Research Assistant - Forest Governance & Policy

IT & Telecom Information Management

Overview

Research on forest governance and policies related to deforestation.

You have:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental policy, Environmental Studies, Economics, the Natural Sciences, or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of work experience in a related field.
• Ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities in a deadline-driven professional environment.
• Excellent qualitative and/or quantitative research and writing skills.
• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office and literature research.
• Written and spoken proficiency in English.
• Existing work authorization is required where this position.

This is a hybrid position with an expectation of coming in to the office a minimum of 8 days per month. On an exceptional basis, we may consider a remote candidate. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission. WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position.

About the Program:

The Forest Governance & Policy (FGP) team at WRI is based on 20 years of work under the Forest Legality Initiative (2016-2023) and Forest Legality Alliance (2009-2016). The Forest Governance & Policy team works to inform and help design and implement effective forest policies related to illegal logging and associated trade and deforestation-free supply chains linking to international markets. To this end, the team pursues a series of activities including: (a) evaluating, promoting, and developing tools and technologies used by industry and stakeholders to practice due care and to deter the entry of unsustainable or illegal products into supply chains; (b) strengthening and building capacity of civil society and independent monitors to increase accountability; and (c) convening multiple stakeholders to discuss, share knowledge, and collaborate on ideas and projects aimed at exercising due care and eliminating the trade in goods associated with deforestation and illegal logging.

Job Highlight:

Reporting to Forest Governance & Policy Associate, you will work with the Forest Governance & Policy team to analyse global policy developments on deforestation-free supply chains and contribute to WRI’s outreach and communication for forest and agricultural commodity supply chains. You will also work on a research project to maintain the Risk Tool and its country profiles up to date. You will be supported by the Forest Governance & Policy Associate and other members of the FDP team, as relevant.

What will you do:

Research and Knowledge (80%):-

• Carry out research on forest laws and regulations in timber producing countries, as well as other country-specific information on forest resources and management
• Update country profiles of the Risk Tool with key information and coordinate with partners and consultants for external review
• Assist the team with literature reviews and qualitative and quantitative analysis
• Help analyze policy developments on forest trade and legality, and deforestation-free commodity supply chains
• Co-author, proofread, and edit research reports, blogs, project reports
• Support the team on other research work as needed

Administrative (20%):-

• Join meetings and/or calls with external WRI partners in government, academia, business/finance and civil society
• Help organize internal and external events, workshops and conferences, including the team’s annual forest governance conference

What will you need:

• Education: You have a bachelor’s degree in environmental policy, Environmental Studies, Economics, the Natural Sciences, or related field
• Experience: You have a minimum of 2 years of work experience knowledge, and skills in related field
• Ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner
• Ability to handle multiple priorities in a deadline-driven professional environment
• Excellent qualitative and/or quantitative research and writing skills
• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office and literature research
• Languages: Written and spoken proficiency in English
• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization

Potential Salary: Salary range is between 57,000 and 62,000 USD. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

How to Apply: Please submit a resume with cover letter by the date of 2 February 2024. 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.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 2 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: wri.org