Summary:
To advance low-carbon transformation in the industrial sector, our organization conducts research and policy analysis focused on industrial energy efficiency, clean technology adoption, and green supply chains. We work to identify and promote practical solutions that reduce carbon footprints and enhance sustainability in industry.
We are seeking a Research Associate to join the Energy Program of the Sustainable Transition Center. This role supports research, policy development, and stakeholder engagement, helping to drive sustainable practices in the industrial sector. The ideal candidate will conduct energy use analysis, assess emerging technologies, and contribute to policies that support low-carbon development, collaborating with government, industry, and NGOs.
Responsibilities:
Research & Strategic leadership (35%)
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Monitor domestic and international policies and trends related to low-carbon industrial transformation, and produce analyses in formats such as policy briefs, blog posts, and publications.
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Conduct primary research and contribute to the development of knowledge products (e.g., reports, briefs, data products).
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Review and edit reports, blogs, press releases, and other research outputs to ensure they meet organizational standards for quality and impact.
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Regularly update and report on the progress of the Industry Transition Project within the organization and to external partners.
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Contribute funding proposals and project progress reports.
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Develop a well-structured and compelling strategy for China’s contribution to the global industrial transition, grounded in strong research foundation, clear priorities, and coherent vision.
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Identify, develop and implement projects that align with the above strategy to achieve large-scale and high-impact outcomes.
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Build coalitions and convene successful partnerships to advance our climate change and energy work through policy research and engagement.
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Foster a culture of collaboration and excellence within the team and across WRI China.
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Promote close and effective collaborations with relevant programs and centers at other International Offices.
Engagement and Outreach (25%)
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Foster strong collaborative relationships with key stakeholders in the energy sector in China and abroad.
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Regularly engage with external stakeholders to ensure our work leads to on-the-ground change and broad-reaching outcomes.
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Coordinate with different programs, centers, offices, and initiatives within the WRI network to create synergies.
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Represent WRI at workshops, conferences, media interviews and events to promote our mission and objectives.
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Write/review briefs, insight blogs and press releases to influence public and private sector agendas and communicate findings and recommendations with target audiences.
Fundraising (20%)
- Lead the development and implementation of the fundraising strategy.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with existing and prospective donors.
- Identify fundraising opportunities and prepare compelling funding proposals for corporate donors, private foundations, government agencies, bilateral donors, and other potential funders.
Program management (20%)
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Manage the project team, including project management, staff management, and financial and administrative matters.
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Oversee research and analysis related to our industry transition work.
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Ensure high-quality and impactful publications by writing/reviewing knowledge products in line with WRI’s standards.
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Contribute to WRI’s global energy strategy.
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Perform other tasks as directed by the management team.
Qualifications and Requirements
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Master’s degree in industrial engineering, environmental engineering, materials science, energy policy, or related fields; PhD preferred.
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Minimum of eight years of experience in industrial transformation, policy research, or clean technology.
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Strong research, analytical, and writing skills, with a track record of published work preferred.
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Ability to work effectively in a team, handle multiple priorities, and work independently.
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Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multicultural environment with high professional integrity.
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Flexibility to travel domestically and internationally as required.
Reporting
Senior Research Associate & Energy 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, Preferred
Application Deadline: December 31, 2024
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.
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).
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 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.
