Global Director of Research, Energy

Job Description

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days/month in the office. You can be based in our office in Washington DC, London, or The Hague. 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.

About the Program:

The WRI Polsky Center for the Global Energy Transition (also known as WRI Polsky Energy Center) harnesses analytical power, convening ability, and global reach to help orchestrate a transition to a sustainable, inclusive, and carbon-free energy future by overcoming critical barriers.
As global energy demand surges—driven by the advent of AI, rapid electrification, and evolving economic needs—the nonpartisan Center combines WRI’s renowned experts, a world-class Advisory Group, and a diverse network of partners to deliver pragmatic, scalable solutions. These solutions tackle systemic challenges such as modernizing and expanding energy grids, scaling financing and its deployment, responsibly sourcing critical minerals, and preparing the workforce and entrepreneurs of the future.
The WRI Polsky Energy Center’s ambition is to accelerate the energy transition by driving innovation, spurring economic growth, and making sustainable energy reliable, accessible, and inclusive for all. Its approach focuses on pragmatic strategies that turn bold ideas into real-world results by addressing policy, economic, and technical barriers across diverse contexts.

Job Highlight:

You will be responsible for integrating equity into your work.

The Global Energy Program is hiring its first dedicated Research Director who will use WRI’s standards for research and knowledge products to drive the global energy transition. WRI strives to conduct high quality research that informs target audiences and helps achieve concrete outcomes in support of our mission. We are one of the few nongovernmental organizations with central staff dedicated to creating a strong learning culture and ensuring research excellence across programs and country offices. Our Research Integrity team is responsible for setting and overseeing consistent quality standards for our research and knowledge products. This commitment to excellence ensures that WRI’s project plans and knowledge products are firmly rooted in evidence

You will be supported by the Research, Data, and Impact team and the Global Energy Program leadership team. You will lead a team of senior research directors who are experts in key thematic areas, as well as Energy’s Global Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Manager.

What will you do:

Develop and implement a research strategy for the energy program that informs and supports the program’s institutional goals (40%):

• Create and lead a research strategy that is based on robust research throughout all phases of strategy development (including, for example, the development of theories of change, proposals, publication planning, and planning for communication of knowledge products)
• Develop and collaborate in the preparation of high-quality funding proposals related to WRI’s energy strategy, supporting the integration of systematic research and evidence in the proposals
• Develop and lead institutional research collaborations and partnerships with leading research institutions, experts and practitioners
• Define and manage research processes and knowledge for energy transition at the global scale – including acting as executive editor for specific high-impact research reviews
• Collaborate with in-country research teams and Country Research Directors on knowledge management
• Directly manage and lead a team of senior research directors, empowering them to provide strategic and thought leadership internally and externally in their respective fields (such as energy finance or energy economics)
• Line manages additional staff as applicable, such as Energy’s Global Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Manager

Facilitate the design and delivery of actionable and high-quality knowledge products that are aligned with the program strategy (30%):

• Advise Program staff on research design and methods for Program-led knowledge products
• Mentor Program research and data staff to help them make progressively more independent decisions
• Identify and recommend ways to fill gaps in research and data capacity among Program staff
• Lead and participate in hiring process for research- and data-focused roles
• Serve as sign-off director for select knowledge products in line with expertise, and collaborate with the WRI Research Integrity team to ensure the Program’s knowledge products meet WRI’s research standards

Disseminate knowledge within and outside of WRI (30%):

• Strengthen WRI’s understanding of energy transition challenges and opportunities, to develop more effective, evidence-based and impactful strategies
• Maintain awareness of critical developments in scientific / social scientific research, data and debates relevant to the energy transition
• Supervise the review and synthesis of literature and evidence to inform WRI energy-related interventions and projects as required
• Collaborates with communications and engagement specialists to design outreach on priority knowledge products and on issues of broader relevance to the Program, including by publishing articles and commentaries, presenting them at WRI and external events, and engaging media

What will you need:

• Education: You have a completed a Master’s degree in a relevant field of study. PhD preferred. Relevant work experience in lieu of degree is accepted
• Experience: You have minimum 15 yr of relevant experience in research and data analysis, and at least three years of supervisory experience
• Experience led or co-led several research projects published in peer-reviewed outlets
• Experience reviewing research projects for academic, government or not-for-profit organizations
• Experience developing and overseeing research that informs policy and practice
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams with various levels of research experience and operating in complex environments
• Experience in energy, especially related to the energy transition and at least one of WRI’s areas of focus: energy access, decarbonizing energy supply and demand, and the use of critical minerals in energy
• Strong knowledge of quantitative research methods and statistical methods
• Languages: Verbal and written proficiency in English. Other languages are a plus
• 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 164,000 and 197,000 USD. UK: 108K – 135 K GBP; NL: 107K – 134K EUR. If located in another country office, salary will be determined by local market conditions. 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 7 April 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
• For US location: Medical Coverage, Dental Coverage, Vision Coverage, retirement plan access and employer contribution

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 and Respect.

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.