Deputy to the Vice President of Science and Research, Part-time

The World Resources Institute (WRI) seeks outstanding candidates for the position of Part-time Deputy to the Vice President of Science and Research (two days per week). This is a part-time position and will work on average 16-18 hours weekly. WRI upholds a standard of excellence for its many publications, which are the institute’s shop window and an important tool toward achieving results for our four programs (Climate & Energy, Institutions & Governance, Markets & Enterprise, and People & Ecosystems). WRI is unique in that we put our publications through a rigorous, centralized peer review process, both internally and among external experts, to help ensure quality, accuracy, institutional coherence, and a lack of bias in our research. We measure our success in both the quality of our research and in its ability to create change in the world. The Deputy position is integral to this work. The successful candidate will play an important role in helping the VPSR ensure that WRI’s research products meet high standards of analytical excellence, based on sound science and/or data analysis. They will have sound judgment and a passion for environment and development issues. He/she will also be willing to work closely with staff to produce high –quality research, and derive satisfaction from helping them succeed. This might be the perfect encore opportunity for the right individual.

Responsibilities:

• With the Vice President and one other Deputy, oversee the peer review process for selected draft publications, provide feedback to authors on how to strengthen their work, and help guide the revision process, interacting with reviewers and authors as needed. Provide final sign off for selected publications. • Review publication influence plans. Provide early feedback to authors on producing effective, rigorous, groundbreaking content for their publications that is fit for different audiences, including policymakers, businesses, multilateral development organizations, etc. • Provide support to WRI’s programs on the peer review process for selected working papers, and guide staff on how to be effect peer reviewers. • Mentor and provide support to research staff on policy research design, data interpretation, and analytical issues. • Help research staff identify colleagues and external experts who can effectively review work. • Support VPSR in conducting periodic workshops on research methodologies; e.g., effective presentation and use of data, quantitative analysis, and other research methods of interest to staff. • Provide advice on the feasibility and conceptual rigor of proposed research in major funding proposals. • Help VPSR stimulate the intellectual and creative life of the Institute. • Assist the VPSR in conducting periodic evaluations of completed research products.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree or PhD in an environmental studies discipline • Minimum 10 years of experience in conducting policy research on environmental and development issues. • Track record of producing and overseeing high quality research. • Superb quantitative, conceptual, and analytical skills as well as a results-oriented outlook. • Sound judgment and the ability to uphold high quality standards. Strong sense of skepticism and the ability to diagnose and articulate weaknesses in research is essential. • Demonstrated ability to mentor staff, give constructive feedback, and clearly explain the reasoning behind decisions. • Strong inter-personal skills and ability to multitask in a fast paced environment in a collegial fashion as part of a small, collaborative team. • Excellent writing skills in English. • International experience a strong preference. • Natural curiosity and interest in keeping abreast of the latest science and policies relevant to WRI’s work.

Deputy to the Vice President of Science and Research, Part-time