EU Desk Assistant

This position will be a hybrid requiring a few days per week in office. You can be based in our office in The Hague; WRI Europe. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position.

This will initially be a 1 year contract with the possibility of extension based on funding and performance.

About the Program:

The EU Desk is the coordinating body of WRI managing and coordinating the relationship with EU institutions and relevant EU related organizations. The pillars of the EU desk are engagement, (strategic) partnerships, EU policy and funding (development) of EU funding opportunities, like Horizon innovation funding.

Job Highlight:

Reporting to the Head of The Hague Regional Office and Director of European Partnerships, you will be part of WRI’s European Union desk team working on engagement and development with the European Union institutions. You will focus on conducting research and analysis of EU funding opportunities for WRI from EU research and innovation funds (like Horizon Europe), EU development cooperation grants and EU tenders. You will support internal coordination around such opportunities and provide briefings on policy developments relevant to WRI’s scope of work. You will also support outreach and engagement activities with EU organizations and partners, such as the European Investment Bank, including network building, meetings management and preparation.

What will you do:

Proposal Development, Coordination and Communication (80%):

• Support the pursuit of EU funding opportunities for WRI from EU research and innovation funds like Horizon Europe, LIFE, EU development cooperation grants and EU tenders
• Serve as the internal information point for WRI colleagues on EU funding opportunities and support IO, Program, and Center staff with proposal development on initial type of tenders.
• Support the community of practice on EU funding
• Support the management WRI’s relationships with some European actors, such as the European Investment Bank (EIB) and others
• Organize meetings, convenings, visits and events designed to strengthen cooperation and WRI’s visibility
• Support WRI Europe’s Communications Manager to provide information about the ambitions of the European Commission
• Prepare speeches, PowerPoint presentations, and blog drafts on EU topics and policies

Prospect Research (15%):

• Identify suitable European research and consortium partners with high success rates in getting EU funding and track potential calls of interest for WRI

Administrative Support (5%):

• Support the EU desk team with logistical preparations for visits of high level WRI staff to the EU, EU-based organizations and EU partners including organizing meetings.

What will you need:

• Education: You have completed a bachelor’s degree and have an academic work, thinking level and interest in people, planet and nature.
• Experience: You have a minimum of 1 year of relevant work experience (relevant internships are considered)
• Demonstrated familiarity with EU issues, sustainable development, environment or international development
• Experience tracking and sharing relevant information
• Experience organising meetings
• Languages: You have verbal and written proficiency in English
• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization

Potential Salary:

€38,040 - €45,648

Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume with a required cover letter by the 7 June 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 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.