About WRI

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 six critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade in order to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water and sustainable cities.

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 $100 million. Founded in 1982, WRI has a global staff of nearly 700 people with work spanning 50 countries. We have offices in Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico and the United States. 

Overview 

WRI’s Climate and Energy Program seeks a Research Assistant for its US-China High-Level Dialogue on Energy and Climate Change. The Research Assistant will work with the project lead to produce high quality policy memos and research papers. The goal of the Dialogue is to foster constructive bilateral dialogue on the multilateral process with other significant actors in the United States and continue substantive areas of cooperation with other partners where possible.

The Research Assistant will work with the project lead, Dialogue partners and other WRI staff to assist with research and policy papers. The successful Research Assistant will be a motivated self-starter who has studied China and environmental issues or has knowledge of these areas that s/he seeks to pursue further; has interest regarding Washington policy making; has strong writing and organizational skills; is capable of working independently; and has good interpersonal skills. S/he will work collaboratively with other WRI and external staff as circumstances require.

We are committed to ensuring gender equity across our program portfolios. As such, the Research Assistant is expected to incorporate attention to gender where appropriate.

Responsibilities

The Research Assistant’s main areas of responsibility will include the following:

Research & Knowledge (80% of time required)

• Produce high quality briefing papers to support both our US and Chinese delegations and experts. 
• Prepare and maintain up to date analysis and other information for decision makers and opinion leaders 
  • Prepare summaries of expert analysis 
  • Collect data and analysis from institutions in the US, China and around the world 
  • Catalog media stories, data, and congressional questions to swiftly identify and respond to key concerns and issues as they arise in public debates and in Congressional offices on China’s energy and climate actions. 
  • Prepare and disseminate outreach materials and messages 

Administrative (20% of time required)

• Assisting in organizing internal and external meetings, workshops, conferences and other dissemination activities.
• Assisting in liaising with external partners and WRI colleagues across programs and countries 
• Facilitate discussions and activities regarding US-China competition and cooperation on climate and energy 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations or similar required.
• Minimum 1 year of relevant work experience is required, internships may be counted towards this requirement
• A successful candidate will demonstrate excellent qualitative and/or quantitative research and writing skills
• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office and internet research
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with teams of individuals and colleagues
• Knowledge of climate and energy issues 
• Interest in China’s climate and energy policies and in US-China cooperation, as well as the work of US based China experts working in the field 
• Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams and to assert initiative
• Familiarity with Chinese language and culture a plus 

Finalists will need to submit 2 writing samples.

This is a limited 3 month termed position. 

Relocation is not available for this position. 

How to Apply

Qualified applicants must apply online at careers.wri.org to be considered.

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.