Research Assistant, Corporate Water Stewardship

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days / month in the office. You can be based in our office in Washington DC, London, The Hague or Mexico City.

Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position.

About the Program :

WRI's Water team works with countries, cities and companies to build a water-secure future. We produce innovative data and analysis tools to help decision-makers understand current and future water risks.

We identify ways for policymakers to build water resilience, prevent water-related conflicts and invest in nature-based solutions.

We guide companies on water stewardship initiatives that can reduce financial risk, mitigate impacts, and improve collective water security.

And we work with cities to expand water access and address the root problems of water insecurity to create more resilient communities.

Job Highlight :

Reporting to the Director of Corporate Water Engagement, you will provide research, engagement, and administrative support to the Aqueduct team, with a particular emphasis on WRI's work with the private sector.

As a Research Assistant, you will serve as the primary point of contact for Aqueduct tool user inquiries. You will assist in our engagement with the private sector on water stewardship topics such as water risks, disclosure, targets, accounting, and strategies.

You will also contribute to the development of thought-leading research to advance collective water stewardship across the private sector.

You will be supported by the Aqueduct team and WRI's Corporate Relations team with the Global Development Department.

What will you do :

Data Analysis, Research, and Writing (40%) :

• Support advisory services projects involving qualitative and quantitative analysis and research related to corporate water risks, impacts, target-setting, valuation, and other corporate water stewardship
• Research private sector market trends to inform Aqueduct project activities and corporate engagement strategy
• Support the research, development, pilot testing, and publication of methodologies and thought leadership relevant to water benefit accounting and other corporate water stewardship topics
• Co-author communication (e.g., Insights articles) and / or knowledge products (e.g., working papers, reports) with senior guidance and adhering to WRI's quality guidelines
• Develop and pursue new project ideas with support from the Director and team

Corporate Engagement (30%) :

• Support the development of new partnership opportunities, funding proposals, and budgets
• Assist the Aqueduct Alliance coordinator with tracking and processing membership agreements, meeting planning, and other tasks to support Aqueduct Alliance members
• Help develop presentations, blogs, webinars, events, and other communications
• Communicate with Water Team Operations staff to help track scoping conversations with potential new members and / or advisory services partners

Aqueduct Tool Support (20%) :

• Serve as the primary point of contact for Aqueduct tool users' inquiries and respond to users' inquiries when possible or direct to the appropriate person
• Support the Aqueduct Data Lead in the exploration of innovative options for funding and marketing Aqueduct products and engagement opportunities
• Assess the rollout of new Aqueduct tool functionalities by testing new features and documenting bugs

Administrative Support (10%) :

• Coordinate and support internal and external meetings, workshops, conferences, and other dissemination activities
• Manage team files, meeting notes, and agendas

What will you need :

Education : You have completed a bachelor's degree in business, environmental science or policy, environmental or natural resources management, earth systems, engineering, or related fields;

Master's degree preferred

• Experience : You have a minimum of 1 year of relevant work experience
• Educational or professional experience in water resources management and / or corporate sustainability
• Excellent qualitative and / or quantitative research and writing skills
• Innovative, entrepreneurial, and creative thinking
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office, including a high level of proficiency in Excel data analysis, and internet research
• Ability to present complex information clearly and concisely
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with teams of individuals and colleagues
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and proactively in fulfilling responsibilities to support the team
• Languages : Fluent in English, with additional languages a plus
• Requirements : Existing work authorization is required where this position. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization

Potential Salary : US salary range is between 48 K and 52 K USD. UK : 26 K - 32K GBP.NL : 38 K - 45 K EUR. GER : 29K- 39K EUR.

Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

How to Apply : Please submit a resume with a required cover . 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.