The People & Ecosystems Program (PEP) at the World Resources Institute (WRI) is seeking a dedicated, analytical, results-oriented Research Assistant to help design and implement water quality and quantity projects in China. The successful candidate will join a team that will work with Chinese government agencies, research organizations, universities, and civil society groups to (i) identify options for reducing water pollution and increasing water availability and (ii) strengthen capacity for addressing water pollution and water scarcity problems in impacted watersheds.
Projects might include:
- Addressing the problem of eutrophication of major Chinese lakes
- Identifying practical, efficient, and cost effective solutions for balancing water demand and supply in water-scarce basins
- Assessing the climate and water impacts of energy generation policies and technologies.
This position reports to the China Country Director (Beijing) and PEP Director (Washington, DC).
Responsibilities
Working with team members, the successful candidate will:
- Conduct research including conducting literature reviews, interviewing Chinese water policy experts, non-governmental organizations, and business officials, and synthesizing results for the wider team.
- Help draft research briefs on options for reducing water pollution and increasing water availability.
- Help design methodologies and approaches that will help government officials and local stakeholders implement optimal solutions to water pollution and water scarcity problems.
- Assist in the development of proposals for new and existing water projects in China.
- Coordinate the work of water experts based in WRI’s Washington, DC and Beijing offices.
- Translate materials between English and Chinese.
- Organize conferences and workshops.
- Schedule meetings and travel, and provide other administrative support activities as necessary.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in environmental engineering, hydrology, water resources management, water resource economics, or a related field.
- One to two years of relevant professional experience (preferred) in water quality and/or water quantity issues such as water pollution (preferably including eutrophication), water supply, hydrology, water resources management, water demand management, etc.
- General understanding of China’s water laws and regulations, water institutions, water policy, water resource management (at national, provincial, and local levels), and water resource economics.
- Superb analytical and research skills.
- Demonstrated ability to assert initiative and leadership.
- Successful track record working with non-profit and civil society organizations is a plus.
- Excellent writing and presentation skills.
- Fluency in oral and written Chinese and English.
- Good cross-cultural and inter-personal skills.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office and internet research.
Salary & Benefits
Competitive compensation will be offered and commensurate with qualifications. Please note that if a Chinese national is hired for this positon, the individual will receive the China based benefits package. Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter, detailed resume, and names of references (electronic preferred), all in English.
WRI offers a comprehensive benefits package.
Contact
Send resume or CV and cover letter to:
- Charles Iceland, Associateciceland@wri.org+1 (202) 729-7746
No phone calls please. Qualified applicants only. WRI only accepts applications for current job openings.
The World Resources Institute is an environmental think tank that goes beyond research to create practical ways to protect the earth and improve people’s lives.
WRI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to recruit, hire, and provide opportunities for advancement in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, parental status, or disability.
