This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days per month in the office. You can be based in our office in the US, the UK, the Netherlands, India, Indonesia, China, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Rwanda, Kenya or Ethiopia. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission.

About the Program:

World Resources Institute (WRI) is a global research organization working to improve people’s lives, protect nature and halt climate change. We leverage our data, expertise and global reach to influence policy and catalyze change across systems like food, land and water; energy; and cities.

The world faces converging crises. Widening inequality threatens communities around the globe. Unsustainable production and rampant consumption degrade the forests, clean water and other natural resources on which we all depend. And the impacts of climate change, from withering heat to devastating floods, grow ever more destructive. The causes of these crises are not isolated but intertwined, rooted in economic, financial, and governance systems that have strained the planet’s health while benefiting only some.

At WRI, we know that a better future is possible. But it won’t be achieved through piecemeal solutions. Rather, we must overhaul the unsustainable production and consumption patterns driving today’s crises. WRI is focused on transforming the human systems that profoundly impact people, nature and the climate. This includes how we manage food, land and water; produce and use energy; and design and manage cities. To enable change at the pace and scale needed, we work to shift the economic, finance and governance structures that shape people’s decisions and behaviors.

We zero in on the countries and solutions most important for driving this global transition. WRI works with a diverse range of stakeholders to develop pathways toward equitable, low-carbon, and resilient economies that are tailored to local contexts. And we measure our success not by internal benchmarks but by visible progress in the world. Our 2,000+ staff work on the ground in more than a dozen focus countries and with partners in over 50 nations.

Job Highlight:

WRI is seeking an experienced, strategic and dynamic Chief Economist, to play a central role in driving the economic transition needed to achieve the world’s climate, nature and people goals.

This is an exciting new position. WRI is committed to addressing systemic barriers and enablers and tackling these three intertwined goals together, rather than offering piecemeal solutions and tackling the three challenges in isolation. By playing a leadership role in such a large and impact-oriented NGO, the Chief Economist has the opportunity to help overhaul the unsustainable production and consumption patterns driving today’s crises.

You (Chief Economist) will develop WRI’s approach to how to grow green, in a way which supports improved human well-being through resilient growth and development whilst reducing carbon emissions and protecting the natural environment. All countries in the world are trying to figure this out at the same time, and you will draw on WRI’s research excellence and country and global presence to provide learn from and develop this ‘practice’.

You (Chief Economist) will help build out and guide economics teams in every WRI Country Office, supporting governments and partners to implement new economic pathways and learn from each other. This might include integrating climate, nature and people into macro-economic frameworks; shifting economic incentives through policy (e.g. fiscal, trade, industrial and labor policy), regulation, and behavior change; and maximizing benefits of the transition through green skilling, social protection, and economic diversification. You will also be responsible for integrating equity into your work.

You (Chief Economist) will also work with the human systems teams in WRI to develop the economic rationale and priorities for their strategies to transform how the world produces food and energy and develops its cities, translating this into research and action on the ground.

You will sit in the Climate, Economics & Finance (CEF) Program, reporting to the Global Program Director, providing Chief Economist leadership both with CEF and across the Institute.

What will you do:

Strategy and Thought Leadership (25%):

• Develop the economic framework and approach for WRI’s work on inclusive, green transition pathways, connecting the strands of how countries can grow green, protect their economies from climate risk and improve outcomes for people, including by preparing the workforce for the future.
• Advise on the effective integration of economic analysis in the work of WRI’s three human system teams (cities, energy, and food/land/water) and WRI Country Offices, ensuring high standards of economic rigor and relevance.
• Guide the development of WRI’s growing analysis and thought leadership on trade policy.
• Provide strategic economic advice to WRI’s Board, the Global Executive Team, Global Program Directors and Country Directors on other key economic issues related to the delivery of WRI’s climate, nature and people outcomes.

Research, Data & Innovation (20%):

• Lead and oversee research on cutting-edge economic issues related to the strategic priorities above.
• Oversee the strengthening of WRI’s capability on economic modelling, including integrating climate and nature into macro-economic modelling, economic policy and trade policy.
• Engage with academic institutions, think tanks, and other global thought organizations, positioning WRI at the forefront of climate and environmental economics and just transitions research.

External Engagement & Collaboration (20%):

• Provide thought leadership internationally, translating complex economic research into accessible and actionable policy recommendations for diverse stakeholders, including governments, private sector actors, and civil society organizations.
• Nurture relationships and foster strategic partnerships with external organizations, including governments, multilateral institutions, business leaders and NGOs to amplify and advance WRI’s economic agenda.
• Represent the organization in high-level dialogues at international events such as G20 meetings, Multilateral Development Bank meetings, the COP conferences, and other global climate, nature and development finance and economics fora.

Leadership and Development of Economics Function (20%):

• Lead the development, growth, and operationalization of WRI’s economics function, building a professional function which sustains high standards of economics rigor and relevance, aligned with WRI’s mission and strategic goals.
• Support the ongoing professional growth of the economics function, helping to build a forward-looking, high-impact function that is seen as a leader in the field of economics for climate, nature and people. Ensure knowledge-sharing, and professional development opportunities in the function.
• Mentor a team of economists in the Climate, Economics & Finance Program, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, excellence and delivery.

Fundraising (15%):

• Work with WRI and CEF leadership to support from foundations and donors.
• Build relationships with funders and key stakeholders to position the organization as a leader in the economic aspects of climate, nature and just transitions.
• Support the development of compelling fundraising proposals aligned with the organization’s strategic objectives in the field of climate and nature economics and just transitions.

What will you need:

• Education:You have an advanced degree in Economics, Development Economics, Environmental Economics, or a related field.
• Experience: You have a minimum of 20 years of experience in economic analysis, policy development, or advisory roles related to climate change, sustainable development, or environmental economics. A proven track record in leading high-level economic research and providing strategic advice to senior leaders or policymakers.
• Leadership:Strong leadership experience, with at least 10 years of managing teams and complex programs. Ability to mentor and inspire others, fostering collaboration and driving high-impact results.
• Policy Expertise: Deep understanding of global climate change and environmental policies, economic models, and the economic dimensions of just transitions and energy, food and urban system change, including shifting economic incentives and social and economic implications for vulnerable communities.
• Global Engagement: Experience working in or with international organizations, global policy processes (e.g., G20, MDBs, UNFCCC), and other high-level economic and climate/environment governance forums.
• Fundraising:Experience in securing funding and building relationships with institutional donors and partners.
• Technical Skills: Expertise in economic policy and incentives. Knowledge related to trade. Knowledge of green economic models, or other advanced economic modeling techniques.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with experience in delivering complex economic analysis to diverse audiences, including policymakers, donors, and the public.
• Global Experience: Significant experience working in diverse international contexts, with a demonstrated ability to navigate political and cultural differences.
• Country Experience: Experience working in and with Emerging and Developing Country Economies, with an understanding of economic barriers, enablers, policy making and political economy.
• Languages: You are proficient in verbal and written English.
• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based.

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 cover letter by April 25, 2025. We will review applications on an ongoing basis. We may close for applications sooner if we receive a high volume of qualified applications.

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 drivenorganizationwith 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:

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.