WRI’s Climate and Energy Program seeks an economist to join its international climate policy initiative.  The candidate will join WRI’s international climate team, working with governments, corporations, and nongovernmental organizations around the world to find solutions to limit greenhouse gas emissions and improve adaptive capacity in both developed and developing countries.

Specifically, the candidate will work on industry approaches to climate mitigation and on designing policy solutions that are compatible with and/or influence emerging obligations under international trade and international climate regimes.

 In the first year, the candidate will also contribute significantly to WRI’s efforts to move the domestic climate policy debate and to help develop policies that will significantly reduce US greenhouse gas emissions.

Responsibilities

  The candidate will be responsible for:

• Leading analytical work, including research and writing reports and policy proposals aimed primarily at international audiences, but also engaging domestic audiences as appropriate;
• Outlining strategy and project direction;
• Identifying key actors and fora for influence and conducting strategic outreach;
• Engaging with project partners in U.S., including the Peterson Institute for International Economics, as well as organizations around the world;
• Identifying and pursuing fundraising opportunities.

During the first several months, the candidate will lead the team through the completion of several activities, including policy notes exploring domestic options for addressing competitiveness concerns and supporting the development of green industry, as well as research aimed at informing the international process that will evaluate possible structures for sectoral agreements to guard against emissions leakage, including technology standards, carbon intensity standards and direct taxes.  

Qualifications

  The individual selected must have the following key competencies:

• At least 5 years of professional experience in economic research and analysis; specific experience in both energy economics and international trade is strongly preferred.
• Understanding of and demonstrated interest in climate change mitigation and international negotiations.
• Advanced degree in economics or related field (preferred).
• Strong organizational skills, excellent English-language written and oral communication skills,
• A demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams and to assert initiative and leadership.

The successful candidate will be a motivated self-starter with strong organizational skills; capable of working independently; as well as have good interpersonal skills. S/he will work collaboratively with other WRI and external staff as circumstances require.

The ideal candidate will bring past experience analyzing the relationship between environmental policy and international trade and/or the role of industry approaches to climate mitigation.

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