This position is remote-eligible and only for consideration within the United States where WRI is state registered. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission. WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position.

About the Program:

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 has three main offers: (1) innovation in open geospatial data for land and carbon monitoring, (2) spatial intelligence to support NBS policy and target tracking, and (3) tailored tools that help businesses, governments, civil society organizations, and local communities make data-driven decisions. LCL collaborates across WRI and WRI’s network of external partners to transform big geospatial data into action and impact.

Job Highlight:

In this role, you will deep dive into photo/satellite interpretation for sampling; develop sampling schemes; and derive validation statistics and accuracies for project, maps and jurisdictions. You will carry out the sampling with high-resolution and timeseries satellite data and carry out analysis on accuracies and error margins. In this position, you will further carry out literature research on validation, pixel counting and sampling; summarize the requirement of different globally accepted methods; and gather from literature and partners data on sampling and pixel counting. You will report to the Deputy Director of the Forests Program and Land & Carbon Lab Research Team. You will be supported by and work closely with Land & Carbon Lab’s multi-disciplinary research team.

What will you do:

Research and Analysis (80%)

• Develop a statistical valid work plan for validation of satellite-derived land cover change area assessments by using interpretation of samples of satellite imagery
• Develop statistical valid sample schemes for land cover change detection area assessment
• Carry out photointerpretation of Landsat and Sentinel 2 data, as well as of high-resolution imagery from Google Earth, MAXAR, Planet or other satellite data
• Carry out statistical analysis for all the countries and territories where sampling was applied
• Synthesize findings in reports
• Conduct literature reviews and synthesize findings on diverse topics such as: remote sensing science and earth observation data, photo interpretation, land monitoring methods, etc.
• Support colleagues in conducting original research, including through desk research and quantitative geospatial analysis
• Support production of written and graphic content for research reports, internal briefs, blogs, presentations, press releases, etc.
• Support editing, peer review, and production process to publish research and communication outputs
• Present research results at internal and external meetings and workshops
  
  
  

Program Development and Administration (20%):

• Work with countries or stakeholder groups to explain and present the work we are carrying out on sampling
• Work closely with University of Maryland researchers who developed the land cover change data
• Contribute to concept notes, funding proposals, and donor reports
• Support development of workplans and related internal systems and procedures to ensure timely execution of activities and delivery of outputs
• Liaise with external partners and WRI colleagues across programs and countries
  
  

What will you need:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Geographic Information Sciences, Geo-Statistics, Remote-Sensing, Geography, or related area required
• Experience: Minimum of 3+ years of relevant full-time work experience
• Knowledge of remote sensing, photo interpretation, and earth observation technologies and methods, statistics and spatial statistics, sampling design, international climate policy, and sustainability challenges related to land and natural resource management
• Excellent quantitative research and writing skills
• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office (particularly Excel) and internet research
• Proficient in spatial analyses, GIS software, Photo interpretation
• Experience with Google Earth Engine, Python, and command-line a plus
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with teams of individuals and colleagues
• Ability to deliver high-quality work while under pressure
• Ability to be flexible and manage competing priorities
• US work authorization is required
  
  

Potential Salary:

$83,000 to 93,000 USD. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume with cover letter by the date of March 3, 2023. 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 organisation 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, 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 Human Resources team carefully reviews all applications.