Research Analyst, Science Based Targets Initiative

Job Summary:

In the U.S. office, this position is remote due to Covid-19 and can remain remote once restrictions are lifted. This position can also be based in either our offices in Washington, DC, US, Europe, or Mexico.

Reporting to the Director of Private Sector Climate Mitigation and working closely with colleagues at the SBTi, you will join a team of highly motivated individuals working with companies to set science-based targets on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. You will help to write and update knowledge products related to science-based GHG target setting for financial institutions (e.g. guidance, reports, briefs, data products). You will learn from one of our high impact initiatives to increase the ambition of the private sector to reduce GHG emissions. In this role, you will conduct technical reviews of financial institutions’ submissions and support relevant research projects and products. You will be based in WRI’s Business Center.

Job Responsibilities:

Research & Knowledge (80% of time required)

• Conduct review of financial institutions’ targets against the Science Based Targets initiative’s eligibility criteria and deliver high quality assessment reports for SBTi’s target validation service (~75% in the first year)
• Contribute to research on sector-specific approaches to setting science-based targets
• Present at internal/external meetings
• Co-authoring blog posts and other communication documents

Administrative (20% of time required)

• Liaise with external partners and WRI colleagues across programs and countries
• Organize internal and external meetings, workshops, conferences and other outreach activities.

Job Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Environmental Sciences, Environmental or Energy Economics, Environmental Policy, Environmental or Chemical Engineering or related area (or Bachelor’s degree with two additional years of experience)
• Minimum 3 years of full-time work experience with corporate greenhouse gas management, greenhouse gas accounting, or corporate sustainability
• Excellent qualitative and/or quantitative research and writing skills
• Prior experience in analyzing and writing research products
• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office and internet research
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with teams of individuals and colleagues
• Flexibility to travel (pending COVID-19 restrictions)

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. 

Potential Salary:

$60,000 – $77,500 if based in United States. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

Program Overview:

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a global body enabling businesses to set ambitious emissions reductions targets in line with the latest climate science. It is focused on accelerating companies across the world to halve emissions before 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions before 2050. Science-based targets show companies how much and how quickly they need to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to prevent the worst effects of climate change. The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi): -Defines and promotes best practice in emissions reductions and net-zero targets in line with climate science. -Provides technical assistance and expert resources to companies who set science-based targets in line with the latest climate science. -Brings together a team of experts to provide companies with independent assessment and validation of targets. The SBTi is the lead partner of the Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign – an urgent call to action from a global coalition of UN agencies, business and industry leaders, mobilizing companies to set net-zero science-based targets in line with a 1.5°C future. The change has already begun, and action is gaining pace. More than one thousand companies worldwide are leading the transition to a net-zero economy by setting emissions reduction targets grounded in climate science through the SBTi.

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.