WRI’s Ross Center for Sustainable Cities seeks a full-time, benefits eligible Research and Engagement Specialist for a multi-faceted role within its Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE) team. The RKE team in the WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities manages research for the entire network of urban professionals associated with the Ross Center (currently more than 400 staff). The team also leads the work on WRI’s flagship World Resources Report (WRR) “Towards a More Equal City” and other research-based projects focused on sustainable development, equity, and urban resilience. In this position, you will need experience with research combined with strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills. You will be responsible for managing engagement activities for the WRR synthesis report to be launched in September 2021 as well as supporting the RKE team in various research management, writing, and communications capacities.
This role is a hybrid role that requires strong communications and writing skills, knowledge of research processes and methods, and an interest in sustainable urban development. This person must also be detail oriented, very well-organized, and able to coordinate across a diverse set of projects and teams. The position may also involve supporting the WRI Ross Center’s Communications team, particularly on research-related communications and engagement. The position has some flexibility for you to explore your areas of interest within the Research and Knowledge Exchange team and jointly with other Ross Center teams.
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
Communications and Engagement (60%)
Lead all engagement work for the World Resources Report (WRR), “Towards a More Equal City” up to and beyond the launch in September 2021. This includes communicating with high-level stakeholders, overseeing planning for and implementation of engagement events (e.g., virtual launch event), coordinating closely with the research and communications teams to create briefing materials and other derivative products, supporting a social media campaign, preparing presentations and talking points, and coordinating an event on equitable cities at COP26
Organize presentations, workshop and launch events for the program as needed (within WRI and externally)
Assist with conference organization for the program as needed, coordinating with WRI’s International Office staff if necessary
Write blogs and prepare other communications materials for dissemination of program knowledge products
Present WRI’s research at internal meetings and help prepare presentations for external meetings
Support program needs with video and photo recording and editing, production of brochures, and other graphic materials
Manage the Program’s website in coordination with the WRI Ross Center’s Communications team
Research (30%)
Support project-related research with literature reviews, qualitative or quantitative analysis, and blogs
Contribute to knowledge products (e.g. reports, briefs, data products)
Assist with review of knowledge products written by other WRI researchers
Coordinate with WRI’s International Offices on organizing research-related events and support media outreach for our research
Support the implementation of the WRI Ross Center’s Knowledge Strategy
Project Management and Administration (10%)
Coordinate and schedule meetings regarding research projects among teams
Support the team relationships with stakeholders, co-authors, partners and donors
Coordinate meetings and workflow within the team (primarily between supervisors/ researchers and the Project Coordinator responsible for financials)
Be familiar with various program, department and organizational trackers (performance monitoring, deliverables, media hits tracker and others)
Assist in preparation of documentation for project commitments (i.e. agreements, contracts, work authorizations, and purchase orders) if staff managing these requirements are unavailable
Job Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in media, sustainable development, international studies, environmental science, public policy/administration, urban planning, economics, geography, political science, history, or related. Master’s degree preferred
Two+ years of relevant, full-time work experience supporting activities related to research and engagement, e.g., at university departments, think tanks, or other international organizations
Familiarity with research processes and methods
Strong writing, database management, and proofreading skills
Excellent research skills with demonstrated creativity, resourcefulness and ability to take initiative
Strong attention to detail with strong organization skills
Adaptable to rapidly changing priorities and the ability to manage multiple projects with varying deadlines
Experience with audio-visual production, photography and event organizing
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office and internet research; experience with statistical analysis software and GIS is highly desirable
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to work well in a team and with international colleagues
In addition to excellent written and spoken English, additional language skills are a plus, especially in languages of WRI offices – Spanish, Portuguese, Turkish, Chinese, French, or Hindi
US work authorization required. WRI is unable to sponsor visas for this opportunity
How to Apply: Please submit a resume with cover letter. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.
Potential Salary: $53,000 – $68,000. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.
Program Overview
WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities is the World Resources Institute’s program dedicated to shaping a future where cities work better for everyone. Global research and on-the-ground experience in Brazil, China, Ethiopia, India, Mexico, Turkey and the United States combine to spur action that improves life for millions of people. We have projects focused on buildings, sustainable urban mobility, urban climate resilience, urban governance, water, energy and climate, urban development, and health and road safety.
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.
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