Research Analyst, International Climate Action

This position will be hybrid requiring a few days per week in office. You will be based in our WRI Africa Regional Office in Addis Ababa. 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 has long been respected for its technical expertise and stakeholder engagement on climate action, including supporting implementation and enhanced ambition in a wide range of countries and contributing to successful international progress through the UNFCCC, the Paris Agreement process, and other fora. This work includes assessment of options and opportunities for enhancing NDCs, including by leveraging action in key sectors and convening across many types of stakeholders and actors, including business, cities, and states.

Job Highlight:

Reporting to the WRI Africa Climate lead, you will play a key role in supporting WRI’s activities in research, outreach, and coordination regarding multilateral climate policy and diplomacy, including the UN Climate Change processes and conferences, such as COP29 and COP30. You will support WRI’s International Climate Action team and WRI Africa office to inform WRI’s engagements within international climate policy processes. You will engage extensively with networks of civil society and non-governmental organizations, particularly the International Climate Politics Hub (ICPH), to develop and share information, policy developments, and strategies in order to push for equitable and impactful outcomes from international policy processes. As needed, you will contribute to relevant research efforts, analysis, and strategy developments.

What will you do:

Outreach & Strategy (60%):

• Build, cultivate, and maintain relationships with national, regional, and global partners, including those from non-governmental organizations and government ministries
• Develop strategic plans, working with WRI colleagues and external partners, for advancing climate diplomacy and policy efforts that reflects African interests
• Support the development and implementation of outreach strategies to support WRI and partner network’s international climate diplomacy and policy engagements
• Track climate negotiation processes and positions of relevant stakeholders to inform strategies, including both internal WRI strategies and collaborative partner strategies
• Co-lead the ICPH Africa working group and collaboratively design and finalize the ICPH Africa WG strategic plan
• Provide in-depth analysis specific to the Africa region for ICPH, effectively organize and lead WG calls, deliver at least monthly updates or briefings to the WG
• Together with the ICPH Africa working group, produce and manage significant documents or communications, such as briefings or calls to action
• Prepare a detailed mapping of climate influencers in Africa and create and distribute a detailed calendar of key African climate, development, and political events for 2024-2025
• Organize internal & external meetings and workshops, including agenda design, logistical arrangements, and high-level support (this will include an annual retreat for ICPH partners to undertake strategic review, team building, and forward planning to drive meaningful climate action in the Africa region)

Administrative and Coordination (25%):

• Ensure clear and consistent communication around relevant strategies, outreach, and key messages
• Track outreach efforts and distribute notes and materials to relevant WRI team members
• Assist in project management work as needed

Research and Analysis (15%):

• With support from WRI researchers, conduct research and analysis on issues relevant to international climate negotiations
• Serve as a reviewer for relevant knowledge products, communication materials, and strategies across WRI
• Provide up-to-date knowledge and analysis to inform strategy development within WRI and with partners
• Develop briefings and outreach materials based on WRI research to inform COP-related meetings, media engagements, and events.

What will you need:

• Education: You have completed a bachelor’s degree in related field
• Experience: You have a 3+ years of full-time, relevant
• Experience maintaining relationships with diverse networks of people across geographies, languages, and cultures
• Knowledge of the UNFCCC negotiating process and NDC mechanism. Familiarity with specific national and international climate change policies appreciated
• Demonstrated experience producing qualitative or quantitative research
• Proven ability to lead on the coordination and delivery of major events, influence strategies, and international programs
• Experience external correspondence with partners, funders, and commissioners
• International experience or prior work in a global organization preferred
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Languages: You will be proficient in written and spoken English along with a local language
• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization.

Potential Salary:

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 6 June 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:

• A competitive salary
• 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.