Research Associate, Industry Transition Project

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization with the mission 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.

Founded in 1982, we’ve gathered nearly 1,800 staff located around the world. In addition to global initiatives and a coordinated regional presence in Africa and Europe, we prioritize work in 12 focus countries: China, Brazil, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and the United States.

WRI is a trusted partner for change. Using research-based approaches, we work globally and in focus countries to meet people’s essential needs; to protect and restore nature; and to stabilize the climate and build more resilient communities. We have been growing rapidly: over the past 5 years, our staff has doubled in size.

We are passionate. We cherish our diversity of interests, skills and backgrounds. We set integrity, innovation, urgency, independence and respect as our core values. We have a flexible working environment. And we work toward a common goal of creating a better world for people, nature and climate.

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.You will be responsible for integrating equity into your work.