Senior Associate - Climate and Energy Program (CEP)

World Resources Institute is seeking a Senior Associate for Climate & Equity Policy in our International Climate Action Signature Initiative.  

WRI’s Climate & Energy Program strives to set the world on a new course, one with cleaner energy sources, healthier ecosystems and societies, technological innovation, and economic opportunities. Working with international, governmental, civil society, and business partners, CEP identifies and promotes effective policies and strategies to address climate change. The 50-person program currently works in fields such as international climate policy, climate action and economics, energy options, greenhouse gas accounting, and adaptation to climate change. The program has a significant international focus, especially through partnerships in developing countries. 

Research and analysis

• Conduct policy relevant research and analysis on various aspects of climate change and equity issues, including:
  • International climate and equity issues, including those relevant to international climate negotiations and other international processes.
  • Equity issues involving climate policy at the national level, including issues such as energy, forests and land-use, adaptation, and other relevant policy areas.
• Conceive and produce high-quality, high-impact reports, issue briefs, case studies, and blogs on climate and equity issues. 
• Develop tools and information sources that enable policymakers and stakeholders to analyze climate and equity issues, including for the international climate negotiations.
• Participate in internal and external peer review processes for publications and papers.
• Develop project proposals and concept notes. 

Outreach and communications

• Communicate WRI research and analysis with external audiences in the US, in target countries, and at global intergovernmental meetings.
• Represent WRI at conferences, workshops and other events.
• Design and implement WRI roundtables, workshops or other convening events with key stakeholders. 
• Liaise with and develop collaborations with external partners from around the world, including partners from developing countries and international agencies. 
• Provide timely responses to information demand from external audiences.

Project management

• Independently manage projects or discrete components of large projects.
• Support the Director of the International Climate Action signature initiative with fundraising and donor stewardship, and engage directly with foundation and government funders. 
• Assist in developing overall initiative strategy and prioritizing of research and project activities.
• Undertake planning and implementation of budgeting and communications activities.
• Engage in coordination across WRI program and issue areas. 
• Supervise the work of junior researchers and interns. 

• The position requires a strong understanding of climate, environment and international development issues, including climate and equity issues.
• 4-7 years of progressive professional work experience related to climate change, international climate policy, international development, and/or poverty reduction.
• Degree in environmental studies, international relations, economics, or similar is required. Master’s or PhD preferred. Significant relevant professional experience may substitute for a post-graduate degree.
• Strong writing skills are essential. Oral presentation skills a plus.
• Strong research skills and basic computer skills are required.
• Candidate must be self-motivated with an ability to handle multiple priorities, handle assignments independently, and work under tight deadlines.
• Flexibility, sense of humor, breadth of interests, and willingness to explore unfamiliar issues all are qualities that will be looked for during the hiring process.
• International experience required.  Foreign language skills are a plus. 
• Position requires 20% international travel.
• Final candidates may be required to take a writing test.

Salary and Benefits 

Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Location

Washington, DC

Reports To

Director, International Climate Action Signature Initiative

Qualified applicants should apply online at www.wri.org/careers. All applications must be submitted online through this career portal in order to be formally considered. 

The World Resources Institute (http://www.wri.org/wri) is an environmental and development research and policy organization that creates solutions to protect the Earth and improve people’s lives. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is WRI’s policy to recruit, hire, and provide opportunities for advancement in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, sexual preference, parental status, or disability. WRI’s global agenda requires a staff that is diverse – with respect to race, gender, cultural, and international background. Diverse perspectives and experience enhance the way WRI selects and approaches issues, as well as the creativity and applicability of WRI's policy research and analysis. WRI, therefore, encourages applications from U.S. minorities, persons from other countries (especially developing nations), and from women of all backgrounds.

About WRI

The World Resources Institute is a global environmental think tank that goes beyond research to put ideas into action. We work with governments, companies, and civil society to build solutions to urgent environmental challenges. WRI’s transformative ideas protect the earth and promote development because sustainability is essential to meeting human needs and fulfilling human aspirations in the future.

Established in 1982, WRI is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization respected globally by policymakers, NGOs, and corporate leaders because of the rigorous quality, balance, and independence of its work. With its think-tank roots, WRI values innovative ideas, working collaboratively, and thinking independently. WRI employees see the results of their hard work and have the satisfaction of making a significant difference in the world.

Currently a $50 million organization with an international staff of approximately 250, WRI works with more than 400 partners in 50 countries. WRI provides objective information and practical proposals for policy and institutional change that foster environmentally sound, socially equitable development. 

Values 

In its day to day work, WRI is guided by several core institutional values:                         

Innovation: To lead change for a sustainable world, WRI is creative, forward thinking, entrepreneurial, and adaptive. 

Independence: WRI’s effectiveness depends on work that is uncompromised by partisan politics, institutional or personal allegiances, or sources of financial support. 

Urgency: WRI believes that change in human behavior is urgently needed to halt the accelerating rate of environmental deterioration.

Independence: Our effectiveness depends on work that is uncompromised by partisan politics, institutional or personal allegiances, or sources of financial support. 

Respect: Our relationships are based on the belief that all people deserve respect. 

Approach 

Everything WRI does is built on four key elements:                         

Focus on Results: WRI organizes all of its work to produce powerful and practical solutions, strategies and tools, policies and partnerships. 

Analytical Excellence: WRI identifies problems, drivers of change, economic incentives, and consequences to arrive at comprehensive, incentive-based, practical solutions. 

Partnerships: WRI works with scientists, governments, businesses, NGOs, and international institutions worldwide to create incentives and pressure for change. 

Communications: WRI fosters change by disseminating their solutions and ideas to targeted audiences.