Research and Coordination Support for US Energy Projects

Job Posting Organization:
The World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent research organization established to improve people's lives, protect and restore nature, and stabilize the climate. With over 2,000 staff members, WRI operates in more than a dozen focus countries and collaborates with partners in over 50 nations. The organization leverages data, expertise, and global reach to influence policy and catalyze change across various systems, including energy, food, land, water, and cities. WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity, ensuring that its mission includes equal opportunities in employment and a diverse workplace.

Job Overview:
This position is part of WRI’s Polsky Center for the Global Energy Transition, which aims to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon, inclusive energy future. The U.S. Energy team focuses on decarbonizing the power sector by collaborating with local and state governments, large energy buyers, utilities, regulators, NGOs, and other stakeholders. The role involves providing research and coordination support for domestic energy projects, particularly in removing barriers to decarbonization, managing load growth, enabling power market reforms, and addressing critical minerals and circularity. The successful candidate will engage in research, writing, and stakeholder coordination, contributing to the development of knowledge products and facilitating events that promote clean energy adoption.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of this position include:

• Energy Research & Knowledge (50%): Conducting research to support the acceleration of clean energy demand and the removal of barriers to its adoption. This includes advancing new technologies, market reforms, grid upgrades, and addressing issues related to critical minerals and circularity. The candidate will also support the development of knowledge products such as reports and briefs, conduct literature reviews, and perform qualitative and quantitative analyses.
• Stakeholder Engagement (30%): Coordinating and supporting engagement with external stakeholders through webinars, roundtables, and training sessions aimed at achieving project objectives. This involves managing participant recruitment and outreach, as well as liaising with external partners and WRI colleagues.
• Communications & Administrative (20%): Assisting in the development of communication products, organizing logistics for meetings and events, and tracking project updates in internal management platforms. The candidate will also be an active member of the US Energy team, collaborating with broader teams within WRI.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a completed bachelor’s degree in a related field such as environmental studies, economics, policy, sustainability, or engineering. Relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of a degree. Additionally, candidates should have at least 2 years of work experience or a strong understanding of clean energy technologies, utility and regulatory processes, and transmission issues. Excellent research, analytical, and computer skills are essential, along with strong oral and written communication abilities. The ability to work independently and as part of a team, as well as the capacity to present complex information clearly and concisely, is also required. A commitment to WRI’s mission is crucial.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a completed bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as environmental studies, economics, policy, sustainability, or engineering. Candidates with relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of formal educational qualifications, emphasizing the importance of practical knowledge in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of work experience or a solid understanding of clean energy technologies, utility and regulatory processes, and issues related to transmission and critical minerals. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in research and analysis, particularly in the context of clean energy deployment and market dynamics.

Languages:
Proficiency in English, both verbal and written, is mandatory for this position. While other languages are desirable, they are not required. The ability to communicate effectively in English is essential for engaging with stakeholders and producing high-quality research and communication products.

Additional Notes:
This is a hybrid position requiring 8 days per month in the office located in Washington DC. Candidates must have existing work authorization at the time of application, as WRI is unable to sponsor visa work authorization. To be eligible for this position, applicants must be residents of DC, Maryland, or Virginia at the start of employment. The potential salary range for this position is between $57,000 and $64,000 USD, commensurate with experience and other compensable factors. Applications must include a resume and a cover letter, and the deadline for submission is August 5, 202

• WRI may close applications earlier if a high volume of qualified applications is received.