Research Associate, Climate Program

Job Summary:

As the Research Associate, you will oversee the management of a multi-year project to develop a guide on managing transparency and tracking of Just Transitions and will also support in-country work with national governments to improve data collection, assessment, and reporting of non-state and subnational climate action. Specific activities will include day-to-day management of project timelines, key deliverables, and project reporting; collaborating with project partners and national government counterparts on research; guiding and overseeing technical expert consultants, and authoring and editing technical papers and reports to support project outcomes.

This position is remote due to Covid-19, but you will be based in Washington, DC once restrictions have been lifted.

Job Responsibilities:

Research and Analysis 40%

• Working closely with other technical experts, oversee the research process to develop a guide for transparency of Just Transitions to support national governments and other actors
• Oversee an internal technical working group to collect feedback and validate early concepts for the guide
• Conduct research and case-study analysis on just transition indicators, and measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) methods
• Provide technical advice and guidance for in-country project teams and review research outputs from in-country consultants
• Author high-quality and pertinent WRI knowledge products including research papers, reports, blogs, presentations, and other written research material

Project Management 40%

• Lead day-to-day project management and delivery of key activities and milestones for the development of a guide for just transitions
• Coordinate activities with project staff and guide cooperative decision-making, providing advice and support to government counterparts
• Coordinate in-country support to enhance national government data collection and assessment of non-state and subnational climate actions
• Oversee the monitoring of project outcomes and prepare reports to funders

Outreach and Engagement 20%

• Design, organize and lead project planning events, technical workshops and other efforts to disseminate research, experience and lessons, advance discourse and build capacity of developing countries
• Develop and manage project webinars, in collaboration with other WRI programs and key external partners
• Represent WRI at meetings and workshops and communicate research with external audiences

Job Qualifications:

• Master's degree preferred, or bachelor's degree with two+ additional years of relevant experience
• Minimum of 7 years of full-time work experience in the environmental, climate or related fields, ideally within an international non-profit organization
• Significant knowledge of climate change issues, as well as technical expertise on just transition and climate equity issues, non-state and subnational climate action, transparency and MRV and international reporting requirements under the UN climate change convention
• Strong analytical and research skills and proven ability to deliver high-quality work
• Excellent writing, editing, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills
• Great attention to details and ability to work well in a team, manage multiple priorities, and work under tight deadlines
• Committed to WRI's mission and values
• US work authorization is required for this position

Potential Salary:
$79,000 - $106,000. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

How to Apply:
Please submit a resume with cover letter. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

Program Overview:
The Climate Program at WRI focuses on four main areas: stepping up national climate action, advancing international climate action, tracking progress toward climate goals and supporting equity and development goals in the transition to a zero-carbon economy. Our research evaluates the technical, economic and social benefits of climate action, as well as the costs of inaction. We work with national governments to design ambitious near-term climate plans that align with long-term temperature goals, and help integrate these into economic, sectoral and development plans. We help international policymakers advance climate solutions through negotiations and accords such as the Paris Agreement. We support businesses, civil society, local governments and other non-state actors as they pursue their own emissions-reduction and adaptation goals. We build tools to track global progress on fighting the climate crisis, inform good decision-making and ensure accountability for existing commitments.

WRI Overview:
World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean.

We are passionate. We value our diversity of interests, skills, and backgrounds. We have a flexible work environment. And we share a common goal to catalyze change that will improve the lives of people. Our shared ideals are at the core of our approach. They include integrity, innovation, urgency, independence, and respect.

The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps, and analysis to solve the world's greatest environment and international development challenges and improve people's lives. We work with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.

We have been growing rapidly: our staff has doubled in size over the past 5 years, and our operating budget is nearing $200 million. Founded in 1982, WRI has a global staff of over 1,600 people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia and the United States, as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices.