This position is remote-eligible and only for consideration within the United States where WRI is state registered. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission. WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position.

This position is a full time limited term position.

About the Program:

The 480,000 school buses in the United States account for 80% of all buses nationwide, yet less than 1% are electrified. School bus electrification represents a unique opportunity to accelerate decarbonization while bringing direct, tangible benefits to every community in the United States. This transition can help make electric mobility the new normal for an entire generation. Through the U.S. Electric School Bus Initiative, funded by the Bezos Earth Fund, WRI’s aim is to create unstoppable momentum over the next five years on a path toward electrifying the entire fleet of U.S. school buses by 2030. Overcoming the cost, infrastructure and policy barriers to mass adoption will require a systemic approach that engages an entire ecosystem of actors and prioritizes inclusive planning with impacted communities. – Together with partners, WRI is working in five areas of focus: Support school districts in accelerating the equitable transition to electric school buses – Collaborate with manufacturers across the electric school bus supply chain in preparing for an equitable and sustainable transition – Work with electric utilities to improve interconnection and investments for electric school bus charging infrastructure, including supportive rates and tariffs – Engage policymakers to drive policies that grow demand and reduce barriers, and to increase electric school bus public funding – Partner with communities pursuing school bus electrification, and provide the tools and resources to make it happen

Job Highlight:

This is a 6 month short term position on the Electric School Bus Initiative’s team. In this role time will be split between research and data analysis, policy and advocacy support and technical assistance.

What will you do:

Research & Data Analysis 60%:

• Collect, clean, and prepare a variety of data including on Electric School Bus adoption, equity and demographic metrics, and funding and financing sources
• Independently conduct quantitative analysis of data, including exploration and identification of trends, patterns and correlations that relate to project strategy
• Undertake qualitative research via both secondary (desk) research as well as direct stakeholder engagement on financial topics such as school bus procurement strategies and policies, deal requirements for financing electric transportation projects, and barriers and opportunities for financing electric school buses
• Synthesize quantitative and qualitative information and present findings in an accessible manner to a variety of audience types

Policy & Advocacy Support 30%:

• Independently conduct Total Costs of Ownership analyses and model program designs tailored to specific policy contexts and operating environments; this will include embedding equity into policies and programs in a locationally-appropriate manner
• Prepare memos, presentations, or lead meetings to communicate information to non-technical audiences and promote recommended policy reforms

Technical Assistance 10%:

• Maintain WRI’s Clearinghouse of Funding and Financing Opportunities including annual updates and/or oversight of external sub-consultants
• Provide ad hoc support to school districts and other stakeholders navigating funding and financing opportunities; this may include preparation of budget estimates, budget narratives, Total Cost of Ownership analyses, and/or identification of complementary funding and financing sources

What will you need:

• Education: A completed Bachelor’s degree
• Substantive interest in and/or exposure to transportation, electricity, and/or climate policy
• Experience with, or interest in developing skills in, financial modeling
• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization

Potential Salary:
The salary range is between 48,000 USD to 54,000 USD. WRI offers a competitive remuneration and benefits package.

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume with cover letter by the date of May 5, 2023. You mustapply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

What we offer:

• A competitive salary
• 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.
• Long-term commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours.
• Generous leave days that increase with tenure.

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, aswell 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, Respect.

Our culture:

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, we embrace all diversity and encourage women, the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, Afro-descendants, and Indigenous people to apply. Recognizing our strong commitment to gender equality, WRI has also been awarded EDGE certification.

Our team in Human Resources carefully reviews all applications.