This position can be based in any of the following WRI’s offices: US-DC or where state registered, WRI UK or WRI Hague. Remote work is a possibility.

About the Program:

WRI’s Food Program works to advance solutions to ensure the world can feed 10 billion people by 2050 while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, curbing deforestation and alleviating poverty. Our research has identified a menu of solutions to create a sustainable food future. We develop research, tools and partnerships to help countries, cities and businesses measure and reduce their food loss and waste. We analyze strategies to sustainably increase food production while reducing its impact on the environment. We help consumers shrink their climate footprints by shifting toward plant-rich foods. www.wri.org/food

Systems Change Lab monitors, learns from, and mobilizes action toward the transformational shifts necessary to protect both people and the planet. Convened by World Resources Institute and Bezos Earth Fund, Systems Change Lab supports the United Nations Climate Change High-Level Champions and works with a network of partners and funders. Systems Change Lab is a component of the Global Commons Alliance. www.systemschangelab.org

Land & Carbon Lab (LCL) is WRI’s premier hub for geospatial data, analysis, and monitoring of the world’s land and its natural ecosystems. Our data and monitoring solutions, which include the Global Forest Watch platform, exist to help accelerate implementation and financing of nature-based solutions worldwide. LCL collaborates across WRI and WRI’s network of external partners to transform big geospatial data into action and impact. www.landcarbonlab.org

Job Highlight:

In this role, you will lead on a suite of research efforts that advance the recommendations of WRI’s Creating a Sustainable Food Future report, track food system progress via the annual State of Climate Action report (WRI’s most-downloaded report in 2021) and the Systems Change Lab’s data platform, and monitor changes in food and land use systems via WRI’s Land & Carbon Lab. You should have a track record of designing and executing independent research related to climate change, biodiversity, agriculture, and food systems; excellent analytical and writing skills; and a deep commitment to using science and research findings to inform public policies and corporate actions. Working closely with senior staff across WRI’s Food Program, Climate Program, and Land & Carbon Lab, you will work to translate cutting-edge research into policy-relevant insights. You will report to a Senior Research Associate in the Food Program.

What will you do:

Research and analysis (70% time):

• Perform annual assessments of trends and progress in agriculture and food systems to feed into the State of Climate Action report and the Systems Change Lab data platform
• Develop metrics for assessing trends in development and deployment of climate-smart agricultural technologies/practices, and for assessing trends in enabling conditions for progress
• Identify and evaluate the quality of credible sources of data (both spatial and non-spatial) to track these metrics over time, including by working with external partners
• Conduct literature reviews and interviews with subject matter experts on topics related to agriculture, food systems, climate change, and biodiversity; write and publish research results

Strategy development and project development (20% time):

• Provide input and perspectives on Food Program, Systems Change Lab, and Land & Carbon Lab strategy and data investments
• Maintain an understanding of evolving trends in the agriculture, climate, and biodiversity research and policy arenas to feed into organizational strategy
• Support development of proposals for additional funding to support priority research topics
• Coordinate agriculture and food system data sharing across WRI programs

Communications and outreach (10%):

• Promote uptake of research through publishing in outlets and writing WRI Insights articles
• Share perspectives and insights via public speaking engagements and media interviews
• Review draft research written by peers in WRI’s Food, Forests, and Climate Programs

What will you need:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, agricultural sciences, or other field at the intersection of agriculture, climate, and biodiversity. Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 7 years full-time relevant work experience conducting independent research, analysis, and publication on related topics
• Experience with effectively summarizing large amounts of information from various sources
• Experience with writing on complex topics at the nexus of climate, nature, and agriculture
• Experience communicating to multiple audiences, including academics, practitioners, business managers, and policy makers
• Interpersonal skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Languages: Fluency in English (written, verbal), with other languages a plus
• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to initiate visa work authorization.

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume with cover letter by February 10th, 2023. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

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, 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.