Research Assistant-Greenhouse Gas Protocol, China - World Resources Institute

Location: CN-Beijing

Type: Regular Full-Time

Program:  China Program

Overview:

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) is seeking a Research Assistant to work on the city level greenhouse gas accounting project.  The GHG Protocol, a partnership between the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, works with businesses, cities, governments, and environmental groups around the world to develop greenhouse gas accounting standards and guidance, and internationally accepted management tools to help tackle climate change.  As part of the GHG Protocol City Accounting Project, the Greenhouse Gas Protocol will work on city level greenhouse gas inventories in China.  We will develop greenhouse gas accounting guidance and toolkits to assist cities compile and report their greenhouse gas inventories in a comprehensive, consistent, accurate, and transparent manner.  The Research Assistant will serve as one of the team members for this project and report to project manager, GHG Protocol City Accounting Project.  S/he will be based in Beijing.

Responsibilities:

Implement city level greenhouse gas inventory projects in China. Develop calculation toolkits for city level greenhouse gas inventories.  Support the development of international standard.  Support the management of pilot projects within and outside China. Undertake research and produce publications. Development training materials and conduct training. Organize events such as workshops and conferences. Support project development activities, including communications with potential funders, preparation of concept notes and proposals, and others as needed. Support some administrative works such as contract management, travel arrangement, budgeting, etc. as needed. Other tasks as requested.

Qualifications:

A master’s degree in engineering, environmental sciences, energy, mathematics, physics, or other related fields. One to two years of relevant experience in greenhouse gas accounting, preferably familiar with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol standards/guidance and IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories. Excellent computer and quantitative analytical skills, experience on programming and Excel tool would be an advantage. Familiar with low-carbon cities and energy related issues. Excellent research and writing skills, preferably with publication experience. Excellent command of written and spoken Chinese and English.   Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Positive, enthusiastic and innovative in facing challenges, opportunities and new tasks. Demonstrating team spirit with excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work in a multi-cultural environment with staff and external stakeholders at all levels, and flexibility to work across different time zones. Willingness and ability to travel. Location: Beijing, China Starting Date:  October 1, 2012 Reporting Line: This position reports to the GHG Protocol Senior Associate Salary for full-time position is commensurate with experience and includes benefits Qualified applicants should apply online at www.wri.org/careers. All applications must be submitted online through this career portal in order to be formally considered.  The World Resources Institute (http://www.wri.org/wri) is an environmental and development research and policy organization that creates solutions to protect the Earth and improve people’s lives. 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 preference, parental 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. About WRI The World Resources Institute is a global environmental think tank that goes beyond research to put ideas into action. We work with governments, companies, and civil society to build solutions to urgent environmental challenges. WRI’s transformative ideas protect the earth and promote development because sustainability is essential to meeting human needs and fulfilling human aspirations in the future. Established in 1982, WRI is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization respected globally by policymakers, NGOs, and corporate leaders because of the rigorous quality, balance, and independence of its work. With its think-tank roots, WRI values innovative ideas, working collaboratively, and thinking independently. WRI employees see the results of their hard work and have the satisfaction of making a significant difference in the world. Currently a $50 million organization with an international staff of approximately 250, WRI works with more than 400 partners in 50 countries. WRI provides objective information and practical proposals for policy and institutional change that foster environmentally sound, socially equitable development. Values In its day to day work, WRI is guided by several core institutional values: Innovation: To lead change for a sustainable world, WRI is creative, forward thinking, entrepreneurial, and adaptive. Independence: WRI’s effectiveness depends on work that is uncompromised by partisan politics, institutional or personal allegiances, or sources of financial support. Urgency: WRI believes that change in human behavior is urgently needed to halt the accelerating rate of environmental deterioration. Independence: Our effectiveness depends on work that is uncompromised by partisan politics, institutional or personal allegiances, or sources of financial support. Respect: Our relationships are based on the belief that all people deserve respect. Approach Everything WRI does is built on four key elements: Focus on Results: WRI organizes all of its work to produce powerful and practical solutions, strategies and tools, policies and partnerships. Analytical Excellence: WRI identifies problems, drivers of change, economic incentives, and consequences to arrive at comprehensive, incentive-based, practical solutions. Partnerships: WRI works with scientists, governments, businesses, NGOs, and international institutions worldwide to create incentives and pressure for change. Communications: WRI fosters change by disseminating their solutions and ideas to targeted audiences.