World Resources Institute-Vacancies,:Associate, Vulnerability and Adaptation, Washington

Post:Associate, Vulnerability and Adaptation, Washington
World Resources Institute
10 G Street, NE Suite 800
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 729-7600

Location: US- DC- Washington


Regular: Full-Time

Program: Climate and Energy Program (CEP)

World Resources Institute (WRI), an action oriented global organization most recently voted as #1 environment & natural resource think tank in the world is consistently recommended by staff as one of the 'most desired organizations to work for'. WRI has over 30 years of experience focusing on the intersection of the environment and socio-economic development. WRI goes beyond research to put ideas into action - our mission is to move human society to live in ways that protects Earth's environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

WRI has been growing the past five years and now has offices in Washington D.C., India, and China and a presence in Brazil, Indonesia as well as a dozen other countries around the world. WRI staff not only have a deep understanding of the issues, but also an understanding of the political and cultural contexts that shape how decisions are made and how to engage effectively in the countries in which we work and partner. Our staff represents over 40 nationalities.

Overview
This associate will provide research and management support for WRI's Vulnerability and Adaptation Initiative. The initiative tackles questions of how development policy and practice can respond to the range of challenges raised by vulnerability to climate change. Our work addresses questions including:

    How can climate adaptation and vulnerability reduction usefully be integrated into development planning and national policy?
    What information and decision tools can best support adaptation in the developing world?
    How might institutional structures at local, national and international levels - need to change in order to promote effective adaptation?
    How can vulnerability reduction and adaptation to climate change best be financed in poor countries?
    How can we assure that efforts to address climate change meet the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable people?

Responsibilities

Research and analysis

•     Conduct policy relevant research and analysis on various aspects of climate change adaptation, including assessing vulnerability, identifying adaptation options and assessing the economic costs and benefits of important adaptation options.
•     Develop and modify tools and processes to help conduct assessments of national and local institutions capacity for conducting climate change adaptation activities.
•     Work with partners in Africa and Asia to develop, test, and implement assessment methods and decision tools.
•     Produce high-quality, high-impact blogs, case studies, issue briefs and reports for WRI..
•     Participate in internal and external peer review processes for publications and papers.
•     Develop project proposals and concept notes.

Outreach and communications

    Communicate WRI research and analysis with external audiences, in the US, in target countries, and global intergovernmental meetings.
    Represent WRI at V&A-related conferences, workshops and other events
    Design and implement WRI roundtables, workshops or other convening events
    Liaise with and work independently with external partners and collaborators from around the world, including partners from developing countries and international agencies.
    Provide timely responses to information demand from external audiences.

Project management

    Independently manage small projects or discrete components of larger ones.
    Assist in developing overall initiative strategy and prioritizing of research and project activities.
    Assist in the planning and execution of budgeting and communications activities.
    Support V&A co-directors with fundraising and donor stewardship.

Supervise the work of junior researchers and interns.

• The position requires a strong understanding of climate, environment and international development issues.
•     5+ years of progressive professional work experience related to climate adaptation, international climate policy, international development, and/or poverty reduction.
•     Degree in environmental studies, international relations, economics, or similar is required. Masters or PhD preferred. Significant relevant professional experience may substitute for a post-graduate degree.
•     Strong writing skills in English are essential. This is a very serious requirement. Oral presentation skills a plus.
•     Strong research skills and basic computer skills are required.
•     International experience required. Foreign language skills are a major plus, especially French, Spanish, Hindi, or other Indian languages. Position requires 25-30% international travel.
•     Candidate must be self-motivated with an ability to juggle multiple priorities, handle assignments independently, and work under tight deadlines.
•     Flexibility, sense of humor, breadth of interests, and willingness to explore unfamiliar issues all are qualities that will be looked for during the hiring process.
• http://unjobs.org/vacancies/1368045429459