Sustainable Investing Associate

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days per month in the office. You will 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, you must be a resident of DC, Maryland or Virginia at the start of employment.

This is a 12-month limited term position with potential to extend based on funding and performance.

About the Program:

The world needs to cut its emissions in half by 2030, reach net-zero by mid-century and adapt to prevent the worst effects of climate change. This will require a transformation in the economic, financial and governance systems at global and country levels, to simultaneously achieve the world’s people, nature and climate goals. To address this important challenge, WRI’s Global Climate, Economics and Finance (CEF) Program undertakes research and analysis; develop tools and standards; communicate and engage; and build coalition and capacity to accelerate climate ambition, country transitions and the required shifts in economic and financial systems and incentives. We work with national governments, policymakers, businesses, civil society, local governments, and other non-state actors as they pursue their own emissions-reduction and adaptation goals. We work at the global level and in partnership with WRI’s twelve focus countries and regions and WRI’s ‘human system transition’ teams (focused on energy, cities and food/land/water) to deliver this transformation.

Job Highlight:

WRI seeks a senior project manager on China’s green transition to support our strategy areas focused on encouraging China to be a sustainable finance champion and promoting global collaboration on financing renewable energy and sustainable development.

Reporting to the Director, China Finance, you will lead and contribute to the development of innovative research and partnership that helps accelerate China and global financing to renewable energy and sustainable development in countries and regions with the most urgent demand. This work will involve data collection and analysis; research design; partnership building; verbal and written communication of research findings; technical inputs; and supervision of team members. You will also have extensive collaboration with others in the Sustainable Finance Centre, experts within other parts of WRI, and external partners.

What will you do:

Research & Knowledge (30%):

• Implement methods that lead to robust and unbiased knowledge products and guide the development of research design, analytical methodologies, and quantitative and qualitative analysis
• Conduct research aimed at better informing investors, particular from emerging economies and developing countries, about south-south collaboration opportunities
• Lead the research on greening China’s overseas finance and the global exchange to accelerate actions
• Author or co-author knowledge products (e.g., reports, issue briefs, working papers, and technical notes) and coordinate the publication process
• Mentor and supervise junior researchers/consultants
• Review 3-5 knowledge products written by other WRI researchers yearly
• Prepare presentations and share research findings with investors, policymakers, and other decision makers

Engagement and Communication (30%):

• Synthesize data, reports, and expert opinions to provide compelling evidence-based insights
• Identify opportunities for collaboration between disparate groups, departments, or organizations
• Translate complex findings into accessible and actionable recommendations for decision-makers
• Develop and nurture relationships with key stakeholders to facilitate ongoing collaboration and partnership

Project Management (20%):

• In collaboration with senior level staff, manage outcomes and partnerships associated with project deliverables
• Monitor and manage project deliverables, setting and clarifying priorities for global team members and external partners
• Design and execute partnership plans, including with international organizations, investors in China and recipient countries
• Monitor and manage project budget performance as relevant, scoping progress according to planned milestones, expenses and revenue, and internal and donor reporting

Fundraising/Grant Management (20%):

• Manage regular reporting to key funder contacts to keep them up to date on grant progress
• Complete institutional and donor reporting (e.g. narrative) for concluded projects, including project outcomes
• Contribute to research proposals between a five to seven figure fundraising goal
• Identify and develop funding partner relationships through external outreach and due diligence
• Monitor and comply with sub agreement guidelines
• Contribute to and deliver donor presentations and proposals

What will you need:

• Education: You have completed a master’s degree in finance, economics, communications, developmental studies or other related fields
• Experience: You have a minimum of 10 years of relevant, full-time work experience in relevant field, with program implementation and project management experience
• Track record of working collaboratively on teams and providing support to team-members and prior supervision and mentorship of one or more junior staff
• Exceptionally good communication and interpersonal skills
• Detail-oriented and organized thinker who can juggle multiple, competing priorities
• Ability to travel when needed
• Excellent writing and research skills in both English and Mandarin
• Deep expertise of China’s overseas investments, including data, major financial institutions, and relevant regulators
• Demonstrated financial literacy understanding of the financial system and financial-services industry, including sustainable investing
• Ability to take initiative and lead work involving many parties, including international colleagues and partners
• Comfortable communicating with different audiences, including investors and partners, policymakers, colleagues from WRI China and other International Offices, and WRI’s experts in other programs and centres
• Languages: Verbal and written English & Mandarin proficiency 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 116,000 and 139,000 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 23 July 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
• Medical Coverage, Dental Coverage, Vision Coverage, retirement plan access and employer contribution, Paid Time Off

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.