The World Resources Institute (WRI) seeks a results-oriented individual with a master’s degree, experiences with corporate sustainability, and exposure to ecosystem services for a full-time position. The Research Analyst will provide analytical, research, writing, communication, and organizational support to WRI’s Business & Ecosystems Project in their efforts to mainstream ecosystem service-based strategies in the private sector ( www.wri.org/ecosystems/esr).
A key conclusion of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment was that the earth’s wetlands, forests, coral reef and other ecosystems have been degraded. And, left unchecked, they will become worse over the next 50 years. Because businesses both depend on and impact the ecosystem services these areas provide—forests provide timber, freshwater, natural hazard regulation and a host of other services—this degradation has direct relevance to corporate performance. However, most companies fail to make the connection between healthy ecosystems and their bottom lines.
The Corporate Ecosystem Services Review (ESR) is a systematic methodology that helps managers develop strategies to manage their risks and opportunities arising their company’s dependencies and impacts on ecosystems. Since its launch is March, 2008, the Review has been used by an estimated 150-300 Fortune 500-caliber companies. All note the ESR’s ability to uncover new risks and opportunities. Over the next 18 months, the Research Analyst will assist the Business & Ecosystems Project:
- Promote the methodology globally
- Conduct Reviews in the utility, agriculture, and forestry sectors
- Train environmental consultants on the methodology
- Develop guidelines for integrating the ESR with corporate decision making tools and systems
- Develop new improved methodologies, systems, and guidelines
- Implement projects with corporate, government, and civil society partners
- Analyze policies that align corporate performance with ecosystem stewardship
- Write papers, briefs, and case studies on the utility and application of ecosystem services to corporate decision making
Responsibilities
- Work directly with the corporations to conduct ESRs
- Work with corporate and civil society partners to embed ecosystem services considerations into corporate decision making tools and methods
- Research and write about corporate strategies, markets for ecosystem services, and public policies that address ecosystem service degradation
- Develop new and managed existing internal and external relationships
- Lead media outreach including preparation of briefs, documents, brochures, web pages, presentations, articles, general project inquiries, among other items
- Represent WRI at conferences, workshops and similar forums
- Support other activities as needed
Qualifications
- Masters degree in economics, engineering, business administration, or environmental science with excellent performance
- At least two years of experience in a similar field, at least one of which is working directly with the private sector or with ecosystem services
- Successful fundraising experience
- Strong knowledge of The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, ecosystem services, and how they relate to corporate performance
- Ability strategically position ESR program within context of other internal and external programs and projects
- Experience managing multiple budgets and multiple donors with different reporting requirements
- Demonstrated research, writing, editing, communication, skills
- Demonstrated proficiency of oral and written English, including strong presentation skills
- Ability to lead teams, work in collaborative groups, juggle multiple priorities, and work under tight deadlines
- Successful cross-cultural working and living experience
- Excellent skills in Microsoft Office, internet research, and project management software
Desired Skills & Experience
- Experience living and working developing countries, particularly WRI priority countries
- Work experience in corporate sustainability and poverty & environment
- Familiarity or working experience with the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, ecosystem valuation, payments for ecosystem services, and markets for ecosystem services
- Proficiency in Portuguese, Spanish, or Chinese
- Computer skills in GIS, HTML, web management, wiki platforms, and contact relationship management software
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