Researcher - Our Ocean Conference Secretariat

World Resources Institute Careers: Researcher, Our Ocean Conference Secretariat

About the Program

The ocean is fundamental to the future of people, nature, and climate. More than 3 billion people depend on the ocean for their livelihoods and food, and the ocean ecosystem generates numerous ecosystem services that benefit humanity. Moreover, ocean-based climate solutions can potentially reduce the emissions gap by up to 35% on a 1.5°C trajectory by 2050.

Recognizing this importance, the Ocean Program at the World Resources Institute (WRI) seeks to catalyze a world where effective ocean protection enables sustainable production of what the ocean provides, yielding prosperity for all. In other words, we seek a world where not only Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 is met but also many of the other SDGs for which the ocean can provide solutions.

Job Highlight

Reporting to the Manager of the Our Ocean Conference Secretariat, you will support the hosting of the annual Our Ocean Conferences. This significant undertaking involves meticulous preparation, seamless operation, and diligent follow-up, all of which are critical for the success of the event. You will be an integral part of a dedicated team to achieve this.

You will play a crucial role in driving the success of the OOC by leading the OOC commitment tracking workstream, including establishing and maintaining a commitments registry that records commitments made at each conference and tracks progress on previous commitments. You will also provide technical and logistical support to both the Manager of the OOC Secretariat and the host countries. You will be supported by the Manager of the Our Ocean Conference Secretariat and the Ocean Programme Communications Team.

What will you do

Commitment Tracking (50%)

• Synthesize past commitments and then going forward record commitments per OOC record
• OOC commitments
• Track progress by actors against these commitments, gather data to assess performance against the commitments
• Communicate progress over time, communicating results

Administrative Support (30%)

• Assist the Manager, Our Ocean Conference Secretariat, in daily administrative tasks including scheduling meetings, managing correspondence, and organizing travel arrangements
• Coordinate logistics for events, meetings, and workshops organized by the Secretariat

Support to Host Countries (20%)

• Provide technical assistance and guidance to host countries in organizing and executing OOC conferences

What will you need

Education

• Bachelor's degree in the natural sciences, international relations, law, economics, or other discipline relevant for marine and coastal systems and/or the ocean economy

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in relevant fields
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Experience conducting research, data analysis, and policy evaluation, preferably in the field of ocean conservation or sustainable development
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and demonstrate initiative in problem-solving
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex information and communicate findings effectively
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to travel, especially internationally, about 10% of the time
• Fluent in English with additional languages a bonus

Requirements

• Existing work authorization is required where this position
• WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization

Potential Salary

• US salary range is between $69K and $73K USD
• UK £38K - £45K GBP
• Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors

How to Apply

Please submit a resume with a required cover letter by the date of May 28, 2024. We are unable to consider your application without a cover letter. You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

What we offer

• Access to the WRI global network with the opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the US
• The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission-driven organization with access to varied learning and training opportunities
• A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work
• The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI
• Commitment to a hybrid working model with flexible working hours
• Generous leave days that increase with tenure

About Us

Founded in 1982, 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 to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean.

WRI has a global staff of over 1,800 people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia, and the United States, as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions. 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.

Our mission and values

WRI's mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth's environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations. Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence, and Respect.

Our culture

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. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment; we embrace all diversity and encourage women, the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, Afro-descendants, and Indigenous people to apply. Recognizing our strong commitment to gender equality, WRI has also been awarded EDGE certification.

Our team in Human Resources carefully reviews all applications.

Apply here.