Engagement Coordinator

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 six critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade in order to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water and sustainable cities.

We are passionate. We value our diversity of interests, skills and backgrounds. We have a flexible work environment. And we share a common goal to catalyze change that will improve the lives of people. Our shared ideals are at the core of our approach. They include: integrity, innovation, urgency, independence, and respect.

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.

We have been growing rapidly: our staff has doubled in size over the past 5 years and our operating budget is now $100 million. Founded in 1982, WRI has a global staff of nearly 700 people with work spanning 50 countries. We have offices in Brazil , China , Europe , India , Indonesia , Mexico , and the United States .

About the WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities and the Coalition for Urban Transitions

The decisions that national leaders, local officials, developers, and planners make today will determine how billions of people in urban centers will thrive over the next century. Already, half the global population resides in cities. That figure is set to increase to 70 percent by 2050.

Traditional models of city development can lock us into congestion, sprawl, and inefficient resource use. However, compact, connected, and efficient growth can help ensure more competitive cities and provide a better quality of life for citizens. WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities (WRI Cities) works to ensure cities drive economic opportunity while sustaining natural resources. We use technical expertise, cutting-edge research, and on-the-ground partnerships to design solutions that enable sustainable city growth.

The Coalition for Urban Transitions is a Special Initiative of the New Climate Economy (NCE) and is hosted by the WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities, and jointly managed with the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group. The Coalition is made up of a wider partnership of 20+ leading urban focused institutions and their practice leaders from major think-tanks, research institutions, city networks, international organizations, major investors, infrastructure providers, and strategic advisory companies. It has recently formed a high level Urban Leadership Council of the world’s most prominent urban, SDG, and climate focused organisations to help drive forward its work.

The vision of the initiative is to unlock the power of cities to support enhanced national economic, social, and environmental prosperity, including addressing the risks of climate change. By 2019, the aim is for the Coalition for Urban Transitions to be the most concerted and coordinated attempt globally at assembling a partnership of the world’s best thinkers, institutions, and senior public-private leaders to drive action globally and in key countries related to sustainable urban transitions.

Overview

We seek an Engagement Coordinator to play an important role in assisting the Coalition core team with identifying, planning, and organising a series of major, signature events to ensure that the Coalition’s work influences the thinking and decisions of heads of state, finance ministers, key line ministers, mayors, CEOs, and other senior officials.

Some events will be self-standing events to launch major Coalition reports globally or in key countries. Others will be held as part of the formal agenda at global or regionally significant conferences such as the UN global climate talks (UNFCCC), World Urban Forum, World Economic Forum, IMF/World Bank meetings, and China Development Forum.

You will also play a central role in the organization of meetings of the Coalition’s 20 + members, Steering Group, and Urban Leadership Council and with a wide range of stakeholders.

The successful candidate for this position will have strong interpersonal skills, an ability to work in diplomatic and collaborative manner with multiple stakeholders, strong writing skills, initiative, attention to detail, a proven track record in organising small as well as larger, signature events. Reporting to the Strategic Engagement Manager, you will be committed to transformative action for sustainable development and a safe climate.

Responsibilities

Identifying major events or moments to showcase the Coalition’s work, including developing and managing the Coalition engagement and events calendar

Securing speaker slots and other opportunities at major global and urban-focused events to communicate the Coalition’s work, including supporting the development of the concept and identifying and securing speakers, working hand-hand with the Strategic Engagement Manager.

Leading on the logistics of planning, preparation and management of dedicated Coalition signature events, including report launches and meetings of its Urban Leadership Council, Steering Group, and Members.

Making the practical arrangements for meetings with decision makers and other stakeholders as appropriate.

Proactively identify and pursue ways of extending the reach and impact of the research through public and private engagements with key stakeholders.

Collaborate with colleagues on preparing engagement and communications materials to support the above responsibilities e.g. briefing packs, speaking points, PowerPoints.

Support the management of relationships with the Coalition’s members, Steering Group, and Urban Leadership Council scheduling meetings, preparing briefings and tracking follow-up as necessary.

Assist the Strategic Engagement Manager with travel arrangements, making payments, coordinating contracts, reporting and administrative tasks as necessary.

Support on implementing other aspects of the Coalition’s strategic engagement plan 2018-2020

Qualifications

Minimum of 2 years of full-time work experience with demonstrable track record in identifying, planning, and delivering major, signature events

Proficiency in using a range of presentation tools, including PowerPoint and project management tools

A degree and professional experience and understanding of issues related to macroeconomics, sustainability, and urban development would be a plus.

Ability to travel as needed.

Skills

Strong project management and organisational skills, goal focused with an attention to detail and quality.

Highly motivated, proactive work style with an ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced office environment, adapting to rapidly changing priorities and able to manage multiple deadlines.

Ability to work effectively as part of a global team across time zones with excellent interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to encourage collaboration with other programs, international offices, and partners.

Demonstrable experience in preparing written materials in strong, polished prose with a clear sense of the needs of diverse audiences.

Fluency in Spanish, Swahili and/or Chinese would be advantageous but are not crucial.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, 4 April 2018. Qualified applicants must apply online at careers.wri.org.In addition, it is required to attach a cover letter of up to two pages outlining how your skills and experience make you well placed to meet the specific requirements of the role.

The World Resources Institute ( http://www.wri.org ) is an environmental and development research and policy organization that creates solutions to protect the Earth and improve people’s lives. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is WRI’s policy to recruit, hire, and provide opportunities for advancement in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, protected veteran status, or disability. WRI’s global agenda requires a staff that is diverse – with respect to race, gender, cultural, and international background. Diverse perspectives and experience enhance the way WRI selects and approaches issues, as well as the creativity and applicability of WRI’s policy research and analysis. WRI, therefore, encourages applications from minorities, persons from other countries (especially developing nations), and from women of all backgrounds.