The World Resources Institute (www.wri.org) Institutions and Governance Program is seeking a research analyst with demonstrated experience in sustainable development, finance, and civil society engagement to contribute to research and engagement for the International Financial Flows and the Environment project (IFFE). Through research, analysis and engagement, the IFFE project seeks to direct international finance towards more environmentally and socially responsible investments. The IFFE project is housed in WRI’s Institutions and Governance Program, which works with partners in civil society and government to improve the transparency and accountability of institutions entrusted with environmental decision-making.
The IFFE project focuses on those international financial institutions (IFIs) that have been particularly influential in shaping international capital flows in environmentally and socially sensitive sectors, including the Multilateral Development Banks and nationally owned financial institutions in emerging economies. IFFE’s research, analysis and outreach strategies prompt these institutions to more systematically incorporate environmental and social considerations into their mainstream project and sectoral lending, and technical assistance programs. IFFE seeks to ensure that these institutions contribute to global climate change mitigation while continuing to apply strong environmental and social safeguard policies in each investment, and align their policies and lending criteria with internationally agreed climate objectives as expressed in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process.
Responsibilities:
The Research Analyst will support IFFE’s work with civil society organizations that seek to influence policy reforms at IFIs. This will include reforms at traditional IFIs such as the World Bank, as well as the overseas investments of Chinese and Brazilian financial institutions. Specific responsibilities include:
Conduct research and analysis on international financial institutions, including:
Mainstreaming of climate change into IFI investments
Environmental and social safeguards of IFIs
Mechanisms in which affected communities and civil society organizations can hold the IFIs accountable for their investments
Assist in research, writing, and publishing new research reports
Convene and lead strategy discussions among civil society organizations
Work closely with civil society organizations worldwide that monitor and engage the IFIs, especially:
World Bank Group
Asian Development Bank
Equator Principle financial institutions
Support civil society organizations in developing countries that are exploring strategies to influence Chinese and Brazilian investments in their countries, especially with regard to:
China Export Import Bank and China Development Bank
Brazil National Development Bank (BNDES)
Oil, gas, and mining companies from China and Brazil
Assist in fundraising and grants management
Assist in project management work as needed
Support other activities as needed
Qualifications:
Required qualifications include:
Advanced degree in international development, public policy, climate change policy, or environmental and human rights law
3-5 years of relevant work experience
Experience working with civil society organizations in the Global South
Demonstrated commitment to the principles of good governance, including access to information, public participation, and accountability
Significant time spent working in a developing country, China, or Brazil preferred
Strong writing and research skills in English
Experience communicating complex policy issues in an accessible way
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with teams of people from diverse backgrounds
Proficiency in Mandarin or Portuguese preferred
Flexibility to travel
Salary is commensurate with professional qualifications and experience.
