Project Management Lead, Operations

This full-time position can be located in Addis Ababa, the Hague or in the DC Global Office.

Job Summary
WRI is seeking a Project Management Lead. In this role, you will be responsible for managing the creation and development of a culture of project management across the Institute, including coordinating across all core functions, standardizing our project management practices, creating a community of practice and equipping WRI with more project management capacity. This is an exciting opportunity to join WRI. You will play a crucial role in creating a culture of excellence at WRI and a community of practice among all project managers. 

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

Job Responsibilities

Project Management Integration & Standardization (60%):

• You will standardize WRI’s project management definitions, practices and associated forms/documentation
• You will identify and lead on implementation of an institutional project management tool
• You will coordinate the project management elements of WRI’s Core Functions (Accounting, Communications, Cost & Pricing, Development, Finance, Grants & Contracts, Managing for Results and Research, Data & Innovation teams) as a resource for project managers
• You will ensure that all Core Functions are appropriately represented throughout a project lifecycle for existing projects and new awards
• You will work closely with Programs, Centers and International Offices to detail benefits of project management, and also come up with bespoke project management solutions for each team and help each program, center and IO identify internal project management hiring needs

Workforce Training & Development (25%):

• You will conduct landscape analysis of existing project management capacity and needs across WRI’s global footprint
• You will coordinate with the HR team to build a project management job family, assist in drafting job descriptions for project managers
• You will create and lead a project management community of practice across all WRI offices
• You will develop and facilitate project management trainings for staff, based on WRI’s standards

Institutional Resources (15%):

• You will act as a key point of contact for project management to all programs, centers, and IOs
• You will coordinate centralized meetings to review project deliverables and general project management performance for select institutional projects
• You will review, regularly update, and communicate WRI’s Project Management Standards

Job Qualifications

• Master’s degree required or a Bachelor’s degree with two additional years of experience
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant full time experience with 3 to 5 years of experience in project and portfolio management 
• Project management experience in the not-for-profit/international development sector a plus
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with a variety of internal and external partners with competing interests
• PMP or PMD Pro certified Demonstrated experience with international government funding
• Detail oriented, able to manage multiple priorities, ensure highest standards and consistency of work
• Demonstrated experience with change management and ability to successfully engage with and coordinate across multiple partners
• Excellent facilitation, communication, organizational and interpersonal skills
• Experience working effectively and respectfully in diverse teams and communities around the globe, preferably experience of working in multiple geographies during the course of their career
• Strong critical thinking capabilities with an ability to rapidly assess situational needs, develop problem solving strategies, and implement sustainable solutions

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

Potential Salary: $96,000 – $130,000 if based in United States. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

Program Overview
WRI is committed to creating a culture of project management across our organization. The Project Manager will coordinate and standardize our project planning and project management across all programs, centers, and international offices.

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.