Climate Associate

This position is fully remote but will require the candidate to be based in Johannesburg.

About the Program:

WRI’s Cities programme is dedicated to shaping a future where cities work better for everyone. Together with partners around the world, WRI helps create resilient, inclusive, low-carbon places that are better for people and the planet. The programme transforms the way cities are planned and designed to ensure that urban development benefits people, nature and the climate. Through creative and sustainable local partnerships, we help decision-makers navigate competing tensions through research, project development and piloting, peer exchange, and policy development so they can adapt and harness the benefits of systemic change.

For more information, visit our website,  https://www.wri.org/cities

Job Highlight:

In this role, you will support research and policy  development, project implementation, donor reporting, and stakeholder engagement related to climate action in South African cities. The role spans climate resilience, water, nature‑based solutions, waste, and energy systems, with a strong focus on applied research and city‑level implementation.

You will be supported by a multidisciplinary team across Africa , Europe,  and the Global offices working towards building climate resilience.  

You will report to the Country Lead for Climate and Resilience in South Africa.

This position is fully remote but will require the candidate to be based in Johannesburg.

What will you do:

Research and Knowledge Development (30% time)

• Contribute to applied research, including climate and environmental analysis, sectoral roadmaps, policy analysis, and thematic studies on urban climate resilience, mitigation, and adaptation.
• Support the development of knowledge products, including research reports, policy briefs, technical notes, blogs, and case studies.
• Assist in integrating climate action, equity, and governance considerations into urban strategies.

Project Implementation and Management (40% time)

• Support the design and implementation of climate resilience interventions in South African cities.
• Assist with project coordination, planning, and monitoring to ensure timely delivery of outputs.
• Contribute to donor reporting and internal project documentation.

Stakeholder Engagement & Convening time (15%)

• Coordinate and support engagement with city governments, national stakeholders, civil society, and development partners.
• Organise and support workshops, seminars, policy dialogues, training sessions, and peer learning events.
• Prepare summaries and proceedings from meetings and events.

Fundraising and Programme Development (15%)

• Support proposal development and fundraising efforts related to urban climate resilience initiatives.
• Contribute inputs to concept notes, technical sections of proposals, and donor communications.

What you will need:

• Education: You have a completed a postgraduate degree in climate science, environmental studies, sustainability, urban development, or a related fields.
• Experience: You have a minimum of 5 years full-time relevant work experience in prioritised fields.
• Experience in working on climate, environmental, or urban development initiatives.
• Have in your previous jobs coordinated multidisciplinary projects with multiple stakeholders, preferably at international or regional organisations.
• Have developed strong writing and analytical skills, with experience producing research outputs and policy‑oriented documents using various tools including Powerpoint, Excel, and Word
• You have experience in developing proposals and concept notes for funding
• Experience in engaging with South African cities and other urban stakeholders.
• You have developed proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• In the past you have worked independently while contributing effectively to team‑based work.
• Languages: English
• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization.

Potential Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors. WRI offers a competitive renumeration and benefits package.

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume with cover letter by the date of 2 June 2026.  You must apply 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, 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, 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.