Research Associate

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days per month in the office. You will be based in our WRI Europe office in The Hague. 

This is a 1 year, fixed term contract with the possibility of renewal.

About the Program:

The role will span research projects for three distinct but related teams.

Sustainable Urban Food Systemsv: Here you will lead the research element of a broader project examining the food policy commitments of cities and subnational governments in Europe. You will help to build WRI’s institutional understanding of their ability to commit to the Coolfood pledge and identify the barriers and potential solutions to help them do this.

Integrated Climate Action: Here you will undertake research into the role of multi-level partnerships to support climate action in the context of WRI’s role in supporting The Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships (CHAMP) for Climate Action initiative. You will focus on supporting the development of guidance and practical examples for national governments on how to implement their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in collaboration with sub-national governments. This will include desk research, expert consultation and the development of case studies.

Faith and Sustainability Initiative: You will help develop tools and guidance for Faith-based organizations to measure and manage their emissions. You will examine the role faith-based organizations and religious leaders play in, for example, promoting food security, regenerative agriculture, and addressing food loss and waste.

Job Highlight:

Reporting to the Head of Partnerships and Engagement, Food Initiatives, this is an exciting, varied role that will allow you to work across three of WRI’s key functions providing opportunities to learn about how climate, nature and people priorities are pursued in different areas of climate action. You will integrate equity into your work. This allows you to make a tangible contribution to the knowledge base of these teams and accelerate their progress in finding solutions to some of the most pressing environmental challenges in these areas.

You will be supported by senior members of the teams to document progress to date, identify findings and recommendations. Your input will feature in feedback to senior members of staff and funders. It will be used to practically inform the focus of these teams and enrich their understanding of key issues relevant to their work.

What will you do:

Sustainable Urban Food Systems (60%):

• Conduct desk research related to ecosystems and intervention, tools and resources mapping of subnational government food policies that support a more sustainable food system
• Write up insights in blogs, reports and insights articles
• Support consultation process with key stakeholders to receive feedback on findings and recommendations with a view to refining and enhancing findings

Integrated Climate Action (30%):

• Identify and document best practices and successful strategies for implementing CHAMP principles
• Conduct a high-level political economy analysis focusing on the CHAMP endorsing countries
• Support the design and development of subnational climate action planning initiatives
• Support assessment of city net zero commitments

Faith and Sustainability Initiative (10%):

• Write up a menu of evidence-based solutions for Faith-based Organizations to tackle food loss and waste
• Summarize research activities to build the case for Faith-based Organizations’ participation in food loss and waste mitigation and reduction action.

What will you need:

• Education: You have completed a bachelor’s degree in economics, business, food and nutrition, environmental science, environmental policy, food policy or other relevant discipline. Relevant work experience in lieu of degree is accepted
• Experience: You have a minimum of 5 years of relevant, full-time work experience research, project management or a similar field
• Demonstrated technical knowledge of environmental and sustainability issues facing cities and subnational governments
• Demonstrated interest in climate change related issues
• Experience collating complex insights and data from policy and government agencies
• Experience in a client-facing role
• Experience in writing reports
• Experience managing projects
• Languages: You are proficient in written and spoken English.

Potential Salary:

€57,000 - €68,000

Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume with a cover letter by 11 November 2024.

You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

What we offer:

• A competitive salary
• 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.