Bioenergy Career Map: Policy Analyst

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The job of policy analyst is a mid-level position in bioenergy, in the operations, management, and business career sub-sector. Job seekers with operations, management, and business backgrounds or a career in the liberal arts could consider this type of mid-level bioenergy job.

Policy analysts work as staff specialists to prepare congressional testimony, briefing materials, summary statements, and speeches for senior executives, as appropriate, on bioenergy policies. People in these positions may have careers in bioenergy policy analysis.

Policy Analyst

Alternate Title(s)Policy Researcher; Regulatory Affairs Specialist; Public Affairs Specialist; External Affairs Specialist; External Relations Specialist
Education & Training Level DescriptionMaster’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, or related field.
Experience3–10 years
Job Skills
  • Ability to identify key policy issues and make recommendations to senior management officials
  • Demonstrated ability to represent positions effectively through oral and written communication
  • Ability to develop and issue regulations, policy interpretation and guidelines.
Job ProfileIndividuals 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.
 
At the middle level, the policy analyst works as the staff specialist to prepare congressional testimony, briefing materials, summary statements and speeches for senior executives, as appropriate, on bioenergy policies. A master’s degree 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.