Climate Analyst, Rights and Resources Initiative – Washington, DC

Organization: Rights and Resources Initiative

Position Title: Climate Analyst

Location: Washington, DC

Application Deadline: Position open until filled

Description: The Climate Analyst is responsible for conducting and managing original, high-quality research on forest and land tenure, climate and REDD+ dynamics in the world’s developing and forested countries, advancing the recognition of rights and tenure issues in climate and REDD+ policies and programs through organization of dialogues and other global engagement activities, coordinating collaborative work on RRI’s Rights and Climate priority theme, and contributing to other aspects of RRI’s Global Programs and the Coalition.

This responsibility requires demonstration of effective and proactive decision-making, and exceptional research and analytical skills. The position requires excellent communications skills and multicultural awareness, as the Climate Analyst will work with RRI’s diverse global coalition and all levels of staff. The Climate Analyst must also be prepared to assist with activities and projects outside the realm of her/his duties defined below as the needs of the Coalition dictate to deliver maximum progress toward the Coalition’s objectives.

This position reports to the Deputy Director of Global Programs.

This is a full-time position based in Washington DC.

Responsibilities:

1. Responsible for the implementation of Global Programs’ Rights and Climate portfolio – as defined in the Global Programs annual work plan. This includes the following responsibilities:

• Design, commission, and conduct original high-quality research on land and forest tenure, climate and REDD+ dynamics in the world’s developing and forested countries.
• Organize RRI Dialogues and other global engagement activities to advance global recognition of rights and tenure issues in climate and REDD+ policies, programs, and projects.
• Contribute expertise on forest and climate issues to other RRI research projects, for example on alternative business models, conservation, and/or women’s rights within community tenure systems.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of a variety of analytical projects including Policy Briefs, Working Papers, and major RRI reports, managing the production of analytical products drafted by RRI and external consultants.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of the Global Programs’ annual work plan, particularly the Rights and Climate strategy and activities.
• Track new developments and emerging issues in tenure rights and climate issues globally, and recommend new directions to management.
• Work with the Global Programs Associate to maintain the Rights and Climate components of the Global Program budget, prepare and manage contracts and fulfill other administrative requirements.
• Support the annual Global Programs monitoring and evaluation process, and contribute technical sections related to climate, REDD+, and tenure issues to donor reporting and grant writing.

1. Liaise with other teams and directors in RRG to promote and support synergies between RRG global Rights and Climate analysis and policy engagement and the RRI coalition’s work at country and regional levels. Responsibilities include:

• Provide technical assistance to conduct country-level studies, work closely with Country and Regional Programs to develop locally useful tools based on Global analyses, and incorporate and feature CRP work and perspectives in Global work.
• Work closely with the RRI Communications staff to ensure that communications support is integrated in the design and implementation of analytical and outreach activities, and that communications products are reviewed for technical accuracy.
• Contribute to strategic analysis and production of technical content for high-level events on thematic issues related to RRI’s mission.

1. Establish working relationships with key technical individuals and strategic thinkers in Partner and Collaborator organizations to advance priority activities and information-sharing within the coalition.

Qualifications:

1. Advanced degree in environment, international development, climate policy, law, economics, or related field (JD, LLM, MA, MSc, PHD, or other relevant advanced degree)
2. At least 5-6 years of professional experience researching and working on developing country land and natural resource tenure issues, including specific experience in forest and climate issues. Experience working in one or more developing countries preferred.
3. Exceptional communication skills, coupled with the confidence and awareness to interact comfortably and respectfully with high-level leaders from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and approaches to work.
4. Must be fluent in English. Fluency in Spanish and/or French strongly preferred.
5. Exceptional writing skills. Ability to write clear and concise content and ability to edit text written by others, and to make complex concepts more understandable without compromising message and content.
6. Exceptional organizational skills and demonstrated ability to excel while juggling competing priorities. Excellent time management is essential.
7. A highly collegial attitude. Candidates must be courteous, dependable, and enjoy working as a part of a friendly and supportive team.

How to Apply: Please send a resume, cover letter and short (1-2 pages maximum) writing sample to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted immediately and interviews conducted on a rolling basis. The subject line of the email must read: “Climate Analyst.” Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. No telephone calls please.