Research Associate, Climate

Note: This position use two-year fixed labor contract (project base)

Summary:
WRI is committed to accelerate low-carbon development in China to achieve carbon peak before 2030 and carbon neutrality before 2060. We use a multi-pronged approach to work with a wide range of stakeholders, from governments, to businesses, academia, NGOs, financial institutions, and practitioners to explore win-win solutions for climate and economy.

Transition for key sectors and subnational regions, are playing important roles in realizing the above goals. Decarbonization of power, manufacturing, transport and building will contribute to the carbon emissions peak and carbon neutrality. Key development regions such as the Yangtze River Delta, Greater Bay Area, Jing-Jin-Ji, and Cheng-Yu are expected to lead the transitions and pioneer innovative technical and policy solutions. WRI China has been actively working in these sectors and regions to facilitate an orderly, rapid, and equitable transition towards carbon neutrality. We develop analytical models and undertake policy analyses to identify solutions for systematic transitions of key sectors, including energy, industry, transport, etc.

We are seeking a Research Associate to join the Sustainable Transition Center, who will contribute or lead research design and oversee project implementation, as well as disseminate policy recommendations through knowledge products and stakeholder engagement, helping to drive sustainable practices in climate change area.

You will work with our in-house and external specialists to conduct research and engage with policymakers, businesses, the civil society at the local, national, and international levels to advance transformative solutions for China. You will have opportunities to leverage WRI’s global network of expertise to deliver our works in China and share our experience with our global networks across the continents.

Responsibilities:
Research and strategy (50%) 

• Support the team lead in developing and updating climate mitigation and adaptation research and engagement plan, aligning WRI’s China Country Strategy.
• Track domestic and international policies in the field of climate mitigation and adaptation, focusing on key topics such as target setting, policy making and implementation, progress toward decarbonization, adaptation finance, etc.
• Author or co-author knowledge products, such as report, working paper, blogs, etc, and develop timely analysis for both internal and external audiences in the above-mentioned areas.
• Support climate related projects at sub-national level in Sichuan and other when needed.

Program management (30%)

• Monitor and manage project deliverables, working with team members to deliver according to work plans and milestones, track implementation and respond to donor requests.
• Provide support on project’s financial administration, review compliance with WRI reporting, budgeting and processes.

Engagement (20%)

• Foster collaborative relationships with key stakeholders at international, national and subnational levels.
• Work with WRI and external colleagues to organize meetings, workshops, and other dissemination activities
• Representing WRI at workshops, conferences and other events to promote our mission and objectives.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Master’s degree in economics, environmental science, energy and industry policy, public policy or related fields. 
• Minimum of eight years of experience in climate mitigation, energy, and low-carbon transition. 
• Professional expertise and experience in climate adaptation, just transition and economics analysis will be of significant value to this position. 
• Strong research, analytical, and writing skills, with a track record of published work preferred. 
• Ability to work effectively in a team, handle multiple priorities, and work independently. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multicultural environment with high professional integrity. 
• Flexibility to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Reporting: Climate Lead, Sustainable Transition Center 

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

Duration: Full-time

Location: Beijing, China Application

Deadline: ASAP till filled

How to Apply: Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered. The final candidate will be required to take a writing test.

WRI Overview

World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization with the mission to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

Founded in 1982, we’ve gathered nearly 1,800 staff located around the world. In addition to global initiatives and a coordinated regional presence in Africa and Europe, we prioritize work in 12 focus countries: China, Brazil, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and the United States.

WRI is a trusted partner for change. Using research-based approaches, we work globally and in focus countries to meet people’s essential needs; to protect and restore nature; and to stabilize the climate and build more resilient communities. We have been growing rapidly: over the past 5 years, our staff has doubled in size.

We are passionate. We cherish our diversity of interests, skills and backgrounds. We set integrity, innovation, urgency, independence and respect as our core values. We have a flexible working environment. And we work toward a common goal of creating a better world for people, nature and climate.

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 orientation, gender identity, parental status, protected veteran 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. You will be responsible for integrating equity into your work.

About WRI China

WRI China was established in 2008 as WRI’s first international office. Currently, we have more than 60 full-time employees working on Sustainable Transition, Sustainable Finance Investment, Food & Nature Resources, and more. We engage with businesses, policymakers and civil society at levels, from local and subnational, to national and international, to advance transformative and comprehensive solutions for sustainable development and “ecological civilization”. WRI China recently registered as a foreign NGO under the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE).

About WRI Sustainable Transition Center

As a mega economy, China's regional economies have their distinctive features. The disparities in local economy and industries underscore the importance of customizing region-specific strategies for sustainable and green transition, In 2023, WRl launched the Sustainable Transition Center in Beijing, focusing on four most representative regions in China: the Yangtze River Delta region (YRD), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), Sichuan-Chongqing region and Shandong Province, to explore customized solutions for green transition in different regions of China, Furthermore, the center also represents an important initiative by WRl to foster systematic, inter-disciplinary collaboration and seek holistic solutions across different projects.