Technical Director, Global Clean Energy Economics - The WRI Polsky Energy Center

Role - Technical Director, Global Clean Energy Economics
Organization - The Polsky Center for Global Energy Transition, World Resources Institute

Reporting To - Director of Research
Work Experience - 12+ years

Location - Hybrid (8 days a month from any WRI office across US, India, China, Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, UK, Netherlands, Indonesia, Mexico, Columbia, Brasil)

Work Authorization - Existing work authorization required, No work visa sponsorship

Compensation - Competitive

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days per month in the office. You can be based in any of our offices listed above. 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 WRI Polsky Center for Global Energy Transition

The WRI Polsky Center for the Global Energy Transition delivers pragmatic, scalable and urgently needed solutions to achieve a clean, abundant, affordable and reliable energy future. 

Harnessing WRIs renowned analytical power, convening ability and global expertise, the WRI Polsky Energy Center works with governments, utilities, companies, financial institutions and civil society to find bold solutions to the barriers that stand in the way of the energy transition, including modernizing grids, unlocking financing, sourcing critical minerals responsibly and building a future-ready workforce.

We support the global commitment to accelerate renewable energy, deliver energy storage solutions and increase energy efficiency, while continuing to transition from fossil fuels.

The WRI Polsky Energy Center takes a unique, three-part approach that combines WRIs renowned experts, a world-class Advisory Group and collaboration with partners to:

• Generate evidence-based analyses on barriers and solutions through rigorous research from around the world.
• Orchestrate the change by engaging influential actors banks, companies, utilities, governments and civil society to co-create and implement solutions.
• Leverage WRIs reach including the Institutes presence in a dozen of the worlds most influential economies and global expertise on topics that are important to the energy transition such as land use, oceans, urban development, climate, economics, finance and governance.

About WRI - 

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 worlds greatest environment and international development challenges and improve peoples 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.

About the Role -

This role will be under the Global Impact Team and will be reporting to the WRI Polsky Energy Centers' Global Director of Research. The Technical Director, Global Energy Economics is a pivotal leadership role driving WRIs efforts to accelerate a clean, affordable, and equitable energy future. Sitting within the Polsky Energy Center, this role leads the organizations global economic research and strategy on energy transitions. It involves applying advanced economic analysis to energy production, consumption, and market trends translating data into action that influences national and international policies, investments, and partnerships. This role essentially involves engaging with senior government officials, international institutions, and private sector leaders to ensure WRIs economic insights shape global discourse and action.

If you are someone adept in research design, thrive in a collaborative role, and enjoy working across thematic and country teams this role is for you. If your passion lies in turning data into action, shaping global policy, and driving real impact, we encourage you to apply!

What will you do -

• Lead economic analyses such as cost-benefit, employment, and GDP impact assessments on key energy transition challenges including clean energy supply, grid infrastructure, major buyer demand, critical minerals, energy access, and workforce development.
• Lead research and technical engagement on energy economics, focusing on how energy production, consumption, and trade impact economies, people, and the environment.
• Design and oversee research that links energy economics to national priorities and global policy frameworks.
• Develop publications, policy briefs, and communications materials that translate complex research into actionable insights.
• Advise and collaborate with WRIs thematic and country teams to shape cross-cutting economic strategies.
• Engage and build partnerships with governments, global institutions, NGOs, and private sector leaders.
• Represent WRI at global conferences, roundtables, and high-level convenings on energy economics.
• Build and strengthen global partnerships to position WRI as a leading voice in energy economics across sectors

What you will need:

• A masters degree is preferred in economics, energy, environmental science, public policy, engineering, or a related field
• 12+ years of relevant professional experience in energy economics, market analysis, energy policy, or technical research
• Familiarity with IEA,OECD,IRENA data on energy economics, SystemIQ, McKinsey economic approaches, LCOE analysis and critiques
• Experience working in or with international organizations, global policy processes (e.g., G20,MDBs, UNFCCC), and other high-level economic and energy/climate/environment governance forums
• Thought leadership with deep expertise in energy economics and experience working across collaborative, cross-functional, and matrixed environments - including governments, private sector actors, and civil society organizations
• Proven ability to lead and contribute to technical studies on energy planning, utility economics, energy market design, and the socioeconomic impacts of the energy transition
• A strong track record of developing research-backed policy recommendations and contributing to high-quality publications and policy outputs
• Skilled in working with complex, multicultural, and international organizations and partnerships
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Willing and able to travel internationally up to 30% for conferences, stakeholder meetings, and other engagements
• Experience working in developing and emerging economies 
• To be entrepreneurial in nature, with a curious, analytical bent of mind
• To be highly emotionally intelligent and invest in relationships
• To thrive on working with individuals from different cultures, backgrounds and time zones
• To be a team player, who works with integrity, innovation, urgency, independence and respect
• To have international exposure - in global organizations and emerging economies

What we offer

• Access to the WRI global network, learning from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the US
• Opportunity to create an impact and develop your career with a mission-driven organization with various training programs
• Achieve work-life balance through a hybrid working model with flexible working hours and generous leave days that increase with tenure
• Feel medically and financially secure! Medical Coverage, Dental Coverage, Vision Coverage, Retirement Plan Access, and Employer Contribution

How to Apply - Kindly apply using the link here.

As the role is open to candidates across the globe, including EU and US citizens, the application form will involve your GDPR consent as well as a short google form when screened. It is voluntary to share this information with us. All information will be confidential and shared only with specific members within WRI and Arthan.

Post your application here, if you meet the search criteria, and your profile is shortlisted, we will get in touch. Given the volume of applications, it will not be possible to get back to each and every one of you! Thank you for applying though.

*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