WRI’s mission is 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. We organize our work around six critical goals that the world must achieve this decade in order to secure a sustainable future:

As the Urban Development Project Specialist, you will support the implementation of the Cities4Forests initiatives across Africa’s cities through project coordination, research, and facilitating stakeholders engagement. In this position, you will support in developing agreements & securing political commitments; organizing activities such as conferences and workshops; scoping technical assistance, and researching best practices.

Program Overview

WRI works with government and NGO partners to scale up national ambition toward the achievement of the Paris Agreement goals, with a specific focus on the implementation of nationally determined contributions (NDCs), ambitious advances in NDC goals, and developing long-term strategies for net-zero emissions. A critical element of this approach is direct engagement with a diversity of stakeholders across developing and developed countries to achieve ambitious and just outcomes that promote a prosperous, low-carbon and resilient future for all. To achieve this, WRI’s Global Climate Program helps businesses, policymakers and civil society at the local, national and international levels advance the deep structural shifts necessary to address the unavoidable realities of climate change. We focus on pursuing near-term decisions that align with needed long-term temperature goals so all people can benefit from a safer world and thriving economies.

Job Summary

As the Research Analyst, you will play a key role in coordinating WRI’s activities in support of research, outreach, and coordination leading up the UNFCCC’s annual summit on Climate Change, COP27, which will take place in Egypt in November 2022. You will support the International Climate Action and WRI Africa teams to develop tailored materials to inform WRI’s engagement with the COP Presidency and key negotiations and research partners. As part of this role, you will provide support to WRI Africa executives in meetings and events focused on international climate negotiations and COP27, and you will contribute to relevant research efforts, analysis, and communications materials. The Research Analyst will ensure clear and consistent communication across the WRI network, developing and sharing internal and external messaging to push for an equitable and impactful COP27 outcome in 2022.

Job Responsibilities

Research and Analysis (25 %)

• With support from Senior Associates, conduct qualitative research and analysis on issues relevant to international climate negotiations, global stocktake, NDC ambition and implementation, and other topics related to UNFCCC rulemaking and stakeholder concerns or opportunities
• Author or contribute to WRI knowledge products (reports, issue briefs, etc.) as well as outreach and communications products (blogs/articles, presentations, outreach materials) on topics related to international climate negotiations
• Serve as a reviewer for relevant knowledge products across WRI, providing inputs and insights on the COP process
• Provide up-to-date knowledge and analysis to inform strategy development within WRI and with partners
• Develop briefings and outreach materials based on WRI research to inform COP-related meetings, media engagements, and events
• Contribute to research proposals, donor reports, and internal strategy documents as appropriate.

Outreach & Strategy (50%)

• Organize internal & external meetings, workshops, and conferences with agenda design, logistics, and high-level support for WRI Africa and WRI Global leaders as appropriate
• Build and maintain relationships within the COP27 secretariat team and cultivate and maintain network relationships with national and regional partners in advance of COP27
• Support on the development and implementation of outreach strategies to support WRI’s COP engagements
• Track climate negotiation processes and positions of relevant stakeholders to inform WRI strategy
• Responding to internal and external requests for information

Administrative and Coordination (25%)

• Ensure clear and consistent communication around COP strategy, outreach, and key messages across the WRI network
• Track outreach efforts and distribute notes and materials to relevant team members
• Work with WRI Staff and experts across various program teams in global and regional offices to craft aligned messaging, briefings, and outreach materials
• Assist in project management work as needed
• Other relevant duties as assigned

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s Preferred) in relevant field with
• Minimum of 2 years relevant professional experience working in climate, energy or broader environmental issues;
• Knowledge of the UNFCCC negotiating process and NDC mechanism; familiarity with specific national and international climate change policies appreciated
• Excellent research qualitative and/or quantitative research and writing skills
• Proven ability to lead on the coordination and delivery of major events, influence strategies, and international programs
• Experience working with high-level champions and maintaining good relationships with diverse networks of people across geographies, languages, and cultures
• Polished and professional research and communication skills for external correspondence with partners, funders, and commissioners
• International experience or prior work in a global organization preferred
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure with tight deadlines
• Flexible and capable of working with minimal direction and supervision.
• Excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills.
• Commitment to WRI’s mission and values