Back Research Associate I

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days/month in the office. You will 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.

About the Program:

WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities focuses on integrated solutions to long-standing and new urban challenges. Through innovative research, deep engagement with urban leaders, and global partnerships, our network of local and international experts puts cities on a trajectory of more sustainable and equitable development.

The Urban Mobility program, within the Ross Center, helps cities shift to more efficient, safer, and cleaner transport modes. We promote high-quality, safe and sustainable integrated transport systems that include public transport, bicycling and walking, as well as electric vehicles. Our team empowers decision-makers with top-tier research, analysis, and advice, guiding policies and projects that transform streets, expand safe and sustainable transport options, and improve mass transit.

Job Highlight:

Reporting to the Program Director, you will integrate equity into your work. You will work with our global team of sustainable mobility and urban development experts, and key stakeholders around the world. You will support program management and contribute and or lead the development of high-quality research products, as well as provide support on proposal writing and matters associated to fundraising.

This is a 2-year limited-term position to support our speed management program.

What will you do:

Research & Knowledge (40%):

• Lead and deliver technical work as per workplans such as data analysis and/or capacity building in developing countries and prepare and review technical reports
• Authoring or co-authoring WRI knowledge products (e.g., reports, briefs, data-products) on emerging trends and best practices in transportation, urban planning, regional and urban development, and environmental sustainability, as well as road safety and public health
• Representing WRI on projects and objectives internally and externally
• Support writing blogs and reports. Review2-4 knowledge products written by other WRI researchers yearly

  Program Management and Coordination (30%):

  📚 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯! 🌍🤝 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗡𝗛𝗖𝗥, 𝗪𝗙𝗣, 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗙, 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗦, 𝗨𝗡𝗙𝗣𝗔, 𝗜𝗢𝗠 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀! 🌐

  ⚠️ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐰: 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖!

  • Work with International Offices to ensure coordination, consistency and high quality in the work we deliver
  • Monitoring and managing project deliverables on major grants, working with global team members to deliver according to work plans and milestones, track implementation and respond to donor requests
  • Liaise with external and internal partners to advance program objectives/projects delivery
  • Support evaluation of WRI project impacts
  • Support to manage outcomes and partnerships
  • Complete institutional and donor reporting for projects
  • Provide support on program financial administration, review compliance with WRI reporting, budgeting and processes

    Program Development (30%):

    • Contributing to research and grant proposals
    • Identifying and developing funding and partner relationships through external outreach

      What will you need:

      • Education: You have a completed bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in transportation planning, urban/city studies, transportation engineering, public policy, urban sociology/geography, or a related field. Relevant work experience in lieu of degree is accepted
      • Experience: You have minimum 5 yr of full-time professional experience
      • Previous research or work experience with on topics related to public health, road safety, urban planning, sustainable transport
      • Excellent oral communication skills and superb and detail-oriented writing skills
      • Demonstrable previous experience and interest in research and writing projects, organizing, and coordinating large events
      • Adaptable to rapidly changing priorities and able to manage multiple projects with varying deadlines and competing demands
      • Languages: Fluent in English. Additional language 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 84,000 and 95,000 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 April 21,, 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

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