Project & Research Coordinator, Forests Program

Job Summary
In this cross-cutting role, you will provide administrative support and research capacity across multiple projects and initiatives focusing on forest emissions reductions and removals in carbon markets. You will work with an interdisciplinary and cross-programmatic team to advance research and strategies to provide financing for the restoration, protection, and sustainable management of natural and working landscapes.

The team is seeking a candidate with strong organizational skills. Success in this position will also require an entrepreneurial spirit, an ability to cultivate and manage relationships with internal and external partners, and an ability to juggle multiple tasks and deadlines while setting and delivering on clear priorities. While you will be based in and primarily support the Global Forest Program, you will also work closely with the Business Center and its work on assessing corporate commitments to achieving net zero climate goals utilizing nature-based solutions.

This is a short-term position, with a proposed end date of December 31, 2021 with the possibility of full-time employment afterward.

This position is remote due to Covid-19, but you will be based at WRI’s office in Washington, DC once restrictions have lifted.

Job Responsibilities

Program Management and Administration (50%)

• Maintain and adapt an overall workplan of activities building towards a consolidated WRI initiative on forests and climate
• Organize internal and external meetings, workshops, conferences and other dissemination activities
• Support monitoring and tracking of project deliverables to ensure that they are submitted within the period of performance and at high quality
• Ensure that project activities and outputs are consistent and integrated where needed
• Process contracts, work orders, and other formal documentation for project commitments
• Additional ad-hoc program management and operational duties as needed

Research & Knowledge Development (50%)

• Assist researchers and project managers with literature reviews and qualitative and quantitative analysis
• Prepare presentations for internal and external meetings
• Review and synthesize key documents for internal distribution
• Provide support, advice and guidance on policy research, data interpretation and analytical issues to other research staff

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in environmental science/management, public policy, international development, urban development or similar required
• Minimum 1-2 years of relevant full-time work experience is required.
• A successful candidate will demonstrate excellent qualitative research and writing skills. Quantitative analysis skills a plus
• Prior experience in analyzing and writing research products
• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office and internet research
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse teams of individuals and colleagues
• Strong written and oral communication skills, particularly when it comes to communicating technical concepts to non-technical audiences
• Ability to cultivate and manage relationships with external partners
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks and deadlines while setting and delivering on clear priorities
• Enjoys working within a large, diverse, and collaborative team environment
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and demonstrated strong work ethic
• US work authorization required for this position

How to Apply: Please submit a resume with cover letter. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered. 

Potential Salary: $46,000 – $60,000. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

Program Overview

Human society and the global economy are inextricably linked to forests. More than 1 billion people depend on forests for their livelihoods and forest ecosystems play a critical role in stabilizing the climate; providing food, water, wood products, and vital medicines; and supporting much of the world’s biodiversity. WRI’s Global Forest Program works with governments, businesses, and civil society to sustain forests for future generations. We aim to curb deforestation worldwide and help restore and reforest already-cleared land.

WRI Overview 

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 in order to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. 

We are passionate. We value our diversity of interests, skills and backgrounds. We have a flexible work environment. And we share a common goal to catalyze change that will improve the lives of people. Our shared ideals are at the core of our approach. They include: integrity, innovation, urgency, independence and respect. 

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.  

We have been growing rapidly: our staff has doubled in size over the past 5 years and our operating budget is now $150 million. Founded in 1982, WRI has a global staff of 1,000+ people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico and the United States as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.   

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.