Economics 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 WRIs 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 WRIs 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 projects 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

• Masters 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 Earths environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

Founded in 1982 weve gathered nearly 1800 staff located around the 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 peoples 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 WRIs 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. WRIs 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 WRIs 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 WRIs 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 Chinas 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.