Research Analyst II, Natural Climate Solutions

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days/month in the office. This is a 6-month term position. You should be based in our office in Washington DC. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position. To be eligible for this position in US, you must be a resident of DC, Maryland or Virginia at the start of employment.

This is a 6-month limited-term position.

About the Program:

Systems Change Lab is a collaborative initiative that aims to spur action at the pace and scale needed to tackle some of the world's greatest challenges: limiting global warming to 1.5C, halting biodiversity loss and building a just economy. Systems Change Lab has three functions: monitor progress made across each of the required transformational shifts, unveil what constitutes and promotes systems change, and mobilize support to realize a more sustainable, equitable future. Convened by World Resources Institute and the Bezos Earth Fund, Systems Change Lab supports the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions and works with key partners and funders including Climate Action Tracker (a project of Climate Analytics and New Climate Institute), Climate Works Foundation, Global Environment Facility, Just Climate, Mission Possible Partnership, Systemiq, University of Exeter, and the University of Tokyo's Center for Global Commons, among others. Systems Change Lab is a component of the Global Commons Alliance

Job Highlight:

You will integrate equity into your work.

Reporting to the Senior Research Associate, you will be supported by System Changes Lab team. You should have a demonstrated track record of conducting independent research at the intersection of climate change and biodiversity; experience writing technical reports, working papers, and issue briefs, among other publications; familiarity with quantitative and qualitative research methods; and a deep commitment to using science-based research findings to inform the work of governments, corporations, and civil society organizations. With support from research staff across Systems Change Lab and WRI's Climate, Economics, and Finance Program, you will play a critical role in developing policy-relevant, cutting-edge research.

What will you do:

Research and Analysis (60%):

• In addressing peer reviewers' feedback, contribute research and analysis on topics related to nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems
• Where required by peer reviewers' comments, identify targets, indicators, and datasets to be featured on the Lab's data platform that can track global progress made in accelerating the transformational changes required to limit global warming to 1.5C, halt biodiversity loss, and secure a more just, equitable future for all
• Author, review, and contribute to the Lab's data platform and accompanying methodological note, as well as the platform published alongside the Forest Declaration Dashboard
• Liaise with internal and external technical experts on forests, land, freshwater, and the ocean on research deliverables, namely to get these three systems published on the Lab's data platform

Project Management (30%):

• Help coordinate the peer review, sign-off, and production process as the lead author of the freshwater system, as well as play a supporting role on forests and land and the ocean
• Support other project management duties as needed, including organizing weekly meetings with researchers, coordinating tasks across the Lab's research and data teams, and ensuring that external partners deliver their inputs within agreed upon timeframes
• Perform other tasks as assigned at external and internal meetings, events, and other functions

Communications and Outreach (10%):-

• Produce communications and outreach materials for Systems Change Lab, likely including blog posts, presentations, and stakeholder emails ahead of the launch of these three systems
• Present nature-related research and Systems Change Lab content in meetings with external partners, including funders
• Contribute research, analysis, and writing to fundraising materials

What will you need:

• Education: You have completed a bachelor's in environmental or climate science, environmental or climate policy, or a related field required. Relevant work experience is accepted in lieu of a degree

• Experience: You have a minimum of 3 years of relevant full-time professional experience in environmental, climate, or a related field
• Experience conducting research on nature-based solutions for climate mitigation and adaptation (i.e., actions that protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems to address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits)
• Experience conducting science-based, policy-relevant research, familiarity with quantitative and qualitative methods, and demonstrated analytical skills
• Excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills, with experience producing peer-reviewed papers or knowledge products of a similar caliber
• Experience with project planning and coordination, particularly in managing complex processes across multiple teams and/or partner organizations
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of interdisciplinary and multicultural teams
• Languages: You are proficient in verbal and written English
• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization

Potential Salary: US salary range is between 69,000 and 78,000 USD. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

How to Apply: Please submit a resume with a required cover letter by the date of 12 Aug 2025. We may close for applications sooner if we receive a high volume of qualified applications.

We are unable to consider your application without a cover letter in addition to your resume.

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

What we offer:

• 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
• The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission driven organization with access to varied learning and training opportunities.
• 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
• Commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours
• Generous leave days that increase with tenure
• Medical Coverage, Dental Coverage, Vision Coverage, retirement plan access and employer contribution

About Us:

World Resources Institute works to improve people's lives, protect and restore nature and stabilize the climate. As an independent research organization, we leverage our data, expertise and global reach to influence policy and catalyse change across systems like food, land and water; energy; and cities. Our 2,000+ staff work on the ground in more than a dozen focus countries and with partners in over 50 nations.

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: Independence, Integrity, Impact, Partnership and Care.

Our culture:

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission including equal opportunities in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, caste, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status.

Our team in Human Resources carefully reviews all applications