Project Manager, High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days/month in the office. You can be based in our office in Washington DC, the Hague, or London. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position. If based in the US to be eligible for this position, you must be a resident of DC, Maryland or Virginia at the start of employment.

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 provides numerous ecosystem services that benefit humanity. Moreover, ocean-based climate solutions can potentially reduce the “emissions gap” by up to 35% on a 1.5°C 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.

WRI houses the Secretariat to the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (Ocean Panel), a unique global initiative by 19 serving world leaders working to build momentum towards a sustainable ocean economy. In 2020, the Ocean Panel laid out a new ocean action agenda, ‘Transformations for a Sustainable Ocean Economy’, charting a course towards achieving effective protection, sustainable production and equitable prosperity of the ocean.

Through the Ocean Program and Ocean Panel, WRI has set out to build a greater understanding among governments, business leaders, financiers and practitioners of the opportunities, solutions, values and contribution of the ocean to the global economy, human health and wellbeing, and to accelerate knowledge-based decision making and solutions that drive inclusive ocean-based economic opportunities while sustaining ocean ecosystems and coastal populations.

Accelerating Ocean Action for a Sustainable Ocean Economy: https://www.wri.org/ocean

High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy: https://oceanpanel.org/

Job Highlight:

You will support the successful functioning of the Secretariat and ensures seamless operations by coordinating meetings, tracking deliverables, and managing follow-ups. You will work alongside technical team focused on knowledge products and policy, and the Head of Secretariat who provides strategic direction. You will be pivotal in connecting various lines of work within the Ocean Program and across WRI’s different programs, ensuring timely reporting and the integration of all efforts into cohesive narratives and deliverables. You will integrate equity into your work.

You will report to the Deputy Director of the Ocean Program and work closely with all members of the WRI Ocean Program.

What will you do:

Stakeholder Engagement Support (10%):

• Act as the first point of contact for internal and external stakeholders regarding Secretariat activities and Ocean Panel work
• Coordinate information flow to colleagues and key partners, ensuring clarity and consistency
• Support logistical planning and stakeholder briefing preparation

  Documentation Coordination (40%):

  • Coordinate and schedule all documentation for Co-Chair, Sherpa, and other Ocean Panel meetings
  • Lead on preparing agendas, meeting materials, and timelines in collaboration with relevant stakeholders
  • Track and follow up on meeting deliverables and ensure timely completion of assigned actions
  • Ensure accurate documentation by taking and distributing meeting and action points

    Document and Deliverable Management (30%):

    • Coordinate the production and review of Ocean Panel papers and reports by Ocean Program colleagues and external stakeholders
    • Track deadlines and ensure all deliverables align with Secretariat priorities and timelines
    • Establish and manage document workflows to ensure accessibility and version control

      Secretariat Activity Oversight (20%):

      • Manage a centralised action tracker to monitor and report on progress across Secretariat activities
      • Facilitate internal communication to maintain alignment on priorities and tasks
      • Address operational bottlenecks and escalate challenges.

        What will you need:

        • Education: You have a completed bachelor’s degree in environmental science, public policy, business administration or a related field. Relevant work experience in lieu of degree is accepted
        • Experience: You have 7+ years of full-time experience, including in project coordination or management roles
        • Experience organising high-level meetings, including tracking actions and managing agendas
        • Experience managing complex workflows and tracking deliverables using tools like Excel, Asana, or similar platforms
        • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain constructive working relationships and communicate at various levels
        • Languages: You are proficient in spoken and written English
        • Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based.

          Potential Salary:

          If based in the US: $96,000 - $129,000

          If based in the UK: £53,000 – £67,000

          If based in the Netherlands: €67,000 – €84,000

          Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

          How to Apply:

          Please submit a resume with a cover letter by