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Research Associate - China


Global Buildings Performance Network

Beijing, China


The Global Buildings Performance Network is seeking a Chinese Research Associate in the field of building energy performance and building performance policies to be based in Beijing. The research associate will coordinate international exchange of knowledge and expertise on best-practice policies for low energy, & low carbon buildings to and from China. 

Under the supervision of the GBPN Technical Director and in close collaboration with the Buildings Program of the China Sustainable Energy Program, the research associate will:

1) Facilitate exchange of knowledge and expertise on best-practice building energy policies from China and Internationally by:

a) Developing case-studies and research publications in English and Mandarin of international best-practice policies and strategies for delivering low-energy buildings (both new and existing) that are applicable to the Chinese context;
b) Developing case-studies and research publications in English and Mandarin of Chinese best-practice policies and strategies for delivering low-energy buildings (both new and existing) that are applicable to the contexts of GBPN’s other focus regions (USA, Europe, and India);
c) Maintaining the Mandarin web-portal of the GBPN Global Knowledge Hub and contributing Chinese data to the Knowledge Hub data-bases;
d) Provide Mandarin translations of key GBPN research reports, presentations and other strategic outputs.

2) Coordinate Regional Research and Knowledge Exchange Activities, including:

a) Responding to calls for input of international best-practices or benchmarking by CSEP and their Building sector grantees;
b) Representing GBPN at stakeholder meetings and workshops as required & reporting outcomes of workshops to supervisors;
c) Assess, evaluate, and suggest modifications to program strategy over time and prepare monthly reports to GBPN;
d) Assist with international study tours both to and from China.

The research associate will work with the GBPN Technical Director and CSEP China Buildings Program Director in developing detailed implementation strategies for these activities. The research associate will also collaborate and coordinate with other GBPN Regional Hubs and the Global Centre to support the work program in China and prepare monthly reports on activity and outcomes.

Qualifications

The successful applicant will have the following minimum qualifications:
  • Higher research degree (Master’s or PhD) in a relevant field. Experience and/or post-graduate degree in Europe an advantage;
  • Bachelors degree in a relevant field such as engineering, architecture, communications or public policy.

Experience

  • Commitment to the mission of the GBPN;
  • Exceptionally fluent in both written and spoken Mandarin and English;
  • Demonstrated proficiency in technical writing in both Chinese (Mandarin) and English;
  • Demonstrated track record in project management and coordination of Chinese and international research;
  • Well networked with the Chinese and international community of experts in building energy policy and performance;
  • 5 or more years experience in research in the fields of building energy performance and policy analysis;
  • 2 or more years experience on international projects and research project management.

Professional Attributes

  • Ability to work independently, under pressure, prioritize, and be flexible;
  • 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;
  • Professionalism, poise and the ability to work as part of a team, maintain a sense of humor, and interact with a diverse array of people.

Employment Conditions

  • The research associate is working on a full time basis;
  • The research associate will either be located in Beijing China, or travel extensively and over long periods of time to Beijing China, to facilitate the communication process with the Buildings Program of the China Sustainable Energy Program;
  • A desk and equipment will be provided at a GBPN Regional Hub or Partner’s offices;
  • The GBPN Technical Director is based at the GBPN Global Centre in Paris, France with primary communication through weekly skype calls.

Travel

  • Extensive Travel to China over long-periods of time for non-chinese residents;
  • Travel may also be required within China and other international destinations;
  • All travel is subject to the GBPN travel policy and must be approved in advance by the Technical Director and the Executive Director;
  • Travel reports are also mandatory.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected start date for this position is February 2013 or immediately;
GBPN offers an excellent benefits package and a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience.

To Apply

To be considered for this position, interested candidates must provide an application in both English and Mandarin, including a cover letter detailing qualifications to perform the role, a description of similar assignments/experience in similar conditions and salary requirements:

Email applications by 30th January 2013 to: careers@globalbuildings.org (Quote Reference CH.ResAss in email subject line).

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