The World Resources Institute has an opening for an Associate/Senior Associate in its Climate & Energy Program. The position supports WRI’s work on GHG emissions offsets, and their role in U.S. state, regional, federal, and international climate policy.  WRI works closely with policy makers to promote the design and implementation of innovative climate policies. The position involves significant interaction with stakeholders and public officials involved in energy and land-use policy, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions mitigation.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and develop proposals for efficient and effective incorporation of offsets into emissions market design, as well as other policies for achieving reductions outside an emissions cap. Work will include a particular emphasis on agricultural and forestry sectors.
• Research and present findings on offsets quality standards, reduction potentials, and oversight needs.
• Assess emissions and economic impacts of existing and proposed offset programs.
• Communicate with policymakers and stakeholders in the carbon offset community on development of policy options.
• Contribute to and critique WRI’s peer-reviewed publications, especially involving climate policy and emissions markets.
• Provide general project assistance, including meeting preparation and administrative tasks.
• Support project managers with budgeting and internal/external communications activities.
• In collaboration with other team members, draft activities reports for WRI’s management and external partners/funders.
• Participate in WRI’s broader climate change activities including other U.S. and international projects and strategies at the direction of the project managers.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of professional work experience related to climate policy and market-based mechanisms.
• Experience with GHG emissions associated with forestry and land use strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with the GHG Protocol, with particular attention to the project accounting module.
• Familiarity with the Clean Development Mechanism and offset protocols and standards (voluntary & compliance).
• Masters degree preferred in policy, business, economics, science or engineering. A masters degree may substitute for 2 years of professional work experience.
• U.S. state government experience is a plus.
• Excellent research, writing, data analysis and communications skills.
• Must be self-motivated with an ability to juggle multiple priorities, handle assignments independently, and work under tight deadlines.