Overview and Job 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.
Job Responsibilities
1. Research & Strategic leadership (35%)
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.
Conduct primary research and contribute to the development of knowledge products (e.g., reports, briefs, data products).
Review and edit reports, blogs, press releases, and other research outputs to ensure they meet organizational standards for quality and impact.
Regularly update and report on the progress of the Industry Transition Project within the organization and to external partners.
Contribute funding proposals and project progress reports.
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.
Identify, develop and implement projects that align with the above strategy to achieve large-scale and high-impact outcomes.
Build coalitions and convene successful partnerships to advance our climate change and energy work through policy research and engagement.
Foster a culture of collaboration and excellence within the team and across WRI China.
Promote close and effective collaborations with relevant programs and centers at other International Offices.
2. Engagement and Outreach (25%)
Foster strong collaborative relationships with key stakeholders in the energy sector in China and abroad.
Regularly engage with external stakeholders to ensure our work leads to on-the-ground change and broad-reaching outcomes.
Coordinate with different programs, centers, offices, and initiatives within the WRI network to create synergies.
Represent WRI at workshops, conferences, media interviews and events to promote our mission and objectives.
Write/review briefs, insight blogs and press releases to influence public and private sector agendas and communicate findings and recommendations with target audiences.
3. 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.
4. Program management (20%)
Manage the project team, including project management, staff management, and financial and administrative matters.
Oversee research and analysis related to our industry transition work.
Ensure high-quality and impactful publications by writing/reviewing knowledge products in line with WRI’s standards.
Contribute to WRI’s global energy strategy.
Perform other tasks as directed by the management team.
Qualifications and Requirements
Master’s degree in industrial engineering, environmental engineering, materials science, energy policy, or related fields; PhD preferred.
Minimum of eight years of experience in industrial transformation, policy research, or clean technology.
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.
How to Apply
About WRI China
WRI China was established in 2008 as WRI’s first international office. Currently, WRI China has more than 50 full-time staff members working on Climate, Energy, and Cities & Energy, Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Investment, and Food & Nature Resources. We engage with businesses, policymakers and civil society at the local, national and international levels to advance transformative 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.
WRI Overview
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 in order to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: Climate, Energy, and Cities change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean.
We are passionate. We value our diversity of interests, skills and backgrounds. We have a flexible work environment. And we share a common goal to catalyze change that will improve the lives of people. Our shared ideals are at the core of our approach. They include integrity, innovation, urgency, independence and respect.
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.
We have been growing rapidly: our staff has doubled in size over the past 5 years and our operating budget is now $150 million. Founded in 1982, WRI has a global staff of 1,000+ people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico and the United States as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.
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.
The World Resources Institute (http://www.wri.org) is an environmental and development research and policy organization that creates solutions to protect the Earth and improve people’s lives. 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.
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