Office of Energy Justice and Equity Fellow

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Science, Technology and Policy Program is designed to provide opportunities for postgraduates and faculty to participate in programs, projects, and activities at the Department. Fellows will receive hands-on experience that provides an understanding of the mission, operations, and culture of the DOE. As a result, fellows will gain deep insight into the federal government's role in the creation and implementation of energy technology policies; apply their scientific, policy, and technical knowledge to the development of solutions to issues of importance to the DOE and continue their education and involvement in areas that support the DOE mission either in a technical or policy-related role.

The U. S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Justice and Equity (EJE) - Policy and Analysis is seeking an ORISE Fellows to participate in policy-related projects. The goal is to develop future leaders in an equitable and justice energy future.

About the Office of Energy Justice Policy and Analysis

The mission of the Office of Energy Justice Policy and Analysis (EJE5) is to implement research, evaluation, and technical assistance DOE-wide and throughout Federal energy policy to advance racial and ethnic equity and support underserved and disadvantaged communities and individuals. The Team:

1. Establishes a DOE-wide research agenda.
2. Works with the Energy Information Administration (EIA) on research and data collection to assess energy burdens and program effects.
3. Conducts policy reviews and technical assistance and collaborates with DOE program offices to accelerate the adoption of clean energy and reduce and eliminate adverse energy burdens in minority communities and disadvantaged individuals.
4. Coordinates inter- and intra-agency Justice40 and Community Benefit Plan implementation and evaluation pursuant to Executive Order 14008.
5. Writes policy to advance environmental justice pursuant to Executive Order 14096.
6. Creates, updates, and maintains tools to better understand how DOE’s funding and investments are distributed.
7. Develops, implements, and maintains strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement to facilitate DOE-wide energy justice research, development, and demonstration activities, all of this with a focus on minority communities and disadvantaged individuals.

For more information about the Office of Energy Justice and Equity, visit https://www.energy.gov/justice/office-energy-justice-and-equity.

What will I be doing?

During the fellowship, the selected fellow(s) will support the implementation of Community Benefit Plans (CBP’s). CBPs are a new requirement for many DOE funding opportunities that put the social needs of a project on level with the technical needs. Fellows will learn to describe how the project advances four core principles: investing in America's workforce; engaging communities and labor; advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility; and implementing Justice 40 in the CBP.

The fellow will participate in the implementation of this framework in DOE funding by coordinating with different DOE offices and answering specific questions about CBPs. Fellows may also participate in drafting additional CBP-related research, CBP guidance, standard operating procedures, and reporting.

For more information about CBPs, visit: About Community Benefits Plans | Department of Energy

Participant Benefits

During the appointment, you will receive a monthly stipend. Stipend amounts are determined by the Office of Energy Justice and Equity (EJE) and are typically based on the participant's academic standing, discipline, and experience. A supplemental stipend to offset the costs of health insurance may also be authorized. Participants are required to have health insurance and are eligible to purchase health insurance plans offered through the Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU)'s network coverage plan provider. Participants may also receive an allowance for education and/or scientific activities.

Appointment Location

Remote or Washington, D.C.

Length of Appointment

Appointments are typically one-year, renewable up to an additional four years, depending on project needs and funding.

Nature of the Appointment

The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOE, or any other office or agency.  Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE letter of appointment and Terms of Appointment.