Background

We have a short window of opportunity to achieve significant greenhouse gas emission reductions and we have a sector that can deliver them. For this reason the Climate Works Foundation has established a new best practice network for the building sector - the Global Buildings Performance Network (GBPN). Our mission is to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with building energy use. We will achieve this by:

• promoting best practice policy pakages for building energy efficiency and low carbon performance;
• offering world class energy efficiency expertise to policy makers and business leaders; and
• advancing designs, policies and programs that promote low carbon, energy efficient buildings worldwide.

The GBPN will fill an important gap as a key global center that is regionally organized, elevating local expertise and policies that feed into an international network. The GBPN will work in the four regions - the United States, Europe, China, and India - that have nearly two-thirds of the buildings sector's carbon mitigation potential. Our first two regional hubs have been established through the Building Performance Institute Europe (BPIE) and the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) in the U.S.A. GBPN is also working in partnership with the regional climate foundation for India and the China Sustainable Energy Program (CSEP) in China.

Scope of Work

GBPN is looking for a passionate and skilled research associate to conduct global research and analysis of best practices in building energy performance and low-GHG emissions. The Research Associate will specialize in technical research focusing mainly on policy analysis relating to low-carbon and energy efficient buildings. This position will principally support the Global Technical Director in initiating, conducting and writing-up GBPN's global technical research work program.

In addition, the Research Associate will collaborate with researchers in our regional hub organizations and strategic partners to identify, document and share global best practices through various media, including but not limited to on-line. journal articles, conferences and reports.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Building Policy & Performance Specialist:

• Designing and implementing research with an emphasis on policy analysis based on measured performance of buildings and documented impact of policies
• Research Project Management including management of external consultants and contractors
• Report writing and publication
• Data-Base development and management
• Co-ordination of Strategic Advisory and peer review committees

Qualifications & Experience

The successful applicant will have the following minimum qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in a relevant field such as engineering, architecture, or public policy
• Higher research degree (Master's or PhD) in a relevant field

Experience

• Commitment to and understanding of the mission of the GBPN
• 2 to 5 years experience in relevant research oriented roles
• Experience developing and successflly implementing complex internal and external projects
• Exceptional writing, editing and communications skills in English
• Experience writing in a variety of formats - web, print publications, briefing papers., press releases, journal articles and reports
• Working knowledge of current climate and energy policies, technologies and theories of change in the building sector
• Superb attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize, and be flexible
• Professionalism, poise and the ability to work as part of a team, maintain sense of humor, and interact with a diverse array of people.

Additional Desired Experience and skills

• Experience coordinating and managing international research-oriented projects
• Experience coordinating expert reference and advisory groups
• Experience working in service to a broad range of clients and stakeholders
• Background in international policy, or work with multinational institutions
• Past experience in energy-efficiency in the building sector
• Proficiency in languages other than English is advantageous
• Flexibility to work within both research and knowledge management
• Start-up experience

Compensation and Benefits

The expected start date for this position is February/March 2012. The position will be located in Paris, France, GBPN offers an excellent benefits package and a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience.

To Apply

Please provide an application including a cover letter detailing your qualifications to perform the role, including a description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions and your salary requirements.

Email application by Friday 10th February 2012 to: careers@globalbuildings.org (Quote Reference BRA0112 in email subject line)

Inquiries received via phone call or direct email will not be eligible for review.

The Global Buildings Performance Network is an equal opportunity employer.

Job offer (pdf)