Research Analyst II, Corporate Water Stewardship

$29,000 - $39,000/Yr

World Resources Institute - Washington, DC

Full-time - Mid Level

Hybrid - Washington, DC

1,001-5,000 employees

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The World Resources Institute (WRI) is seeking a Research Analyst II for its Corporate Water Stewardship program. This hybrid position allows candidates to work from one of WRI's offices located in Washington D.C., London, The Hague, or Mexico City, requiring 8 days per month in the office. The successful candidate will report to the Director of Corporate Water Engagement and will play a crucial role in supporting the Aqueduct team, particularly in its engagement with the private sector on water stewardship initiatives. The role involves providing research and engagement support, serving as the primary point of contact for Aqueduct tool users, and contributing to the development of thought-leading research aimed at advancing collective water stewardship across the private sector. The Research Analyst II will engage in various activities, including data analysis, research, and writing, which will account for 50% of the role. This includes leading advisory services projects that involve qualitative and quantitative analysis related to corporate water risks and impacts, researching market trends, and co-authoring communication materials such as reports and working papers. The analyst will also support corporate engagement efforts, which will make up 30% of their responsibilities, by developing new partnership opportunities and assisting with membership agreements and event planning. Finally, 20% of the role will focus on providing support for the Aqueduct tool, responding to user inquiries, and assessing new functionalities. Candidates should possess a bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as business, environmental science, or policy, with a master's degree preferred. A minimum of three years of relevant work experience in corporate sustainability, particularly in corporate water stewardship, is required. The ideal candidate will have technical skills in tools such as ArcGIS and Python, along with strong research and writing abilities. Fluency in English is essential, and additional languages are a plus. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application, as WRI is unable to sponsor visas for this position.

Responsibilities

• Support and lead advisory services projects involving qualitative and quantitative analysis and research related to corporate water risks, impacts, target-setting, valuation, and other corporate water stewardship.
• Research private sector market trends to inform Aqueduct project activities and corporate engagement strategy.
• Support the research, development, pilot testing, and publication of methodologies and thought leadership relevant to water benefit accounting and other corporate water stewardship topics.
• Co-author communication (e.g., Insights articles) and/or knowledge products (e.g., working papers, reports) with senior guidance and adhering to WRI's quality guidelines.
• Serve as an internal reviewer for knowledge products authored by WRI colleagues.
• Develop and pursue new project ideas with support from the Director and team.
• Support and co-lead the development of new partnership opportunities, funding proposals, and budgets.
• Assist the Aqueduct Alliance coordinator with tracking and processing membership agreements, meeting planning, and other tasks to support Aqueduct Alliance members.
• Develop presentations, blogs, webinars, events, and other communications.
• Communicate with Water Team Operations staff to help track scoping conversations with potential new members and/or advisory services partners.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for Aqueduct tool users' inquiries and respond to users' inquiries when possible or direct to the appropriate person.
• Support the Aqueduct Data Lead in the exploration of innovative options for funding and marketing Aqueduct products and engagement opportunities.
• Assess the rollout of new Aqueduct tool functionalities by testing new features and documenting bugs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, environmental science or policy, environmental or natural resources management, earth systems, engineering, or related fields; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in corporate sustainability, ideally corporate water stewardship.
• Experience using Aqueduct and other tools and datasets related to water impacts, accounting, and challenges.
• Experience assisting with the delivery of projects and development of proposals and budgets promptly.
• Technical skills in ArcGIS, PCR-GLOBWB model, and/or Python strongly preferred.
• Excellent qualitative and/or quantitative research and writing skills.
• Innovative, entrepreneurial, and creative thinking.
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office, including a high level of proficiency in Excel data analysis, and internet research.
• Ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with teams of individuals and colleagues.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and proactively in fulfilling responsibilities to support the team.
• Fluent in English, with additional languages a plus.

Benefits

• 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.
• The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI.
• Commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours.
• Generous leave days that increase with tenure.