ESG Research Associate – World Resources Institute (WRI)
The World Resources Institute (WRI) is a global research organization with 1,900+ experts across 60+ countries that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. WRI developed the GHG Protocol — the global standard for measuring corporate carbon emissions used by 92% of Fortune 500 companies — and the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which has helped 7,000+ companies set science-aligned climate targets. We are hiring an ESG Research Associate in Washington, DC to support WRI's corporate sustainability and finance programs that shape global ESG standards.
Responsibilities
- Support WRI's Corporate Sustainability team in developing GHG Protocol standards, Scope 3 guidance, and corporate climate target frameworks
- Conduct research on corporate climate commitments, net-zero strategies, and ESG reporting practices for WRI publications
- Analyze alignment of corporate ESG disclosures with emerging ISSB (IFRS S1/S2), TCFD, and EU CSRD standards
- Support WRI's engagement with Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, and government agencies on science-based climate action
- Develop data visualizations and infographics communicating WRI's research findings to corporate and policy audiences
- Contribute to WRI reports, policy briefs, and blog publications on corporate sustainability and ESG investing trends
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Environmental Policy, Economics, Finance, or Sustainability
- Strong understanding of GHG accounting, corporate climate commitments, and ESG disclosure frameworks
- Excellent research and writing skills for policy and practitioner publications
- Data analysis proficiency (Excel, Python, R, or Tableau) for sustainability metrics research
- Commitment to WRI's mission of creating a more equitable and sustainable world
Benefits
- Competitive nonprofit salary with WRI annual merit increase
- Exceptional health, dental, and vision benefits
- 403(b) retirement plan with WRI contribution
- ESG, GHG Protocol, and SASB certification support
- Washington, DC location — center of global climate policy and sustainable finance advocacy