, team-building, mentoring and support.
• Long-term planning, strategy development, goal setting, and workplan management; collaboratively creating a vision for future work.
• Working with NRDC’s Development Department to help raise money to support this work; building and maintaining relationships with key funders.
• Representing NRDC externally through speaking engagements, policy advocacy, corporate outreach, and media interviews.

Educational Background 

A graduate degree in a related field is preferred but not required.

Skills/Experience 

• Ten years or more of experience working to advance the sustainability of food systems, particularly around policy development, adoption and implementation.  Extensive knowledge in one or more issues related to sustainable food is required. 
• Proven management ability, and skill at leading a team in a collegial work environment.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising; strong current contacts with funders preferred.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong networking ability.
• Excellent strategic thinking skills.  An established track record for creating and executing new strategies is desired.  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must enjoy working collaboratively, and be comfortable with managing a heavy and diverse workload and independently executing duties.

How to Apply 

https://careers-nrdc.icims.com/jobs/3855/director%2c-food-and-agricultur...

California Certified Organic Farmers: Research Fellow:

Organizational Overview: CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) a nonprofit organization governed by the people who grow and make our food. Founded in California more than 40 years ago, today our roots span the breadth of North America and our presence is internationally recognized. We are supported by an organic family of farmers, ranchers, processors, retailers, consumers, and policymakers. Together, we work to realize a future where organic is the norm.

CCOF advances organic agriculture for a healthy world. We advocate on behalf of our members for organic policies, support the growth of organic through education and grants, and provide organic certification that is personal and accessible. For more information about CCOF, please visit www.ccof.org.

Position Summary

The Research Fellow will work with CCOF for approximately 18 months to assist in the development of a new project titled “Roadmap to an Organic California.” The Roadmap is a project of the CCOF Foundation, which is the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of CCOF. The final project will be a report that outlines the benefits of a world where all agricultural land in California is farmed organically and sets forth state policies to achieve at least 10% certified organic farmland in California by 2030.

The Research Fellow will report to and work directly with the Director of Policy and Government Affairs to develop the Roadmap.  Primary responsibilities will include conducting literature reviews, analyzing data and policies, convening and documenting outcomes of meetings of diverse stakeholders, and writing final report material. Other responsibilities may include but are not limited to facilitating meetings, conducting interviews, managing project deadlines, and publicizing the Roadmap through communications such as blog posts and magazine articles.

The Research Fellow reports to the CCOF Director of Policy and Government Affairs.

Position Responsibilities:

·       Compile and synthesize reports, studies, and literature on the environmental, economic, and social benefits of certified organic production.

·       Work with the policy department to project benefits of increasing organic acreage in California.

·       Work with the Director of Policy and Government Affairs and the marketing team to write and design materials documenting benefits of increasing organic acreage.

·       Work with the policy department to research and analyze relevant existing or proposed state policies. 

·       Assist the Director of Policy and Government Affairs in convening 10-12 stakeholder working groups throughout the state. 

·       Document and analyze stakeholder working group discussions.

·       Based on research and stakeholder working group outcomes, work with the policy department to make final policy recommendations for increasing organic acreage in California.

·       Work with the Director of Policy and Government Affairs and the marketing department to write and design the final report. 

·       Assist the Director of Policy and Government Affairs with other communications such as blog posts, magazine articles, and web page content.

·       Maintain organized files with research, resources, and citations.

Desired Qualifications:

·       Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience. 

·       Experience in food and agriculture policy. 

·       Demonstrated interest in organic policy and commitment to CCOF’s mission and values.

·       Outstanding oral and written communication skills across diverse groups.

·       Ability to work independently and to collaborate across departments.

·       Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

·       Ability to analyze and work with data.

·       Ability to bring creativity and innovation to all areas of work.  

·       Experience writing reports, journal articles, or other extensively researched documents preferred.

·       Experience organizing and facilitating meetings of 5 or more persons preferred.

·       Ability to travel, including over-night.

·       Valid driver’s license.

·       Ability to lift 40 lbs. from ground to waist.

Compensation: The Research Fellow’s compensation will depend upon qualification and experience.  

Hiring Process: Applications will be accepted until filled.  Applicants must submit the documents listed below to employment@ccof.org, with “Research Fellow” in the subject line.

>        Cover letter summarizing your qualifications and interest in the position at CCOF.

>        Resume.

>        Three page writing sample.

>        Professional references.

California Certified Organic Farmers Research Fellow

Organizational Overview: CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) a nonprofit organization governed by the people who grow and make our food. Founded in California more than 40 years ago, today our roots span the breadth of North America and our presence is internationally recognized. We are supported by an organic family of farmers, ranchers, processors, retailers, consumers, and policymakers. Together, we work to realize a future where organic is the norm.

CCOF advances organic agriculture for a healthy world. We advocate on behalf of our members for organic policies, support the growth of organic through education and grants, and provide organic certification that is personal and accessible. For more information about CCOF, please visit www.ccof.org.

 

Position Summary  

The Research Fellow will work with CCOF for approximately 18 months to assist in the development of a new project titled “Roadmap to an Organic California.” The Roadmap is a project of the CCOF Foundation, which is the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of CCOF. The final project will be a report that outlines the benefits of a world where all agricultural land in California is farmed organically and sets forth state policies to achieve at least 10% certified organic farmland in California by 2030.  

The Research Fellow will report to and work directly with the Director of Policy and Government Affairs to develop the Roadmap.  Primary responsibilities will include conducting literature reviews, analyzing data and policies, convening and documenting outcomes of meetings of diverse stakeholders, and writing final report material. Other responsibilities may include but are not limited to facilitating meetings, conducting interviews, managing project deadlines, and publicizing the Roadmap through communications such as blog posts and magazine articles.  

The Research Fellow reports to the CCOF Director of Policy and Government Affairs.

Position Responsibilities: 

·         Compile and synthesize reports, studies, and literature on the environmental, economic, and social benefits of certified organic production.

·         Work with the policy department to project benefits of increasing organic acreage in California.

Work with the Director of Policy and Government Affairs and the marketing team to write and design materials documenting benefits of increasing organic acreage.

·         Work with the policy department to research and analyze relevant existing or proposed state policies. 

·         Assist the Director of Policy and Government Affairs in convening 10-12 stakeholder working groups throughout the state. 

·         Document and analyze stakeholder working group discussions.

·         Based on research and stakeholder working group outcomes, work with the policy department to make final policy recommendations for increasing organic acreage in California.

·         Work with the Director of Policy and Government Affairs and the marketing department to write and design the final report. 

·         Assist the Director of Policy and Government Affairs with other communications such as blog posts, magazine articles, and web page content.

·         Maintain organized files with research, resources, and citations.

Desired Qualifications:

·         Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience. 

·         Experience in food and agriculture policy. 

·         Demonstrated interest in organic policy and commitment to CCOF’s mission and values.

·         Outstanding oral and written communication skills across diverse groups.

·         Ability to work independently and to collaborate across departments.

·         Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

·         Ability to analyze and work with data.

·         Ability to bring creativity and innovation to all areas of work.  

·         Experience writing reports, journal articles, or other extensively researched documents preferred.

·         Experience organizing and facilitating meetings of 5 or more persons preferred.

·         Ability to travel, including over-night.

·         Valid driver’s license.

·         Ability to lift 40 lbs. from ground to waist. 

Compensation: The Research Fellow’s compensation will depend upon qualification and experience.

Hiring Process: Applications will be accepted until filled.  Applicants must submit the documents listed below to employment@ccof.org, with “Research Fellow” in the subject line.

>        Cover letter summarizing your qualifications and interest in the position at CCOF.

>        Resume.

>        Three page writing sample.

>        Professional references.