Senior Associate, China

EMBARQ, The WRI Center for Sustainable Transport, is seeking an Associate II to work in urban and regional development, transportation, and environmental projects in WRI’s China office. Established in May 2002, EMBARQ acts as a catalyst for socially, financially, and environmentally sound solutions to the problems of urban transport. EMBARQ focuses on cities in developing countries where air pollution, traffic congestion, and lack of access to clean and convenient transport are most acute and the poor bear the brunt of the problem. EMBARQ’s strategy is to foster viable government-business-civil society partnerships whose members are committed to finding solutions to the transportation-related problems facing the cities in which they operate. EMBARQ has already established local centers for sustainable transport in cities in Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Turkey and India. For more information about EMBARQ, please visit http://embarq.wri.org.

EMBARQ is seeking a highly motivated and self-driven professional who will play a key technical role in developing and implementing a strategy and business plan for EMBARQ China, participate in transportation, urban development, and/or public health projects in China, and help develop partnerships with Chinese cities and organizations. During fiscal year 2011, the Associate’s main responsibility will be to develop a report analyzing the feasibility of pursuing work by EMBARQ in China beyond 2011, as well as possible funding opportunities, in collaboration with WRI and EMBARQ Network staff and external consultants. The main tasks associated with developing the report are as follows:

• Participate in blue print development for low carbon city with focus on urban transportation component;
• Support fundraising working related to low carbon city and urban transportation.
• Identifying lessons learned from previous experiences working in China by EMBARQ and other organizations (e.g. UC Berkeley GMS, Energy Foundation, ITDP, etc.)
• Identifying the best types of projects/programs that EMBARQ should focus on in China, based on the probability of delivering outcomes
• Assessing risks  / opportunities, funding prospects for developing and scaling up a center in China
• Writing a final report summarizing the findings from all research and meetings / interviews listed above
  • Conducting research and interviews with EMBARQ/WRI staff, key stakeholders, and external consultants
  • Participating in a workshop hosted by WRI/EMBARQ to present and review findings
  • Conducting research and interviews with EMBARQ/WRI staff, key stakeholders, and external consultants
  • Participating in meetings with local officials in China
  • Participating in a second workshop hosted by WRI/EMBARQ to present and review findings
  • Conducting research and interviews with members of other organizations that have expanded to China
  • Meeting with EMBARQ Center directors and getting their input
  • Working with EMBARQ Development staff to develop a fundraising strategy for China

Other responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Helping build partnerships between WRI/EMBARQ and key organizations working in urban planning and transportation in China
• Identifying new funding opportunities for the EMBARQ China and writing proposals together with other WRI/EMBARQ staff
• Working on related issues and tasks according to the requirements of the program. Activities will be defined on a project-by-project basis by WRI/EMBARQ
• The work may involve travel, within China or internationally, and will involve working with diverse disciplines and people

• Masters Degree in City and Regional Planning, Transportation Planning, Transportation Engineering, or related field
• 5 to 7 years of experience working on transportation and urban development issues, with at least 2 years of experience working in Chinese cities
• Thorough understanding of Chinese transportation and urban development issues and institutions
• Must be fluent in Mandarin, with strong oral and written skills in English
• Availability and willingness to travel in China and internationally

Location

Beijing, China

Salary and benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience and skills. WRI offers a generous, comprehensive benefits package.