This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days per month in our Office, this position can be based in either one of our locations: Mexico, Brazil or Colombia. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position. This is a fixed-term, 12 months long role, with possibility to extend subject to additional funding.
About the Program:
Through its network of global and local experts, the WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities supports city-, regional- and national-level change for people and the planet, focusing on integrated solutions to new and long-standing urban challenges. The Ross Center’s Built Environment Program is committed to accelerating decarbonization and resilience of buildings, places, and connecting infrastructure. We are looking for a Manger in decarbonization of built environment to support the implementation of the Subnational Climate Action Leaders’ Exchange (SCALE) Buildings policy accelerator. The SCALE multipartner, global initiative accelerates climate action in cities through integrated planning and implementation and by fostering multi-level dialogue and coalition building. As part of the initiative, the SCALE Sustainable Buildings Accelerator aspires to partner with national and subnational jurisdictions over the next year to accelerate actions contributing to the Buildings Breakthrough initiative and global targets to rapidly reduce worldwide operational and embodied carbon emissions from buildings in the next decade. The SCALE accelerator aims to mobilize resources to jurisdictions that have taken on ambitious commitments and initiatives to decrease carbon emissions from the buildings sector. In so doing, the initiative will (a) support jurisdictions’ local priorities with respect to sustainable development of the built environment and (b) substantially accelerate global progress on the buildings sector mitigation action, which is critical for keeping a safe climate future within reach. The accelerator will work with 10 national and subnational governments to help their staff plan and execute policies and projects in the buildings sector and track progress against agreed goals. Activities include building energy efficiency, whole lifecycle of carbon assessment mainstreaming, innovative finance and stakeholder engagement. This is a fixed-term, 12 months long role, with possibility to extend subject to additional funding.
Job Highlight:
Working with SCALE implementing partners and reporting to WRI’s Global Lead for Built Environment, you will drive the engagement, research, development and implementation of a strategy for providing support on accelerated buildings’ decarbonization pathways to subnational and national jurisdictions globally, predominantly in the Global South. We are looking for a passionate individual and a subject matter expert to facilitate partnership coordination and knowledge exchange, provide day-to-day management of activities and contribute to the development of high-quality knowledge products. You will be supported by a 4 – 6 people multidisciplinary team at WRI and you will work in collaboration with teams across WRI programs and the wider SCALE initiative.
What you will do:
Technical and research activities (50%):
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Develop a strategy on multi-level governance for buildings sector decarbonization
- Conduct analysis on the barriers and enabling conditions for buildings sector climate mitigation action in selected jurisdictions in Africa, Europe, Latin America, Asia and North America and communicate internally and externally on project activities and results
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Conduct research on policy instruments to integrate buildings decarbonization efforts in strategic subnational and national processes (including but not limited to building codes, standards and regulations, NDCs and others)
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Provide technical assistance for policy design and implementation of priority actions, integrated delivery of decarbonization roadmaps and/or innovative financing instruments
Coalition building and stakeholder engagement (50%):
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Map, directly engage and provide tailored support to government and non-government stakeholders for multi-level buildings decarbonization action in priority regions
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Develop policy recommendations and main messages for capacity building in the sector at subnational, national and global level
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Develop case studies to support and inform policy dialogues with non-governmental stakeholders on data, technical assistance, climate finance, and other support levers towards achieving local and global buildings decarbonization goals.
What you will need:
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Education: Graduate degree or equivalent professional experience in built environment, urban and regional planning, urban economics, environmental studies or other related fields
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Experience: You have 7+ years of progressive experience working with climate research within NGOs, private sector, research centers or international organizations:
- Expert knowledge of technical and policy aspects of buildings sector decarbonization
- Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills, with demonstrated ability in managing teams, and collaborating with project partners (e.g. city officials and NGOs)
- Effective project management approach, including managing project teams and multiple parallel tasks Experience working across different cultures, languages and time zones
- Experience working directly and coordinating engagements with subnational or national governments
- Experience in developing qualitative and quantitative research on built environment, climate change, urban development, or related fields
- Experience producing and writing policy guidance documents, research reports with recommendations on climate, urban planning, public policy or related fields.
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Languages: You have verbal and written proficiency in English and Spanish. Portuguese is desirable but not required
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Requirements: Existing work authorization in your selected location is required. WRI is unable to provide visa work authorization
Potential Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors. Salary will be based on country salary scale.
How to Apply: Please submit a resume with a required cover letter by the date of September 24, 2024. We are unable to consider your application without a cover letter.
You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.
What we offer:
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Access to the WRI global network with the opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the US
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The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission driven organization with access to varied learning and training opportunities.
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A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work
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The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI
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Commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours
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Generous leave days that increase with tenure
- Medical Coverage, Dental Coverage, Vision Coverage, retirement plan access and employer contribution, Paid Time Off
About Us:
Founded in 1982, 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. WRI has a global staff of over 1,800 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.
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.
Our mission and values:
WRI’s mission is 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.
Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence and Respect.
Our culture:
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. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment; we embrace all diversity and encourage women, the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, Afro-descendants, and Indigenous people to apply. Recognizing our strong commitment to gender equality, WRI has also been awarded EDGE certification.
Our team in Human Resources carefully reviews all applications.
