Senior Manager, Clean Energy

Job Summary

In this role, you will lead our Scaling-up Solar Project. Scaling solar energy investment is a central part of the renewable energy pathway needed to build fair, resilient and climate safe economies. Beyond providing affordable, first-time energy access to millions of people in developing Asia and Africa, solar energy can help drive rapid and reliable electrification of industry and transport, and of heating and cooling in buildings.

You will help mobilize investment for a massive deployment of solar energy technologies to accelerate a transition to a low carbon, clean energy future, facilitate universal energy access and improve energy security by 2030. You will provide leadership for a collaborative international partnership working with the International Solar Alliance (ISA), World Bank/ESMAP and Bloomberg New Energy Finance(BNEF); you will also work with a range of other stakeholders, from national energy decisionmakers in developing and developed economies to senior experts in international finance institutions. Specifically, you will provide overall project management, help to build and manage these partnerships, and provide technical research oversight and inputs to create a roadmap for the Scaling-up Solar Project. You will manage a team of contractors, junior staff, and partner organizations to achieve these goals.

Ideally you will have experience working in the international energy arena and ideally with national energy issues and stakeholders in Africa, Asia and/or Small Island Developing States. You will have deep knowledge of renewable energy (particularly solar energy) technologies and systems, energy policy and/or energy finance challenges and opportunities.

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

Project Management and Partner Coordination (40%) 

• Monitor and manage project deliverables, set and clarify priorities, and ensure high-quality deliverables
• Manage contractors, junior staff, and serve as the lead liaison with partner organizations
• Ensure that technical inputs from partner organizations are completed on time and meet agreed upon quality standards. Where applicable, you will ensure that some project-related knowledge products follow WRI research guidelines
• Promote knowledge sharing between project partners and amongst ISA member countries

Knowledge and Research (30%)

• Conduct research and analyses related to solar energy trends, policy and finance
• Develop project-related knowledge products (reports, working papers, etc.) that follow WRI research guidelines

Other Program Outreach and Support (30%)

• Contribute to fundraising efforts and develop content for proposals and concept notes, including deliverables, timelines, and budgets
• Attend various external functions and events, as relevant, to serve as a representative of WRI’s Energy Program
• Organize internal and external meetings, workshops, conferences, and other dissemination activities related to the Scaling-up Solar project

Job Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in sustainable energy, public policy, or a related field (or a Bachelor’s degree with two years of additional relevant work experience)
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant, full-time work experience
• Demonstrated ability to lead and engage with diverse stakeholders on renewable energy system questions or related complex technical topics
• Demonstrated experience managing projects and directing the work of contractors
• Demonstrated ability to work well in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, manage multiple priorities, and work under tight deadlines
• Collaborative problem solver who can take initiative and set priorities
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner
• Detail-oriented, organized, and independent thinker 

Desired Qualifications

• Renewable energy experience in Africa, Asia and/or Small-Island Developing States
• Deep knowledge of solar energy technologies/systems and financing instruments
• Experience working with international organizations

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

WRI’s Global Energy Program speeds the transition to a low-carbon, inclusive energy future by helping to build clean energy markets and address the structural and institutional changes needed.

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.