This is a full time, limited term hybrid position which requires 8 days/month in the office and has an end date of 30 April 2027. You can be based in our office in Washington DC. London, or the Hague. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position.
About the Program:
The ocean is fundamental to the future of people, nature, and climate. More than 3 billion people depend on the ocean for their livelihoods and food and the ocean ecosystem generates numerous ecosystem services that benefit humanity. Moreover, ocean-based climate solutions can potentially reduce the โemissions gapโ by up to 35% on a 1.5ยฐC trajectory by 2050. Recognizing this importance, the Ocean Program at the World Resources Institute (WRI) seeks to catalyze a world where effective ocean protection enables sustainable production of what the ocean provides, yielding prosperity for all. In other words, we seek a world where not only Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 is met but also many of the other SDGs for which the ocean can provide solutions.
Job Highlight:
Reporting to the Global Director, Ocean Program, you will be responsible for managing the secretariat of the Our Ocean Conference; an inspiring opportunity to stimulate global commitments to ocean conservation and sustainability. This significant undertaking involves meticulous preparation, seamless operation, and diligent follow-up, all of which are critical for the success of the event. You will lead a dedicated team to achieve this. The post-holder will support agenda and program development, support and track invitations, track country and private sector ocean commitments, streamline operational support, and enhance OOC continuity over time across host countries. You will be responsible for supporting each host country, advancing the hostโs OOC vision while ensuring relevant standard practices are carried out year to year. You will be supported by the Ocean Program Communications Team and a dedicated OOC researcher.
What will you do:
Overall Management (25%):
- Coordinate and lead all activities of the Secretariat in alignment with the objectives of the OOC
- Organize and facilitate meetings of the OOC Advisory Group, ensuring effective communication and follow-up
- Manage budgetary allocations for Secretariat activities, ensuring responsible stewardship of funds and adherence to financial guidelines
- Secure additional funding (as needed) to support the functions and operations of the Secretariat
- Provide a comprehensive handover document to the host country to ensure sharing of institutional memory about the OOC
- Carry out a post-event review to determine learnings & feedback
- Develop a results framework, with indicators, to demonstrate the effectiveness of the secretariat
Planning & Logistics (25%):
- Provide strategic input and recommendations to the host country on the agenda, topics, and participants for the conference
- Maintain and expand the database of invitees from a diversity of sectors, including government, business, civil society, academia, and philanthropy
- Assist the host country in managing invitations, tracking responses, and engaging with invitees and session participants
Outreach & Communications (20%): -
- Oversee the development and maintenance of the OOC website to provide up-to-date information and resources
- Manage the OOC's social media presence to enhance outreach and engagement with stakeholders
- Collaborate with the host country to develop and implement communication plans, ensuring consistency and coherence across OOCs
Commitment Mobilization & Tracking (10%):
- Support the host country in mobilizing commitments under the six priority areas of the OOC
- Support the OOC Secretariat Researcher in the establishment and maintenance of a commitments registry that records commitments made at each conference and tracks progress on previous commitments
- Provide strategic guidance to ensure that commitments lead to tangible and systemic changes in ocean conservation and sustainable developmentStakeholder Engagement (20%):
- Liaise with host countries, governmental agencies, international organizations, and other stakeholders to foster partnerships and collaboration in support of the OOC goals.
- Represent the Secretariat at relevant events, conferences, and meetings to promote the conference and build networks within the ocean conservation
What will you need:
- Education: You have completed a Masterโs degree in a relevant field (e.g., the natural sciences, international relations, law, economics, or other discipline relevant for marine and coastal systems and/or the ocean economy.
- Experience: You have a minimum of 10 years of full-time professional experience in relevant fields, including at least 2 years in a management position
- Track record of strategic thinking
- Entrepreneurial spirit and wide-ranging intellectual curiosity
- Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously
- Excellent presentation skills (ability to communicate clearly and compellingly)
- History of effectively motivating and connecting people to fulfill their potential and achieve results
- Demonstrated fundraising track record
- Strong network of relevant relationships
- Ability to travel, especially internationally, about 10% of time
- Languages: Fluent in English with additional languages a bonus
- Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization
Potential Salary: US salary range is between 116K and 139K USD. UK: 65K - 82K GBP. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.
How to Apply: Please submit a resume with a required cover letter by the date of May 28, 2024. We are unable to consider your application without a cover letter.
You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.
What we offer:
- 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