Research Assistant, Clean Energy

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days/month in the office. You can be based in our office in Washington DC. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position. To be eligible for this position in US, you must be a resident of DC, Maryland or Virginia at the start of employment.

About the Program:

WRI’s Energy Program speeds the transition to a low-carbon, inclusive energy future by helping to build clean energy markets and change institutions. The U.S. Energy team focuses on decarbonization of the power and transportation sectors, with a focus of working with local and state governments, large energy buyers, utilities and others. The team focuses on effective implementation of new federal funding and programs through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) to accelerate equitable deployment of clean energy.

Job Highlight:

Reporting to Senior Manager, City Clean Energy, you will integrate equity into your work. You will provide research and coordination support for WRI’s domestic energy projects, including technical assistance and education for local governments and other stakeholders through programs such as the U.S. DOE’s Clean Energy to Communities and SolSmart programs and the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities program. You will also support a new workstream on accelerating the development of clean firm power resources that are needed for power sector transformation.

What will you do:

Energy Research & Knowledge (50%):

• Provide research support related to clean energy technology deployment and state and local clean energy planning and implementation
• Provide research support for knowledge products (e.g. reports, briefs, data products) with senior guidance and adhering to WRI’s quality guidelines
• Conduct literature reviews and qualitative and/or quantitative analysis, with senior support
• Support development of high-quality and impactful tools and resources for cities and other audiences

Stakeholder Engagement (30%):

• Support the execution of cohorts, convenings, and trainings designed to achieve project objectives and address barriers to equitable clean energy deployment
• Coordinate recruitment, outreach, and participant management for webinars, cohorts, and stakeholder convenings
• Provide direct technical assistance to local governments on issues related to distributed and utility-scale solar, distributed wind, and other clean energy technologies
• Liaise with external partners and WRI colleagues across programs and countries

Communications & Administrative (20%):

• Track and update projects in internal workforce management platforms
• Organize and support logistics for internal and external meetings, webinars,
• roundtables, workshops, conferences, and other events
• Support development of communications products, for example, newsletters, webinar content and blogs
• Be an active member of US Energy team and coordinate with broader Energy and US teams

What will you need:

• Education: You have a completed a bachelor’s degree such as environmental studies, economics, policy, sustainability, or engineering. Relevant work experience in lieu of degree is accepted
• Experience: You have minimum 1 yr of relevant experience, including internships or understanding of clean energy technologies, state and local clean energy policy, electric vehicles, and/or utility and regulatory processes
• Excellent research, analytical, and computer skills
• Prior experience developing or using Excel-based or other analysis tools
• Strong oral and written communications skills
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently as well as part of a team
• Ability to present complex information in a clear, accurate, and concise manner
• Commitment to WRI’s mission
• Languages: Fluency in English is required
• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization

Potential Salary: US salary range is between 48,000 and 54,000 USD. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

How to Apply: Please submit a resume with a required cover letter by the date of 27 December 2024. We may close for applications sooner if we receive a high volume of qualified applications.

We are unable to consider your application without a cover in addition to your resume.

You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

What we offer:

• 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
• The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission driven organization with access to varied learning and training opportunities. 
• A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work
• The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI
• Commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours
• Generous leave days that increase with tenure
• Medical Coverage, Dental Coverage, Vision Coverage, retirement plan access and employer contribution

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.