Adaptation Finance Senior Associate

This position can be based out of one of the WRI offices in the US, The Hague, Colombia, UK, or Kenya. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission for the country office designated. WRI is not able to sponsor work authorization for this position.

Adaptation Finance Senior Associate, Climate Resilience Practice

About the Program:

WRI's Adaptation Finance team is part of the Climate Resilience Practice, which is under the Center for Equitable Development. We work to build climate risk management and adaptation solutions into all investment, budgeting, and policy decisions. We work with governments, academia, and the private sector to develop new tools and capacities to integrate climate risks throughout decision-making. We also work with the IMF, World Bank, and other DFIs on diagnostics and actions to help developing countries better manage climate risks and build resilience as part of COVID-19 recovery stimulus spending. Finally, we work with civil society organizations and local communities to better leverage and manage climate funds to build climate resilience.

* https://www.wri.org/equitable-development/climate-resilience

* https://www.wri.org/initiatives/adaptation-finance

**Job Highlight:
**
In this role, you will work across the full range of activities undertaken by the Adaptation Finance team with two primary responsibilities. First, you will help design, launch, and implement the Resilience and Mainstreaming Management Program (RAMP) to help build capacity in central government ministries and universities. Second, you will conduct research and collaborate with development finance institutes, donors, governments, and the private sector (such as through the Coalition for Climate Resilient Investment) to promote ideas related to scaling Adaptation Finance.

You will be supported by Adaptation Finance team and the Climate Resilience Practice, made up of seasoned climate adaptation, resilience, and finance professionals.

You will report to the Senior Fellow of the Adaptation Finance team in the Climate Resilience Practice.

This position is fully remote.

What you will do:

Research & Knowledge (70% time)

• Conduct research and knowledge management aimed at improving the understanding of adaptation finance, tools for addressing climate risks, and capacity development in developing countries.
• Co-lead the development of capacity-building programs under RAMP and possibly under CCRI that help stakeholders in both the public and private sectors integrate climate risks into policy, budgeting, and investment decisions.
• Support an active network of universities to improve their teaching and research on climate change adaptation and resilience and engage in training government and private sector officials in the macro-critical aspects of climate change.
• Author, co-author, and/or review knowledge products (e.g., reports, issue briefs, working papers, and technical notes) or blogs, and coordinate the publication process.
• Prepare presentations related to the above programs, and present our work to counterparts in governments, private sector, universities, donor organizations, and foundations.

Project Management (20% time)

• Manage outcomes and partnerships associated with project deliverables, including setting and clarifying priorities for global team members and external partners in collaboration with senior level staff.
• Supervise junior research staff and manage consultants.
• Monitor and manage project budgets and deliverables according to planned milestones, expenses and revenue, and internal and donor reporting.
• Help implement the WRI monitoring and evaluation framework for the projects you are involved in to help ensure maximum impact and efficiency.

Fundraising/Grant Management (10% time)

• Support fund-raising by identifying and developing funding partner relationships through external outreach and due diligence.
• Lead funding proposals between a five to six figure fundraising goal.
• Co-lead donor presentations and reporting, including on project outcomes and narratives.

What you will need:

• Education: You have a completed Masters degree in environmental policy, finance, economics, or other related fields. A minimum of 12 years can be considered in lieu of a Masters degree.
• Experience: You have a minimum of 10 years full-time relevant work experience in in environmental policy, finance, economics, or other related fields with program implementation and project management experience.

You have demonstrated understanding of climate adaptation and resilience issues, climate economics, climate finance generally, and institutional issues associated with mainstreaming climate capacities across government ministries.

You also have a demonstrated understanding of private sector investment financial analysis, and of how risk and uncertainty are addressed in investment decision-making (preferred).

You have past experience with quantitative and qualitative research and analysis as evidenced from success in technical research responsibilities. You have proven written, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills. And you have demonstrated successful management abilities through supervision of junior level staff (preferred).

You have a track record of working collaboratively on teams, providing support to team-members, and leading work involving multiple parties.

• Languages: Verbal and written English proficiency is required.
• Travel: Available for light travel as needed.
• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization.

**Potential Salary:
**
Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors. WRI offers a competitive remuneration and benefits package.

**How to Apply:
**
Please submit a resume with cover letter by the date of September 15, 2022. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

What we offer:

• A competitive salary
• The chance to have an impact on one of today’s most urgent issues, and to develop your career within a mission driven organization with access to varied learning and training opportunities.
• Access to the WRI global network with the opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the US.
• A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work.
• The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI.
• Long-term commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours.
• Generous leave days that increase with tenure.

About Us: Founded in 1982, World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. WRI has a global staff of over 1,800 people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia, and the United States, as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.

The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps, and analysis to solve the world’s greatest environment and international development challenges and improve people’s lives. We work with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.

Our mission and values:

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.

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence, Respect.

Our culture: WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, we embrace all diversity and encourage women, the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, Afro-descendants, and Indigenous people to apply. Recognizing our strong commitment to gender equality, WRI has also been awarded EDGE certification.

Our team in Human Resources carefully reviews all applications.