Senior Associate, Science Based Targets initiative

Job Summary

In this role, you will have a unique opportunity to support one of WRI’s high impact initiatives to increase the ambition of the private sector to reduce GHG emissions. You will part of a team of highly motivated individuals working on science-based target setting for greenhouse gases. You will be a project manager and lead research, manage stakeholder processes, and author publications on a range of topics related to science-based and net zero target setting. You will be part of a Technical Working Group team that includes staff members from several external organizations.

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

Job Responsibilities

• Participate as a senior team member of the SBTi Technical Working Group
• Participate in the development of the TWG’s annual workplans and research agenda
• Manage development of sector specific guidance on Science-Based target setting
• Lead in authoring research papers related to Science-Based Target setting
• Manage advisory services project supporting companies to set and implement Science-Based targets
• Support in developing communications material related to the research such as case studies, blogs, etc.
• Represent the SBTi externally and at conferences, events, etc.

Job Qualifications

• Master’s in relevant field such as Environmental Sciences, Environmental or Energy Economics, Environmental Policy, Environmental or Chemical Engineering
• Minimum of 7 to 14 years of full-time work experience related to corporate greenhouse gas management
• Experience managing staff and projects
• Experience working in a loose management environment of 3+organizations ideal
• Strong analytical research skills -ability to communicate complex concepts clearly, both orally and in writing, with fluency in English
• US work authorization required for this position. WRI is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this opportunity 

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

Potential Salary: $96,000 – $130,000. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

Program Overview

Our Center for Sustainable Business works with companies because they can innovate and scale solutions to our toughest challenges. 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). The initiative mobilizes companies to set science-based target setting to create competitive advantage in the transition to the low-carbon economy.

The initiative:
• 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. Nearly 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 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.