Sustainable Cities Director China

SUSTAINABLE CITIES DIRECTOR, CHINA SUSTAINABLE TRANSITION CENTER

Leadership Beijing, China

Overview and Job Summary

WRI China is seeking a creative and talented expert as Director of China Sustainable Cities Program. In this role, you will direct WRI China’s efforts to influence governments, as well as the private sector and civil society, to participate in the development and implementation of innovative and transformative sustainable solutions for Cities Program across China. You will lead a professional team to implement the on-the-ground, concrete improvements for sustainability in major cities. You will be responsible for working with WRI global Cities leaders and WRI China peer program leaders in developing a common vision; providing strategic leadership; diversifying and expanding the funding; overseeing the growth of the work; and playing a national and global leadership role in the development and implementation of sustainable urban solutions. As a member of WRI China’s Management Team, you will be responsible for collaborating with other programs in WRI China, following a cohesive global strategy across multiple solutions. You will be part of the WRI Ross Center’s leadership team, a senior advisor and thought partner for the Global Director of the program. You will be a member of the WRI Ross Center Executive Team.

Job Responsibilities

Strategic and Operational Leadership and Program Management

• Manage and develop China Sustainable Cities Program, align with WRI, WRI Ross Center and WRI China long term strategies.
• Lead strategically for the Cities Development work stream, with a research agenda and work plan, in coordination with other work stream leads.
• Bring creative thinking and develop innovative solutions to address complex urban challenges.
• Grow and coordinate a community of practice and experts across the China and globe, managing and mentoring a cadre of professional staff in WRI China.
• Work on the connections with different WRI China programs such as Climate and Energy, Sustainable investment and Food and Nature resources to improve the urban environment and scale up WRI’s impact.
• Provide strategic direction to China Cities team to ensure a coherent, high-impact, evidence-based, results-oriented strategy that provides development, environmental, governance, and public health benefits.
• Represent China Sustainable Cities Program externally on key topics of expertise, at conferences or meetings, in writing, and with media. In partnership with the Global teams, represent the WRI Cities approach on innovative and transformative sustainable solutions for cities across China through direct engagement and interaction with cities, national governments and other global actors.
• Collaborate with multiple teams across WRI Ross Center network to ensure proper alignment with the Cities Strategy.

Fund-raising and Develop Long-term Funding

• Lead the development and implementation of the fundraising strategy related to the Cities program, in coordination with WRI Ross Center Global team and WRI China.
• Develop and maintain relationships with existing and prospective donors.
• Identify fundraising opportunities and prepare funding proposals for corporate donors, private foundations, government agencies, bilateral donors, and other funders.

Qualifications and Requirements

·        Master’s degree or above in planning, urbanism, or economic/urban development with an excellent understanding of urban transport, land use, climate, energy, water, vulnerability, and governance.

·        Minimum of 15 years of full-time work experience in a relevant field, with a track record of leadership combined with effective stewardship and management experience.

·        Well-established China Sustainable Cities expert with known track record on national Cities works. Experience on mitigation is required while adaptation is a plus.

·        In-depth understanding of China’s Sustainable Cities agenda both domestically and in relation to the international Sustainable Cities regime, as well as bilateral/multilateral relationships.

·        Proven ability to provide vision and superb strategic thinking skills to identify strategic projects, drive transformative change, and bring outcomes to scale.

·        Track record on raising large-scale, multi-year funds with broad connections with funders, both domestically and internationally.

·        Excellent communication skills and command of written and spoken both Chinese (Mandarin) and English. Strong public speaker in both languages.

·        Superior management skills, including project management, staff supervision, and financial management. Demonstrated ability to successfully motivate and manage teams.

·        Familiar with the operation models of NGOs/research institutions.

·        Willingness and ability to travel within China and internationally.

How to Apply

Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

Final candidate will be required to take a writing test.

Reporting

Report to China Country Director

Information

• Location: Beijing, China

Industry experience

Education: Masters

Seniority: Manager, Director, Professor

Years of experience: 20 years or above

Taxonomy

• Urban Agriculture
• Integrated Urban Water Management
• Sustainability
• Urban Water
• Urban Resource Management
• Urban Water Supply
• Urban Drainage System
• Urban Water Infrastructure
• Sustainability Management
• Sustainable Cities
• Urban Design
• urban water security
• Urban Engineering
• Urban Regeneration
• Urban Planner