The World Resources Institute is a global research non-profit organization that was established in 1982 with funding from the MacArthur Foundation under the leadership of James Gustave Speth. WRI is a global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity and human well-being.

Responsibilities

Program Strategy & Advisory (30%):

• Develop WRI strategy for driving greater corporate leadership, ambition and action, in line with science, data, and evidence, to help achieve the world’s climate, nature, and people goals through research and engagement
• Ensure new and existing projects related to corporate incentives and action within CEF (direct oversight role) and F|L|W (advisory role) advance and align with this and WRI’s wider strategy
• Facilitate development of internal guidance and/or external positions on complex issues, including at the climate-nature interface
• Support the development and implementation of CEF’s private-sector strategy, including helping develop theories of change and identify intervention targets, and tracking WRI’s efforts and impact as related to corporate actions
• Provide briefings and advisory support to WRI, CEF, and F|L|W leadership on corporate standards and incentives, in line with the strategic vision

Research & Engagement (40%):

• Lead and develop CEF’s research and work program on corporate incentives for climate action in close coordination with F|L|W’s related agenda on nature action, leading to evidence-based recommendations for a way ahead over the next decade, and how to get from where we are today to that longer term vision
• Author, oversee, and provide expert review on research publications, policy briefs, and other knowledge products for internal, expert, and public audiences
• Work with research, data, and communications colleagues to ensure work on corporate standards and incentives is well-targeted, intellectually robust, and reaches target audiences with messages that drive adoption at global scale and at the country level
• Convene discussions and provide thought-leadership on long-term goal and strategy for increasing corporate incentives and action, seeking to build consensus within and beyond the corporate climate and nature action ecosystem
• Represent WRI externally as participant in initiatives, at conferences and meetings, and in the media on issues related to corporate incentives and action

Management & Fundraising (30%):

• Cultivate new relationships and serve as primary fundraising lead for CEF’s corporate standards and incentives projects, leading annual- and multi-year proposals in the 6- and 7-figure range in coordination with teams across CEF, F|L|W and other WRI programs, and country-offices
• Manage projects to deliver work under CEF’s corporate standards and incentives portfolio, including oversight of project workplans, staffing, and budgets
• Provide direct management to a team of researchers, including senior managers, supporting their career trajectories and growth
• Proactively engage and share information with senior managers and project teams in F|L|W undertaking related corporate standards and incentives work on nature

What will you need:

• Education: You have completed a Master’s or or Ph.D. in environmental policy, business administration, or sustainable development, or other discipline related to corporate standards and incentives or corporate climate action ( or equivalent work experience);
• Experience: You have a minimum of 15 years of relevant work experience with at least 3 years of program management of similar scale
• Strong commitment to WRI’s mission, values, and approach, with demonstrated passion for addressing climate issues in the private-sector
• Recognition as a strategic thinker and open-minded thought-leader in the field with in-depth understanding of corporate incentives, standard-setting, target-setting, and climate action policies. Experience in corporate incentives and action related to nature also desirable
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work and be influential with internal and external partners at a high level and up to the highest standards of integrity
• Experience fundraising up to at least $1M annually, managing project budgets and assembling and leading staff and teams
• Demonstrated work with research-based policy recommendations, and a record of contributing to, reviewing, or participating in high-quality publications
• Languages: Excellent English writing and oral communication skills
• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization