SENIOR ADVISOR TO THE PRESIDENT/

This position will be based out of the WRI DC office and will be a hybrid model of remote and required in-office work three days a week. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission. WRI is not able to sponsor visa work authorization for this position.

 

About the Program: 

WRI is a global research organization that works with governments, businesses, multilateral institutions and civil society groups to develop practical solutions that improve people’s lives and ensure nature can thrive. We organize our work around seven global challenges: Food, Forests, Water, Energy, Climate, the Ocean and Cities. We analyze these issues through the lenses of our four Centers of Excellence: Business, Economics, Finance and Equity. Our significant presence in each of Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico and the United States together with our  work with partners to mobilize commissions and major global initiatives allows us to create large-scale change with lasting impact.

 

Job Highlight: 

You will track, analyze and provide seasoned guidance to the President on a full range of strategic, programmatic and operational issues to ensure that the most significant needs of the Institute are prioritized. You will evaluate materials that come before the President for comment or approval, ensure meetings are effective and ensure the President’s time and resource is purposefully and effectively allocated to the most impactful ends.    Specific responsibilities fall broadly under three categories: Strategic Responsibilities, President’s Office Responsibilities and Executive Office Responsibilities.

You will be supported by and provide support to an executive and administrative assistant to the President and all the staff of the executive office of the Institute.

You will report to the Chief of Institutional Alignment.

 

What you will do:

 

Strategic Responsibilities (33% time)

• Develop forward looking plans to ensure the President’s time and position is managed proactively across multiple constituencies and to maximum effect in the best interests of the Institute and the Institute’s strategy
• Manage an engagement plan to support the President in building and prioritizing the right relationships, both inside and outside of the Institute with clear goals that support the Institute’s strategy
• Represent the President in meetings internally and externally as needed
• Provide advice to the President on daily issues that arise and ensure appropriate action is taken
• Stay abreast of Institute strategy and policy issues
• Reviews of draft documents, policies, and strategies
• Contribute to background analyses and recommendations for the President’s use

 

President’s Office Responsibilities (33% time)

• Review all the materials on which the President is asked to take action to ensure the limited review time of the President is focused on the most critical issues
• Ensure the work of the President and president’s office is compliant with Institute policies and procedures
• Ensure meetings are optimal with fit for purpose briefings, actions captured, delegated and completed
• Provide advice to the President on daily issues that arise and ensure appropriate action is taken
• Divert and address requests that come to the President that are better addressed elsewhere, including responding on behalf of the President as appropriate

 

Executive Office Responsibilities (33% time)

• As needed, act on behalf of the Chief of Institutional Alignment and run Executive Office meetings to ensure effective functioning of the Global Executive Team and the Office
• Ensuring planning and delivery and other processes across the Executive Office are exemplary to optimize the time of all Global Executive Team members and set a good example for the whole Institute.
• Champion special projects that are time bound or that introduce new initiatives to the Institute until they can be migrated to the responsibility of the appropriate department.
• Provide coaching support and guidance to staff across the Executive Office
• Provide input and guidance to senior staff on Management views on the full range of issues.
• Coordinate with staff of Institute departments on a variety of issues.

What you will need:

 

• Education: You have a Bachelors degree or equivalent graduate level degree in organizational administration, law, communications or a field related to WRIs work
• Experience: You have 10+ years full-time relevant work experience with 3 years prior supervisory experience, including at least 5 years in an executive, management or other leadership role or in a strategic role. 
• Experience leading complex projects
• Evidence of delivering successful results in a complex, high-pressure, fast-moving environment
• You have experience in a past role that required high-level interpersonal and communications skills and analytical skills.
• Past experience with providing sound recommendations and presentation skills to multiple stakeholders
• Languages: Verbal and written proficiency in English required. Knowledge of an additional working language applicable in one of WRI’s countries of operation is a plus.
• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization.

 

Potential Salary:

Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors. WRI offers a competitive remuneration and benefits package.

How to Apply: 
Please submit a resume and a cover letter by 16 December 2022 stating your motivation for applying to this role and details of relevant past work experience. Applicants will not be considered if a cover letter is not included. 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 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.

• Long-term 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.