Research Analyst II, Sustainable Investing

Job Summary:

As a member of our Private Sector Finance team, you will help advance sustainable investment and financing practices through research and engagement that incentivizes and empowers investors and financial institutions to integrate sustainability considerations—especially climate change—into their strategies and decision-making. You will undertake research on assessing climate-related physical risks and their financial impact, measuring and improving the quality of sustainable investment products and promoting their adoption, and strengthening WRI’s approach to “greening” our own endowment.

You will also support research analyzing Net Zero commitments announced by the largest financial institutions. You should expect to interact with financial market participants, government officials, financial analysts, and other stakeholders. We require active collaboration with others in the Finance Center, as well as with other parts of WRI and external partners.

This position is remote due to Covid-19, but you will be based at WRI’s office in Washington, DC once restrictions have been lifted.

Job Responsibilities:

Research (75% of time)

• Undertaking primary qualitative and quantitative research and co-authoring knowledge products (e.g. reports, briefs, data products)
• Contributing to funding proposals
• Presenting at internal and external meetings
• Conducting interviews, conducting outreach, and engaging external stakeholders
• Co-authoring blog posts and other pieces
• Reviewing knowledge products written by other WRI researchers

Administrative (25% of time)

• Organizing internal and external meetings, workshops, conferences and other dissemination activities
• Liaising with external partners and WRI colleagues across programs and countries

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas or similar is required: business/finance (international, environmental, development or sustainable focus preferred), economics, public policy, international affairs/studies/relations, international/sustainable development
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant full-time work experience
• Knowledge of mainstream investment practices, concepts, and institutions
• Excellent qualitative and quantitative research and writing skills
• Prior experience writing research products Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office (particularly Excel) and internet research
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with teams of individuals and colleagues
• Ability to deliver high-quality work while under pressure
• Demonstrated involvement in sustainability or development issues in a professional or extracurricular capacity
• Flexibility to travel nationally and internationally
• US work authorization is required for this position

Preferred

• Professional experience in the financial sector, preferably at an investment bank, asset management firm, or similar
• Prior experience that required engagement with, or knowledge of, financial institutions such as investment or commercial banks, asset owners, asset managers, insurance companies, etc.
• Prior experience with PRI reporting
• Familiarity with sustainable investment practices and key terms and initiatives Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as R or Python Master’s degree

Potential Salary:

$53,000 – $68,000 if based in United States. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume with cover letter. Resume and cover letter must be submitted in English to be considered. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered. 

Program Overview:
WRI’s Sustainable Finance Center aims to shift public and private sector finance toward sustainable activities that support a low carbon, climate-resilient, just transition—and away from those that harm people and the environment. We do this by producing evidence-based, actionable research and data tools and by convening coalitions of key stakeholders that can drive action on the ground and in financial markets. The Center’s Sustainable Investing Initiative works to facilitate the shift of private sector capital toward sustainable activities that align with the goals of the Paris Agreement, promoting a fast, resilient, and just transition to net zero global emissions. The Initiative engages institutional investors and other market participants to inform, develop, and promote widespread adoption of sustainable investment strategies in the mainstream investor marketplace. We leverage WRI’s own endowment investment experiences, provide tailored environmental data and cutting-edge research, and promote peer-to-peer learning through our convening power to encourage this transition. As we look ahead, the Center is also seeking to expand its work focused on the banking sector, building on existing partnerships between WRI and several private sector banks, as well as past research.

WRI Overview:

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 in order to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean.

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 $150 million. Founded in 1982, WRI has a global staff of 1,000+ people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, and the United States, as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.  

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.