Research Analyst, Science Based Targets Initiative

Job Summary

In this role, your main area of responsibility (~75% of time) includes conducting review of company targets against the Science Based Targets initiative’s eligibility criteria and deliver high quality assessment reports for SBTi’s target validation service. This review process includes detailed desktop review of companies’ target submission forms and relevant industry research, a query process where the companies responds to technical questions, presenting recommendations on targets on a weekly SBTi team meeting, and when relevant, meeting with companies to resolve questions about their submissions or provide detailed feedback and recommendations after target decisions are communicated.

This position is remote due to Covid-19, but you can be based at WRI’s office in Washington, DC or the WRI Mexico Office once restrictions have lifted.

This position can either be based in WRI Washington DC office or our WRI Mexico Office

Job Responsibilities:

• Help to write and update knowledge products related to science-based GHG target setting (e.g. guidance, reports, briefs, data products)
• 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 
• Support advisory service projects with companies on setting science-based targets
• Liaise with external partners and WRI colleagues across programs and countries
• Organize internal and external meetings, workshops, conferences and other outreach activities

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences, Environmental or Energy Economics, Environmental Policy, Environmental or Chemical Engineering or related area required. Master’s degree highly preferred
• Minimum of 2 years of full-time work experience with corporate greenhouse gas management, greenhouse gas accounting, or corporate sustainability preferred
• A successful candidate will demonstrate 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 lifting of Covid-related restrictions)
• US work authorization required if working from United states

How to Apply: Please submit a resume with cover letter. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered. 

Potential Salary: $53,000 – $68,000. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

Program Overview

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a high impact initiatives working to increase the ambition of the private sector to reduce GHG emissions. In this role, you will join a team of highly motivated individuals working on science-based target setting for greenhouse gases. WRI’s work on Science Based Targets is based in WRI’s Business Center. The work is performed primarily through our role in the Science based Targets initiative (SBTi). The SBTi is a collaboration of CDP, World Resources Institute (WRI), the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), and the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and one of the We Mean Business Coalition commitments. The initiative mobilizes companies to set science-based target setting as a way to create competitive advantage in the transition to the low-carbon economy. The initiative: • Showcases companies that set science-based targets through case studies, events and media to highlight the increased innovation, reduced regulatory uncertainty, strengthened investor confidence and improved profitability and competitiveness generated by science-based target setting • Defines and promotes best practice in science-based target setting with the support of a Technical Advisory Group and Scientific Advisory Group • Offers resources, workshops and guidance to reduce barriers to adoption • Independently assesses and approves companies’ targets • WRI also engages directly with companies to provide advisory services on setting science-based targets

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.