WRI is seeking a qualified candidate to manage the Governance of Forests Initiative (GFI) team. The major objective of this Initiative is to bring principles of good governance to bear on the complex challenges of forest management and protection. GFI seeks to empower local civil society organizations in forest-rich developing countries to conduct comprehensive, independent assessments of forest governance at the national and sub-national levels as a means to advocate for reform. It also seeks to inform and influence the UNFCCC and related international processes that link climate change and forest protection to address the challenges of improving governance of forests (including the World Bank Forest Carbon Partnership Facility, UN REDD). Finally, GFI also seeks to engage with and build upon existing processes to improve forest governance including the EU Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade program.
GFI is implemented in partnership with Instituto Centro de Vida and IMAZON in Brazil, and involves close partnerships with a wide range of international and local civil society organizations around the world. This interdisciplinary project leverages the expertise and networks of staff in WRI’s Institutions and Governance Program, Climate and Energy Program, and its People and Ecosystems Program.
Responsibilities
Project Management
- Provide strategic leadership for the Governance of Forests Initiative (GFI), in order to maximize the impact and success of the project and to provide a vision how to grow the project in the future.
- Support fundraising for the project budget ($500,000 - $800,000 per year), including by identifying potential funders and writing proposals for grants
- Manage project reporting as necessary according to institutional and funder requirements
Research Coordination & Outreach
- Manage three researchers on the GFI team while leveraging the expertise of additional staff throughout the institute
- Help coordinate work across the institute on forest-climate issues in priority geographies for GFI
- Conduct outreach and coordinate research to influence debates on forests and climate change to advance improvements in governance of forest resources
- Provide regular support to GFI partners in Brazil, Indonesia and Camerono (mostly through email & telephone but occasional travel) as they use the GFI framework of indicators to conduct pilot assessments of forest governance.
- Provide quality control and oversight for the final results of the pilot assessments and subsequent revisions to the GFI indicator methodology
Qualifications
- Advanced degree in public policy, environmental resource management, law, economics, development studies, or other relevant field.
- Minimum 6 years relevant experience working on issues related to forest governance and policy processes in developing countries. Direct in-country experience is preferred.
- Experience engaging with and convening civil society in developing countries (particularly in Indonesia, Brazil, or Central Africa). Experience working with forest dependent communities is a plus.
- Excellent writing and research skills
- Proven ability to manage a team and a project including to:
- Develop and implement project strategies and adapt as opportunities and circumstances unfold ;Motivate staff, manage contractors, and ensure that expected deliverables are completed on time
- Deliver on-the-ground results on time and on budget.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with teams of individuals and colleagues at all levels inside and outside the organization.
- Fluent in English. Ability to understand, read and write Portuguese, French or Bahasa Indonesia is a plus
- Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office and internet research.
- Willingness to travel extensively
Salary & Benefits
Salary is commensurate with experience. WRI offers a generous comprehensive benefits package.
WRI offers a comprehensive benefits package.
Contact
Send resume or CV and cover letter to:
- Alisa Zomer, Program Coordinator Ialisa.zomer@wri.org+1 (202) 729-7869
No phone calls please. Qualified applicants only. WRI only accepts applications for current job openings.
The World Resources Institute is an environmental think tank that goes beyond research to create practical ways to protect the earth and improve people’s lives.
WRI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to recruit, hire, and provide opportunities for advancement in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, parental status, or disability.
