Resources for the Future

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Organizational Profile

RFF’s mission is to improve environmental, energy, and natural resource decisions through impartial economic research and policy engagement. RFF’s widely trusted research insights and policy solutions advance a healthy environment and thriving economy, equitably supporting people and communities, and helping solve the climate crisis.

Our work centers on the design of smart strategies to achieve net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases and enhance resilience to climate change risks. We also emphasize issues related to equity, adaptation to structural transitions arising from decarbonization, and climate and policy impacts at the community level. Our experts bring the brightest thinking to bear on our future, while having shaped many of the world’s most successful environmental decisions and policies over the past 70 years.

Working at RFF provides the opportunity to draw on one of the world’s largest collections of experts in environmental and natural resource economics as well as an extensive range of partnerships with NGO, government, academic, and private sector institutions. Our people are the key to our success. We hope you will join us.

Summary

Resources for the Future is seeking experienced researchers and policy specialists ready to lead team-based research, fundraising, and policy engagement activities. The position is open to mid-career applicants with either a Doctoral degree and at least five years of professional experience beyond their doctorate or Master's degree and at least ten years of professional experience in environmental research and policy. Appointments will be made at the Fellow, Senior Fellow, Initiative Director, and Program Director Level, depending on experience.  

The ideal candidate will have the entrepreneurial drive to establish new areas of research with lasting impact on environmental decisions and policy. We will consider individuals with proven track records of team-based research management and entrepreneurship, as well as experienced researchers with a strong motivation to develop the skills and experience needed to become such leaders.

Within the broad themes of smart strategies to achieve net-zero emissions and climate resilience, RFF is particularly interested in adding expertise in policy design and modeling focused on emission reductions and carbon dioxide removal; environmental justice; innovation and climate technology adoption; corporate climate strategy; emissions accounting; and private and public sector financing of low-carbon investments. Candidates with expertise in other areas related to climate change will also be considered, particularly those with expertise relevant to our programs focused on climate solutions in the industrial, fuels, electricity, forestry, and agricultural sectors, as well as climate risks and resilience.

RFF is committed to being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. Achieving that goal is essential to achieving our mission, as described in RFF’s Vision for a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Future. We especially encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds and life experiences to apply.

Qualifications and Experience

A PhD in economics or closely related field, and more than 5 years of post-degree professional experience in climate policy research; OR,

An alternative graduate degree (e.g., MA, JD, or PhDs less-closely related to economics) and at least 10 years of post-degree professional experience in climate policy research and engagement.

Expertise related to one or more of the topics listed above, with a record of research publications and/or leading and managing teams producing research publications.

Experience working within or closely with government agencies, and a network of governmental and non-governmental contacts related to environmental policy issues.

Demonstrated ability to establish and lead new areas of research and policy engagement with lasting impact on environmental decisions and policy.

Demonstrated research leadership skills, including project and program management ability.

Management or supervisory experience leading, coaching, and mentoring staff, with increased responsibilities over time.

Fundraising experience with government, foundations, corporations, multilateral organizations, and/or individuals.

Experience with strategic communications, including outreach to media and target audiences in the public, business, and nonprofit sectors.

Outstanding oral and written communications skills.

Demonstrated interest in, and capability to work as part of a team to develop and execute strategy on an organizational level.

Experience in building and maintaining partnerships with organizations, universities, and/or multilateral institutions.

All applicants should use RFF’s on-line application process at www.rff.org/careers. The required items are a letter of application describing interest in the position focusing on the relevant area(s) noted above and a resume/curriculum vitae.

Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. However, they should be received by November 26, 2023, in order to ensure full consideration.

Should you experience any difficulty in applying online, or if you have other questions about the position, please email midcareerhiring@rff.org.