Research, Knowledge, and Thought Leadership (60%):

• Facilitate processes to identify, spotlight, and bring together knowledge and learning from across the GRI team, and partners as appropriate. Leverage team insights and expertise to inform strategy, planning, and delivery of research and learning agenda
• Coordinate input from across the GRI team to develop a strategy for applied research aimed at obtaining the scale of restoration required to meet global goals in a way that is sustainable and supports equitable distribution of restoration benefits
• Identify and prioritize knowledge needs, working collaboratively to incorporate prospectives from across the GRI team and from key partners
• Serve as a connector to link strategy, research, and communications, ensuring that research and knowledge production is communicated internally and externally through appropriate strategic channels to reach target audiences and inform restoration actions and decisions
• Facilitate co-development of research and learning that incorporates insight, expertise, and feedback from team members to fill knowledge gaps for the restoration sector
• Priority research areas may include but are not limited to: effective restoration monitoring approaches; appropriate application of tree-based and non-tree-based restoration; finance infrastructure needs; social demographic representation and access in the restoration economy
• Provide opportunities for GRI team members to inform priorities and co-create or contribute to knowledge and though leadership, for example by convening brainstorming and strategy sessions, sharing early stage thinking and draft documents for review and feedback, and working one-on-one or in small groups to produce knowledge and learning
• Engage with target audiences in the development of knowledge products to ensure clear and timely use cases; co-develop applied research with partners as appropriate
• Elevate expertise and perspectives of restoration champions and local partners through knowledge and communication products as appropriate
• Work with GRI Knowledge Management Officer to connect internal knowledge management systems with external-facing knowledge and communications, ensuring that knowledge management systems support capturing and sharing of learning and contribute to thought leadership
• Co-author knowledge products (e.g., reports, briefs, data-products). Ensure research methodologies support integration of diverse knowledge and perspectives
• Support and mentor team members in crafting of learning questions, measurement approaches, and research and knowledge activities
• Represent WRI’s work on restoration in various arenas, including within and outside WRI. Keep up to date with new trends, emerging research areas and potential focus areas that could be applied to the initiative

Program/Project Management (20%):

• Serve as the GRI team lead for facilitating strategic research and learning, working in close collaboration with and leveraging the expertise of the communications team, international office teams, and GRI pillar leads and staff
• Provide support and coordination for research strategy and activities for the Global Restoration Initiative team, including stewardship of a strategy and research task force or similar structure that consists of team members from around GRI
• Act as a primary liaison with WRI’s Research, Data and Innovation team Facilitate in-country training and assistance for restoration research and learning as needed Manage staff and consultants as needed, including knowledge management and research staff; Leveraging skills of team members and partners to develop scaling strategies Facilitate strategic support to project partners – individuals and institutions – in priority countries
• Develop and contribute to project plans, budgets, project-related communication material, and ensure the achievement of deliverables and external outcomes
• Identify priorities based on input from the team, delegating and maintaining focus of workflow

Communications (20%):

• Work with GRI Communications team to identify strategic communications opportunities based on existing GRI research and data
• Lead or support the development of strategic communications products, in collaboration with the GRI Communications team and other relevant colleagues and partners
• Inform communications priorities and help ensure communications products are grounded in the most recent and relevant evidence and case examples

Requirements:

• Education: You have completed a Masters or PhD in a field in the Social Sciences, Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, or another related field
• Experience: You have a minimum of 12 years of professional experience in relevant social sciences field focused on research and program management; minimum of 3 years in supervision or leadership role
• Experience building partnerships with others in service of climate, research, policy and social science outcomes, including civil society, academia, private sector and/or government actors
• Experience facilitating inclusive, participatory processes to develop research and implement programs; experience harmonizing research contributions and feedback from a range of partners and stakeholders
• Exceptional writing and research abilities. Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities
• Experience working in Africa, Asia and/or Latin America. Exceptionally good communication and interpersonal skills
• Expert understanding of WRI’s Research, Data and Innovation standards, policies, and processes and ability to incorporate these into project deliverables
• Experience as lead author and researcher in development of WRI knowledge products
• Experience building and managing research and strategic partnerships, including to develop novel methods and MRV knowledge products Monitoring, evaluation and learning expertise
• Willingness to think innovatively, creatively, and collaboratively to help solve complex global problems
• Detail-oriented and organized thinker who can juggle multiple, competing priorities
• Experience overseeing large, complex international programs, including budget oversight and management
• Experience managing team members from diverse technical backgrounds
• Ability to travel 30% or more when needed
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a larger team.
• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization