EV (Electric Vehicles) Waste Strategist & Advocate (US & Canada)

WHO WE ARE

The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) is a global network working towards a just and waste-free world without incineration. GAIA’s mission is to catalyze a global shift towards environmental justice by strengthening grassroots social movements that advance solutions to waste and pollution. We envision a just, zero waste world built on respect for ecological limits and community rights, where people are free from the burden of toxic pollution, and resources are sustainably conserved, not burned or dumped.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

There is increasing demand for EVs (electric vehicles) and battery storage and current technologies use rare minerals and hazardous components that can cause real health and livelihood impacts when extracted and exposed. As part of the suite of approaches to limit demand for new minerals, it is imperative that best practices are developed for redesigning, repurposing, and recycling lithium ion batteries. While the US has recently begun developing its own recycling infrastructure, there are no federal or state laws requiring the recycling of EV batteries or assigning manufacturer responsibility. Regulations in Canada are moving forward in some provinces. 

GAIA is leading a project in 2023 to conduct top level research on standards for EV battery recycling, and develop strategies for implementation and communications globally and regionally. For this initial phase, the project will also focus on debunking false solutions, supporting communities that have been targeted for hazardous recycling, forging alliances, and providing alternatives and other solutions in order to reduce the demand and impact of EV batteries. While this project mainly focuses on the downstream portion of the EV battery supply chain, allyship with other organizations who have expertise on mining  (upstream) and battery production/refining (midstream) will provide further insight to our research and planning. With demonstrated successful outputs, funding may be renewed.

THE ROLE 

GAIA seeks an EV Waste Strategist & Advocate to lead a 2023 project on EV battery recycling work area for GAIA in the U.S./Canada region, with a strong emphasis on California policy and partnerships. This highly collaborative position involves top-level research on standards for EV battery recycling, policy and advocacy work to build solutions and debunk harmful recycling practices, and building strategic relationships with grassroots members and allies. The EV Waste Strategist & Advocate will work with global GAIA research staff and GAIA EV research leads in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America to ensure alignment of research goals and findings. This is an exciting opportunity to build out a new program within an environmental justice organization, and to work on an increasingly pressing issue within the movement for a regenerative economy. With demonstrated successful outputs, the project could become a multiyear project. 

This position will report to GAIA’s Senior Director for the U.S. and Canada region. 

This position could be a full time exempt position, or a part-time/flexible hours contract position, particularly for candidates with extensive policy experience. At this time, we can commit to this position for six months. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Lead GAIA’s EV battery recycling work for the U.S. and Canada (40%)

• Map out the landscape of opportunities, threats, and key players 
• Conduct regionally specific research to connect to global assessments 
• Build strategic relationships  
• Track and advocate for: 
  • Government funding for EV battery recycling 
  • National battery recycling standards
  • Other national policies related to EV battery recycling  
• Support policy work in key U.S. state legislatures 

Collaborate to advance EV battery recycling in California (40%)

• Build relationships in California around EV battery recycling policy and standards with:
  • Frontline mining groups 
  • Waste and recycling policy organizations 
  • Groups working on EVs/transit justice  
• Work on California EV battery recycling through legislative and regulatory advocacy, in close partnership with members and allies 

If this position is full time, the person in this position may also participate in other California waste policy and movement-building work for GAIA (20%)

• Collaborate with California members and allies on relevant legislation and regulation, including:
  • Movement building support 
  • Advocacy for access to funding for environmental justice communities and organizations
  • Regulations that protect environmental justice communities 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Track record of success working on advocacy campaigns and movement building
• Demonstrated skills in conducting research and tracking policy 
• Experience in building and maintaining partnerships and coalitions 
• Experience collaborating with grassroots and frontline organizations  
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Strong project manager, highly organized, detailed-oriented, and ability to meet deadlines. Experience building out programs within an organization is preferred. 
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively 
• Be committed to GAIA’s mission and core values of: respecting local solutions and community power, shared practice for movement building, equity, inclusiveness, and social justice, and accountability 
• Strongly desired: federal, environmental, environmental justice, or California policy/advocacy experience

WHAT WE OFFER

• Meaningful work – operating from a place of connectivity and trust, we are able to exchange the cross-border knowledge and tools needed to create a truly global movement that puts an end to waste pollution.
• Comprehensive benefits for eligible employees – this includes employer-covered health/dental insurance, paid family leave, approximately 30 days of paid time off each year (including vacation, holidays, and the last week of each calendar year), retirement plan, and an opportunity to qualify for a sabbatical.
• Strong culture and dedicated team – we take pride in our highly motivated team, and our ability to support one another’s work in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect.

LOCATION, COMPENSATION, AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Salary range for a full time employee is $70,000-$80,000, depending on experience. Contractor candidates should present us with a proposal for completing the work at comparable cost. 
• This position has assured funding for six months and a high possibility of extension pending renewed funding. 
• This position will preferably be based out of the San Francisco Bay Area, although we are willing to consider applicants with strong qualifications in another California location. Currently some of our team is working hybrid, and others are working remotely. This position can be done remotely but travel to the New York City or Berkeley’s office appx. 3 times a year is expected.
• Some domestic and potentially international travel will be required, including to Sacramento for CA advocacy work and Washington, DC. Full COVID-19 vaccination is required for GAIA employees who travel and attend meetings for GAIA.
• Full COVID-19 vaccination is required for GAIA employees who travel and attend in-person meetings for GAIA.
• Work is performed both independently and collaboratively. Work is performed on a computer, requires almost constant use of a keyboard, mouse, or other pointing device and may be performed sitting or standing.

GAIA is a highly collaborative organization, and we take pride in our ability to support one another’s work in an atmosphere of mutual trust, transparency, and respect. We look forward to introducing the successful candidate to our welcoming and highly motivated team and members.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

We are committed to equal employment opportunity principles and providing all employees with a safe work environment free from discrimination and harassment. We welcome you regardless of your race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, age, physical ability, nationality, or any other status unrelated to the performance of the job and protected by law. GAIA practices affirmative action, and candidates from historically disadvantaged or marginalized groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply with a resume and cover letter at https://www.careers-page.com/gaia/job/QX4XVR53 only. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the first round of interviews will commence quickly.