This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days/month in the office. You can be based in our office in Washington DC, London, The Hague, Nairobi, Brazil or Mexico. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position.

About the Program:

The world needs to cut its emissions in half by 2030, reach net-zero by mid-century and adapt to prevent the worst effects of climate change. This will require a transformation in the economic, financial and governance systems at global and country levels, to simultaneously achieve the world’s people, nature and climate goals. To address this important challenge, WRI’s Global Climate, Economics and Finance (CEF) Program undertakes research and analysis; develops tools and standards; communicates and engages with key stakeholders; and builds coalitions and capacity to accelerate climate ambition, country transitions and the required shifts in economic and financial systems and incentives. We work with national governments, policymakers, businesses, civil society, local governments, and other non-state actors as they pursue their own emissions-reduction and adaptation goals.

Job Highlight:

Reporting to the Communications Director, CEF, you will develop and execute impactful communications strategies in support of programmatic and institutional goals. You will support focus on encouraging countries to transition to climate-resilient, nature-positive and low-carbon development pathways. This includes projects to support countries, states and cities with macro-economic modelling to reveal the choices and trade-offs in specific transitions (from energy and industrial decarbonization to mobility, to forest protection to land-use), ensure country transitions are just and equitable, leverage behavioral science to drive change and help to mainstream adaptation and taking resilience interventions to scale. The overarching narrative that this position will deploy is one focused on creating wins for climate, wins for development, and wins for justice—supporting and empowering lives and livelihoods of people that are impacted in the climate transition. Working with a team of economists, climate policy experts and behavior change scientists, you will plan and execute ambitious, comprehensive communication strategies to influence national government policy decisions (and/or other impactful groups), use WRI publication launches and campaigns to reach key audiences, and determine how to use both external moments and direct engagement to advance our objectives.

Responsibilities include overseeing messaging, collaborating with engagement staff, event planning, social media coordination, media relations, and other outreach activities. You will orchestrate this communications outreach in close coordination with communications colleagues worldwide. You will also work with researchers and other communication experts within WRI and collaborate with communication experts at partner organizations. You will likely manage one or more communications staff which will assist you with overseeing this important portfolio. If you are passionate about tackling climate change and driving action on the ground in the developing countries and have strong experience in communications, then please apply! This is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to advance a vital issue for people and the planet.

What will you do:

Communications Strategy (30%):

• Oversee programmatic communications for the team within the Climate, Economics and Finance Program focused on helping transition countries to climate-resilient, nature-positive and low-carbon development pathways
• Collaborate with colleagues to identify key actors and key levers of change in target countries
• Support engagement efforts with key decision makers—through both public and private channels
• Determine which tactics are most impactful (and within budget) to inform and influence specific audiences
• Facilitate close collaboration with communications colleagues across WRI’s country offices, ensuring that the global program is amplifying their work and vice versa

Communications Outreach (60%): –

• Develop key messages, talking points, and communication materials to support programmatic initiatives and advocacy efforts
• Manage high-level events and speaking engagements
• Lead on communication materials, including op-eds, blog posts, media advisories, email blasts and more
• Support media engagement in coordination with the media team
• Contribute to the management of the Climate, Economics and Finance Program’s online presence, including website content, social media, and email marketing
• Work closely with program, research and other communication teams to produce materials and products to advance goals of WRI’s Climate, Economics and Finance Program
• Collaborate with WRI’s core communication team on media, social media, web, design, and more
• Track and evaluate metrics of success, and adapt strategies to grow and improve outreach results

Staff Management (10%): –

• Oversee one or more communications staff
• Demonstrate strong leadership skills by delegating tasks efficiently, setting clear expectations, and empowering staff to take ownership of their responsibilities while maintaining accountability for results
• Foster a supportive and inclusive work environment by actively listening to staff concerns, providing constructive feedback, and promoting open communication channels
• Implement effective performance evaluation systems to recognize achievements, identify areas for improvement, and facilitate professional development opportunities for team members

What will you need:

• Education: You have completed a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, environmental studies, or related field
• Experience: You have a minimum of 7 years of experience in communications, public relations, or related roles, with a focus on climate policy, adaptation, economics, development, just transitions, and/or behavior change issues
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with a track record of producing persuasive and impactful content
• Proven experience in developing and implementing successful communication strategies and/or advocacy campaigns at a large organization or network
• Strong project management skills and the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Technical knowledge of economics and/or international environmental issues is a plus
• Experience working on visual communications (directly or by overseeing consultants) is a plus
• Demonstrated expertise in orchestrating campaigns focused on influencing policymakers and other national-level stakeholders is a plus
• Experience working collaboratively with colleagues and external stakeholders across time zones and cultures
• Experience working with or in emerging economies is a plus
• Strong networks in the international climate community (governments, CSOs, donors) is a plus
• Commitment to the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Languages: Fluent in English with additional languages a bonus
• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization