Research Associate

Overview and Job Summary

WRI China is committed to facilitate and accelerate low-carbon development in China towards achieving carbon dioxide emissions peaking before 2030 and carbon neutrality before 2060. We use a multi-prong approach to work with a wide range of stakeholders at national, subnational and sectoral levels, from governments, to businesses, academia, NGOs, financial institutions, and practitioners to explore solutions for carbon neutrality transition.

Power sector accounts for more than 50% of coal consumption and more than 40% of total energy-related carbon emissions in China, it is crucial to accelerate systematic transition in power sector to achieve China

’s carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals. In line with our expanding work in power sector, we are opening the position of Research Associate for power sector transition. We offer a flexible environment for you to contribute and grow together with our teams on any of the priority areas and locations depending on your expertise, interest, and our project needs.

You will work with our in-house and external specialists to conduct research and engagement with policymakers, businesses, the civil society at the local, national, and international levels to advance transformative solutions for power sector. You will have opportunities to leverage WRI

’s global network of expertise to deliver our works in China and share our experience with our global networks across the continents.

Job Responsibilities

• Conduct research and produce research products such as reports, working papers, and policy briefs on topics related to power system planning and operation, power market reform, etc. Specific research works include the following:
• Analysis of policies and market instruments to sustain renewable energy development, efficient transmission and utilization.
• Analysis of policies and market instruments to improve resilience of power sector with non-fossil fuel flexible resources, such as DSM, VPP, storage system.
• Business model analysis/case study for integrated clean energy solutions in typical application scenarios, such as industrial parks, solar +, corporate RE procurement etc.
• Track global/national/provincial progress of power sector reform, including technology application and supporting policies and market mechanisms.
• Engage and collaborate with relevant government agencies, corporations, partners, and other stakeholders to undertake pilot projects in provinces, cities, and industrial parks.
• Carry out broader communication and engagement activities through roundtables, seminars, workshops, policy dialogues, training, and others.
• Regularly travel both domestically and internationally to engage with targeted stakeholders and broader audiences.
• Manage the assigned projects, including project planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting.
• Provide technical materials to support strategy development and fundraising.
• Perform other tasks as requested by the supervisor

Qualifications and Requirements

• Master

’s degree or above in Power Engineering, Economics and Management of Power System etc., with an excellent understanding of power system planning, operation and regulation, as well as power market mechanisms.

• Minimum of 8 years of full-time work experience in a relevant field, with a track record of effective stewardship and management experience.
• Well-established China Energy expert with known track record on power system reform and in-depth understanding of China

’s power sector agenda both domestically and in relation to the international power regime, as well as bilateral/multilateral relationships.

• Proven ability to provide vision and strategic thinking skills to identify strategic projects, drive transformative changes, and bring outcomes to scale.
• Ability and experience in effectively managing relationships with diverse stakeholders, including academic researchers and government officials.
• Excellent communication skills and command of written and spoken both Chinese (Mandarin) and English. Strong public speaker in both languages.
• Superior management skills, including project management, staff supervision, and financial management. Demonstrated ability to successfully motivate and manage teams.
• Familiar with the operation models of NGOs/research institutions.
• Willingness and ability to travel within China and internationally.

How to Apply

Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

Final candidate will be required to take a writing test.

Reporting

Report to Senior Research Associate

Salary and Benefits: Salary is commensurate with experience and skills. WRI offers a generous, comprehensive benefits package

Duration: 2-year (Project-base)

Location: Beijing, China, Preferred

Application Deadline: Open till filled

WRI Overview

World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization with the mission to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth

’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

Founded in 1982, we

’ve gathered nearly 1,800 staff located around the world. In addition to global initiatives and a coordinated regional presence in Africa and Europe, we prioritize work in 12 focus countries: China, Brazil, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and the United States.

WRI is a trusted partner for change. Using research-based approaches, we work globally and in focus countries to meet people

’s essential needs; to protect and restore nature; and to stabilize the climate and build more resilient communities. We have been growing rapidly: over the past 5 years, our staff has doubled in size.

We are passionate. We cherish our diversity of interests, skills and backgrounds. We set integrity, innovation, urgency, independence and respect as our core values. We have a flexible working environment. And we work toward a common goal of creating a better world for people, nature and climate.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is WRI

’s 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, gender identity, parental status, protected veteran status, or disability. WRI

’s global agenda requires a staff that is diverse – with respect to race, gender, cultural, and international background. Diverse perspectives and experience enhance the way WRI selects and approaches issues, as well as the creativity and applicability of WRI's policy research and analysis. WRI, therefore, encourages applications from U.S. minorities, persons from other countries (especially developing nations), and from women of all backgrounds. You will be responsible for integrating equity into your work.

About WRI China

WRI China was established in 2008 as WRI

’s first international office. Currently, we have more than 60 full-time employees working on Sustainable Transition, Sustainable Finance Investment, Food & Nature Resources, and more. We engage with businesses, policymakers and civil society at levels, from local and subnational, to national and international, to advance transformative and comprehensive solutions for sustainable development and “ecological civilization”. WRI China recently registered as a foreign NGO under the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE).

About WRI Sustainable Transition Center

As a mega economy, China's regional economies have their distinctive features. The disparities in local economy and industries underscore the importance of customizing region-specific strategies for sustainable and green transition, In 2023, WRl launched the Sustainable Transition Center in Beijing, focusing on four most representative regions in China: the Yangtze River Delta region (YRD), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), Sichuan-Chongqing region and Shandong Province, to explore customized solutions for green transition in different regions of China, Furthermore, the center also represents an important initiative by WRl to foster systematic, inter-disciplinary collaboration and seek holistic solutions across different projects.