Senior Researcher, Clean Energy

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Position Title: Senior Researcher, Clean Energy
Location: Washington DC
Country: United States
Deadline Date: 24 January 2025

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization founded in 198

• With a mission to address critical environmental challenges, WRI operates in over 60 countries and employs more than 1,800 staff members. The organization focuses on seven key areas: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. WRI collaborates with leaders from government, business, and civil society to drive impactful action and create sustainable solutions. The organization is committed to high-quality research and analysis to solve pressing global issues and improve human well-being. WRI values integrity, innovation, urgency, independence, and respect, and is dedicated to advancing gender and social equity in its mission and practices.

Job Overview:
The Senior Researcher, Clean Energy will play a pivotal role in WRI’s Energy Program, which aims to facilitate the transition to a clean and inclusive energy future. This position involves integrating equity into research and analysis, focusing on competitive procurement mechanisms and electricity markets, particularly in non-RTO Southeastern and Western U.S. regions. The researcher will be responsible for navigating regulatory dockets, analyzing primary sources, and producing high-quality knowledge products for diverse audiences, including power sector experts and decision-makers. The role requires a proactive approach to anticipating needs and delivering high-quality outputs with minimal guidance, emphasizing research, analysis, writing, and stakeholder engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Knowledge, Research and Analysis (50%): Conduct and manage research and analysis, write objective reports, articles, op-eds, and blogs, ensure high-quality citations to primary sources, coordinate peer review processes, and manage the placement of articles in external outlets.
• Project Management (30%): Develop work plans, manage projects to meet deliverables within timelines and budgets, guide junior researchers and interns, manage consultants and contractors, coordinate with partner organizations, engage with WRI staff and external networks, identify research gaps, define research questions, and contribute to fundraising efforts.
• Stakeholder Engagement, Outreach, and Partnerships (20%): Organize meetings and workshops, develop partnerships, present findings at relevant events, and integrate research with engagement activities to achieve project outcomes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in economics, energy, or a related field, with relevant work experience accepted in lieu of a degree. A minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience in research is required, along with a proven track record of published content in academic and industry outlets. Candidates should have experience working on public utility issues, the ability to connect with diverse stakeholders, and demonstrated skills in managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines. Excellent oral and written communication skills, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of public utility rates and regulatory processes are essential.

Educational Background:
A bachelor’s degree in economics, energy, or a related field is required. Relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of a degree, indicating that practical experience in the field can be considered equivalent to formal education.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience, particularly in research related to public utility issues. Experience with regulatory bodies such as FERC, DOE, and NARUC is highly desirable, as is familiarity with clean energy procurement processes. A strong background in producing high-quality publications and managing research projects is essential.

Languages:
Proficiency in verbal and written English is mandatory for this position. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as requirements.

Additional Notes:
This position is hybrid, requiring 8 days per month in the Washington DC office. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application, and WRI is unable to sponsor visa work authorization. The salary range for this position is between $96,000 and $116,000, commensurate with experience. WRI offers a competitive remuneration and benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plan access, and generous leave days that increase with tenure. Applications must include a resume and cover letter, and the deadline for submission is January 24, 2025.