Bioenergy Career Map: Senior Policy Analyst

• Ability to identify key policy issues and make recommendations to senior management officials
• Ability to develop and issue regulations, policy interpretation and guidelines
• Demonstrated ability to represent positions effectively through oral and written communications.

Individuals in this role research and monitor legislative, regulatory, and political activity relevant to the bioenergy sector. Policy analysts can explore complex problems, work to raise public awareness of important bioenergy issues, and recommend solutions to influence government action.

Policy analysts gather information, analyze potential policies and make recommendations, evaluate the outcomes of existing policies, and share information with the public and government officials. Policy analysts in the bioenergy sector work on either broad or specialized issues, depending on their organization and position. These analysts must react to proposed changes in law, regulations, and policies and respond to inquiries by government officials and the public.

A policy analyst at the senior or supervisory level works as the lead manager to prepare congressional testimony, briefing materials, summary statements and speeches for senior executives, as appropriate, on bioenergy policies. A Ph.D. in political science, a juris doctorate, or an advanced degree in a related field is recommended. Equivalent experience or training may substitute for the degree. Experience with the energy sector is recommended.