This position is in direct support of the Middlebury COP Network. The network was recently funded as a Middlebury Strategic Initiative to bring together Middlebury College and MIIS students, alumni, faculty, and staff who share a common interest in international climate policy. The primary responsibilities are coordinating the establishment of this network, facilitating communication within the network, researching opportunities for participation in COP, and reporting on the activities of the network. 

The GA will also have the opportunity to participate in COP30, outside the duties of this job. The student can participate a volunteer with a national delegation or observer organization (e.g., NGO, business, or research institution) or follow a topic of their choice throughout the event, interview participants, and conduct a succinct but rich analysis of their choice. Expenses will be covered up to a certain amount.  

The primary goal of this Middlebury COP Network is to facilitate knowledge exchange and foster deeper understanding of global climate negotiations through direct engagement with the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP).  The network aims to demystify the COP process by creating an experiential learning opportunity for participants and sharing their knowledge with the broader network community.  A key component of this initiative is to support meaningful participation in COP30 in Belem, Brazil.    

This position is compensated at the Level B rate on the Midd student wage scale. $17.00 - $17.50 per hour

Core Responsibilities:

COP GA Task List  

Build COP network by contacting various Middlebury alumni, staff and faculty  Develop a structure and manage a network of partners   Design and facilitate COP network meetings and information sessions  Work with network participants to produce reports and stories about the COP network activities   Track millstones and create reports for the strategic initiative funding