Clean Energy & Grid Research Analyst

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days/month in our Washington DC office. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position.

About the Program:

WRI’s Energy Program speeds the transition to a low-carbon, inclusive energy future by building 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 large energy buyers, utilities, and local and state governments. The team focuses on effective implementation of new federal funding and programs through IRA and BIL to accelerate equitable deployment of clean energy. Our team undertakes primary research on renewable energy and clean energy technologies to identify barriers to deployment, articulate successes, and identify policies or programs needed to accelerate adoption and achieve 100% clean energy in the power sector. This research covers barriers to clean energy development, the need to expand and improve the grid to enable the energy transition, how to expand equitable access to clean energy, pathways to expanding electrification, and how to encourage adoption of new technologies to enable the pathway to 100% clean energy. Increasingly, WRI is integrating equity and social justice concerns into all of its work supporting the clean energy transition to ensure it benefits all. We focus on removing market and institutional barriers to clean energy deployment through efforts to enable cities to have a stronger voice on wholesale power market and grid issues. We also lead initiatives to encourage both new transmission build as well as approaches to increase the capacity of the existing transmission system, such as through use of advanced technologies. Our work on grid-related issues includes developing knowledge products, hosting convenings, and educating and engaging with policymakers. The U.S. Energy Program’s work includes supporting cities with ambitious clean energy goals through programs such as the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Energy to Communities (C2C) and SolSmart prorgams, and the City Renewables Accelerator. C2C, for example, is a multi-million-dollar federal technical assistance program that provides participants – including local governments, tribes, electric utilities, and community-based organizations – with expertise and tools to support clean energy deployment. As part of C2C, WRI runs peer-learning groups and plays a significant role in the design, recruitment, selection, content development, workshop execution, and individual technical assistance efforts to make the project a success. Our team also helps cities develop renewables deployment strategies and advance purchasing approaches that are most relevant and impactful to their circumstances. WRI’s support includes organizing and supporting cohorts of cities working on clean energy, grid, and electrification issues, developing tools and guidance documents, organizing trainings, and supporting peer learning events to help cities secure renewable energy to decarbonize their electricity supply. Moving forward, WRI intends to continue our technical assistance to cities and states to support innovative efforts to navigate and utilize federal funding opportunities and grants for clean energy planning, program design and project development.

Job Highlight:

Reporting to the Senior Manager, you will support WRI’s U.S. Energy team, which focuses on accelerating an equitable transition to clean energy. You will provide research that supports the Energy Program in expanding deployment of clean energy, accelerating electrification, and decarbonizing the electricity sector in the United States. An important element of the transition is the evolution of the electric grid and power markets to enable the clean energy transition. In addition, given unprecedented new federal investments in climate and clean energy, we are focused on effective implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) to drive change.

You will provide broad research and writing support for briefs, blogs and other WRI reports and knowledge products. You will also research specific clean energy and grid solutions to support senior team members as they expand WRI’s work to create and scale innovative and equitable clean energy solutions. You will provide support to local, state, and federal decision-makers to help them navigate the energy transition and meet their clean energy goals. This will involve coordinating and facilitating stakeholder convenings, trainings, and cohort programming for local government staff and other audiences. You will also contribute to and develop the content, research, and tools that underpin these events. This role is a unique opportunity to deepen and evolve your understanding of how various stakeholders are driving clean energy adoption and contribute to analysis that has a meaningful impact on the decarbonization of the power sector.

What will you do:

Energy Research & Knowledge (50%):

• Provide up-to-date information on decarbonization solutions, the electricity sector, transmission and grid issues, and renewable energy markets as requested by the Energy team or other teams across WRI
• Provide research support related to federal funding opportunities for equitable clean energy deployment
• Provide research support related to state and local clean energy planning and program and project implementation
• Lead literature reviews and qualitative and/or quantitative analysis, with senior support
• Co-author knowledge products (e.g. reports, briefs, data products) with senior guidance and adhering to WRI’s quality guidelines
• Support or lead development of high-quality and impactful tools and resources for cities and other audiences
• Contribute to research for fundraising proposals
• Review knowledge products written by other WRI researchers

Stakeholder Engagement (40%):

• Lead and support the execution of cohorts, convenings, and trainings designed to achieve project objectives and address barriers to equitable clean energy deployment in U.S. cities
• Coordinate recruitment, outreach, and participant management for webinars, cohorts, and stakeholder convenings
• Support projects working with local governments and communities to engage in ISO/RTO stakeholder processes and at relevant federal regulators and departments
• 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 (10%):

• Lead or support development of communications products, for example, newsletters, webinar content and blogs
• Coordinate internal and external meetings, support hosting webinars and workshops, and other dissemination activities
• Track and update projects in an internal workforce management platform

What will you need:

• Education: You have completed a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as environmental studies, economics, policy, sustainability, or engineering; master’s degree or other advanced degree preferred
• Experience: You have minimum of 3 year of full-time relevant work experience
• Experience or understanding of state and local government planning and operations, energy, electricity policy, wholesale electricity markets and transmission issues, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and utility and regulatory processes
• Excellent research, analytical, and computer skills
• Demonstrated writing skills with prior experience writing briefs, research products, and journal-based articles
• Excellent data collection and management skills—e.g., through Microsoft Excel
• Prior experience developing or using Excel-based or other analysis tools preferred
• Preferred experience in financial and economic analysis and utility rates
• Strong oral communications skills
• Convening skills preferred
• Languages: Verbal and written English proficiency required.
• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization

Potential Salary: Salary range is between 69,000 and 73,000 USD. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors. WRI offers a competitive renumeration and benefits package.

How to Apply: Please submit a resume with cover letter by the date of 04 April 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:

• 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

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.