Issued by: Sovereign Energy 

Sovereign Energy seeks a highly qualified law firm or individual attorney(s) to provide comprehensive legal services in support of Sovereign Energy’s mission to advance clean energy, economic development, and the preservation of Tribal sovereignty. The selected firm or individual will be expected to support Sovereign Energy in various legal matters, with particular emphasis on Tribal energy law, environmental law, historic and cultural resource preservation law, federal contracting, policy compliance, intellectual property, governance, and Tribal data sovereignty in the context of energy development.

Scope of Work

The legal services required may include, but are not limited to, the following areas:

Organizational 

Sovereign Energy Operating Agreements & Contract Analysis

1. 1. Partnership and Operating Agreements: Draft and review partnership and operating agreements between Sovereign Energy and Tribal Nations/entities to ensure alignment with Sovereign Energy’s goals and protect the interests of all parties involved.
   2. Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) and Confidentiality Agreements: Draft, review, and negotiate NDAs and confidentiality agreements to safeguard sensitive information in all partnerships, agreements, and negotiations.
   3. Contract Review and Legal Analysis: Provide legal analysis of contracts involving Tribes, ensuring compliance with relevant federal, state, and Tribal laws, and advising on potential risks, responsibilities, and opportunities.

Sovereign Energy Intellectual Property & Licensing

1. 1. Intellectual Property Licensing: Provide guidance on the protection, licensing, and commercialization of Sovereign Energy’s intellectual property, ensuring alignment with Tribal values and interests.

Programmatic 

Tribal Energy Project Pre-Development Support

1. 1. Contract Review and Legal Analysis: Review and analyze RFPs, bids, and contracts with Tribes, organizations, developers, and project partners to ensure compliance with federal, state, and Tribal laws. Advise on potential risks, responsibilities, and opportunities.

Strategic Legal Counsel for Clean Energy & Economic Development

1. 1. Strategic Legal Counsel: Provide legal guidance on clean energy, economic policy, and intergovernmental relations to advance Tribal sovereignty, cultural preservation, and energy independence.
   2. Legal Support for Strategic Initiatives: Provide legal guidance on clean energy, economic policy, and intergovernmental relations to advance Tribal sovereignty, cultural preservation, and energy independence.

Environmental, Historic, and Cultural Resource Preservation 

1. 1. Tribal Sovereignty and Cultural Preservation Analysis: Advise on the intersection of environmental, cultural, and historic preservation law NEPA and NHPA requirements with Tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, and cultural protections, ensuring that Tribal interests are fully represented in federal energy development.
   2. Case Law and Precedent Review: Conduct research and provide legal analysis on relevant case law, precedents, and federal agency protocols, with a focus on their implications for Sovereign Energy’s projects.
   3. Environmental and Cultural Assessment Review: Review Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), Environmental Assessments (EA), NHPA Section 106 reports, and other documents prepared under NEPA and NHPA to ensure compliance with Tribal consultation and cultural preservation requirements.
   4. Technical Comments & Advocacy: Draft and review technical comments, objections, and recommendations on proposed federal energy projects, ensuring that Tribal concerns regarding cultural, historical, and environmental resources are adequately addressed.
   5. Legal Memo & Impact Statements: Assist in preparing legal analyses, memos, and impact statements that assess the potential effects of proposed projects and strategic advocacy options for Tribes. 
   6. Informational Materials Development: Assist in the development of white papers, briefings, and other informational resources to empower Tribal communities to engage effectively in federal energy development and Tribal consultation processes. 

Proposal Requirements

Proposals should include, at a minimum, the following:

1. Firm or Attorney Profile: Background information, including relevant experience in Tribal energy law, NEPA, NHPA, intellectual property, and other relevant practice areas.
2. Proposed Team or Individual: If submitting as a firm, identify key personnel who will be assigned to this engagement and their qualifications. If submitting as an individual, provide detailed information on your qualifications and experience.
3. Experience in Tribal Law: Specific experience working with Tribal Nations, understanding of Tribal sovereignty, and experience with federal agencies, particularly in the context of energy and environmental law.
4. Writing Sample: Please provide a recent writing sample that demonstrates your legal analysis and drafting skills, such as a memorandum, legal brief, or other relevant document. If the sample contains any confidential or privileged information, kindly redact those portions. The writing sample should reflect your ability to address complex legal issues relevant to the scope of this engagement.
5. Fee Structure: A detailed fee structure, including hourly rates, retainer fees, and any other relevant costs associated with providing the requested legal services.
6. References: Contact information for at least three references who can speak to the firm’s or individual’s ability to provide legal services in areas relevant to this RFP.

Contact Information
For inquiries or clarifications regarding this RFP, please contact Mayane Barudin, Executive Director, at
mayane@sovereignenergy.org with the email title “Sovereign Energy Legal Services RFP: Question.”

For submitting proposals, please submit to:
Mayane Barudin, Executive Director, at
mayane@sovereignenergy.org with the email title “Sovereign Energy Legal Services RFP: Proposal.”

We look forward to receiving your proposals and finding a partner who can support Sovereign Energy at this critical stage in our organization’s journey as we work towards our mission of advancing Tribal energy sovereignty. 

About Sovereign Energy 

Sovereign Energy prioritizes Indigenous voices and leadership to achieve a just, equitable, and sustainable energy future. Operating at the intersection of energy, environment, and cultural resource preservation, we recognize the adverse impacts of ongoing energy extraction, exploitation, and political barriers on Tribal energy sovereignty, Tribal Nation building, and Indigenous communities. Our mission is to transform this landscape by empowering Indigenous communities to spearhead a regenerative energy future, advance climate goals with meaningful actions, and advocate for reparations for the injustices inflicted by harmful energy practices. We achieve this through our foundational pillars: Renewable energy education, Tribal capacity building, policy and regulatory advocacy, and cultural resource protection.

As an Indigenous-led organization, Sovereign Energy is committed to supporting Tribes and Indigenous people by adhering to values that reflect our cultural core beliefs.

Position Overview

The Tribal Renewable Energy Outreach Coordinator will report to the Director of Community Education and Outreach and will primarily be responsible for advancing our renewable energy education program through Tribal-focused education, partner and stakeholder education, and workforce development. 

Scope of Work 

Tribal-Focused Renewable Energy Education

• Support the development and implementation of a curriculum designed to enhance Tribal leadership’s and community members’ understanding of Tribal energy sovereignty, renewable energy literacy, and current Tribal energy issues.
• Support the development of white papers, presentations, and other materials translating complex energy issues into digestible information for Tribal governance and staff and Indigenous audiences.
• Organize and implement hands-on participatory learning opportunities and site visits for Tribal leadership and staff to build understanding and comfortability with renewable energy projects.
• Develop promotional materials to increase Tribes’ interest in opportunities such as New Mexico’s Community Solar Act and Solar For All programs.
• Lead Tribal stakeholder engagement processes to identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities in renewable energy education; assess needs, resources, and response strategies.
• Coordinate, promote, and actively participate in both in-person and virtual events to ensure their success.
• Contribute to press plans, collaborate with community members and partners on storytelling campaigns, and draft op-eds and press materials.

Partner and Stakeholder Education 

• Collaborate with coalitions of stakeholders, including Tribal organizations, frontline communities, environmental justice advocates, governmental entities, and renewable energy developers, to advance Tribal renewable energy education.
• Represent Sovereign Energy at public forums, networking events, and presentations to build the organization’s presence and positive public image within Tribal communities.

Education and Workforce Development 

• Contribute to the creation and implementation of Sovereign Energy’s scholarship program, including developing the program’s impact framework, eligibility criteria, timeline, and outreach strategy.
• Compile a directory of educational institutions and programs supporting Native students pursuing energy sector opportunities.
• Build and collaborate with Tribal and public educational institutions to identify gaps and opportunities to advance the student to Tribal renewable energy professional pipeline. 

Qualifications 

• Excellent writing skills with the ability to distill complex issues into clear, accessible materials.
• Deep understanding of Tribal nation-building, Tribal sovereignty, and environmental and climate justice principles.
• Ability to adapt technical energy materials into formats suitable for Tribal energy education.
• Strong communication skills to explain complicated concepts to diverse audiences.
• Experience working with Tribal Nations and Native populations, especially in the Southwest, is preferred.
• Self-starter with a proactive approach to initiatives and responsibilities.
• Willing to travel as needed.  
• Event planning and management experience. 
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong partnerships with community leaders.
• Familiarity with design tools, including Canva.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Minimum of three years of experience working directly with Tribal Nations, with preference for experience in the Southwest.
• Minimum of two years of experience in community education and engagement. 
• Minimum of two years of experience in communications, media studies, grant writing, or technical reporting.

Mindsets

• Strong commitment to serving Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities within a mission-driven organization.
• Passion for building strong new capacity at a growing organization
• Effective project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Enthusiasm for Tribal energy issues and educational opportunities.
• Strong strategic thinking and excellent oral and written communication skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy. 
• High motivation, initiative, and the ability to collaborate in both team-based and individual work settings.

Location 

This position is remote, but applicants must reside in New Mexico.

Compensation

$70,000 – $80,000 per year. At Sovereign Energy, we ensure fair and equitable compensation that is in line with our organizational values and philosophy.

Health and Wellness Benefits: Comprehensive health and dental insurance provided

Time-Off Benefits:

• Paid Time Off (PTO): 3 weeks annually
• Personal Leave: 4 days annually
• Floating Holidays: Available to accommodate religious and cultural observances

How To Apply 

Interested applicants should send a letter of interest and resume to mayane@sovereignenergy.org with the subject line: Tribal Renewable Energy Education Coordinator.

Please note that the hiring process includes two virtual interviews and a written assignment.

Position Timeline:

• Application Deadline: February 12, 2025, at 5:00 PM
• Expected Onboarding: March 2025

We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to the Sovereign Energy team!