Senior Associate, U.S. Climate and Energy Policy Job in Washington, District Of Columbia Us
WRI's Climate and Energy Program (CEP) seeks a Senior Associate to work on a wide range of U.S. climate and energy policy issues, with a focus on project leadership and management, policy research and analysis, and external engagement and fundraising. The Associate will work with a team dedicated to finding ways to both mitigate climate change and help the most vulnerable adapt to it. The successful candidate will have an in-depth understanding of climate and energy issues from an economics and policy perspective, and will have the capacity to engage with, inform, and influence key decision-makers and stakeholders on a number of relevant policy issues.
The Senior Associate will report to the Director of CEP's U.S. Climate Initiative.
Responsibilities
U.S. climate policy design and analysis. As part of WRI's U.S. Climate team, the Associate will manage a portion of WRI's activities in U.S. climate policy design and analysis. The Associate will play a key role in defining policy options to help the U.S. significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and for conducting environmental and economic analyses of climate and energy policy proposals. The Associate will work with members of the U.S. Climate team and other WRI staff to coordinate across projects aimed at meeting WRI's climate objectives.
Outreach and communications. The Associate will play a lead role in communicating with congressional and administration staff on WRI's analysis and recommendations relating to U.S. climate and energy policy. The Associate will also be expected to give presentations at relevant conferences, workshops, and other events. In addition, s/he will be responsible for organizing events (within WRI and at outside conferences) that deliver our findings and messages to target audiences. The Associate will also conduct media interviews and liaise with Board members, the private sector, and others in the environmental community.
Project management. The Associate will oversee and/or assist with project management, regularly manage and review project financials, provide conceptual leadership, solve problems independently, provide internal review of analytical work of other project members and manage other staff working on the same project. Effective collaboration with domestic partners and with other WRI programs is also an important aspect of this position.
Research guidance and support. A key role of the Associate will be providing substantive inputs into projects and reports and reviewing team members' work. Also essential will be providing strategic direction to a wide variety of staff, including research guidance and ensuring consistency with overall project and program goals.
Fundraising and donor stewardship . Over time, the Associate will be expected to build and maintain relationships with donors and prospective donors. Responsibilities will include drafting funding proposals for private foundations and U.S. government agencies, as well as managing grants and reporting to funders.
Qualifications
- Minimum work experience of 5 to 7 years, including advanced knowledge of U.S. climate and energy policy and both public- and private-sector GHG emissions reduction strategies. Experience in energy modeling, economic analysis of climate policy, or knowledge of U.S. tax policy desired.
- Advanced degree in economics, environmental policy, engineering, or public policy desired; degree in law, political science, public administration, business administration, natural sciences, or related field will be considered.
- Superb analytical and strategic thinking skills; a track record of creating and executing large, multi-year strategies preferred.
- Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills, including the ability to undertake statistical analysis and understand climate and/or economic modeling.
- Strong organizational and leadership skills, with demonstrated ability to work effectively within and across teams.
- Established network of senior-level government, NGO, and private-sector contacts and partners in the U.S. climate and energy field.
- Outstanding ability to communicate clearly, passionately, and confidently – both orally and in writing – to influence a wide range of audiences including senior policymakers, corporate leaders, and NGOs.
- Experience with briefing journalists and speaking to the media.
- History of securing funding from donors, including experience with conceptualizing and writing successful funding proposals.
- Willingness to travel as needed.
Salary and benefits
Salary commensurate with experience, excellent benefits.
Short-listed candidates will be called for interviews.
The World Resources Institute is 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.