Director, Research, Data and Innovation, WRI Africa at World Resources Institute (WRI)

You will report to the Deputy Director for WRI Africa and you will have a dotted line to the Global Research, Data and Innovation Lead.

What will you do:

Ensure quality of WRI-branded knowledge products (50%):

• Provide feedback to authors on research design and the provision of robust evidence that is fit for key audiences— including policymakers, businesses, multilateral development organizations—and coherent with other research and publications at WRI
• Review WRI Africa publications, as well as other WRI publications relevant to Africa, to determine whether they meet WRI’s research standards and approve them for publication
• Assist research staff in identifying external experts who can provide objective, relevant reviews of drafts

Research Culture & Capacity (25%):

• Foster a learning culture where constructive criticism and candor are highly valued and staff feel empowered to speak up and discuss failures
• Establish regular engagement with programs to help connect the dots across programs and encourage a culture of cohesion
• Provide support and training to staff on research design, data interpretation, analytical issues, and effective writing
• Participate in hiring of research-focused staff

Coordinate with the Data Lab and Managing for Results functions (25%):

• Ensure that the links between research and outcomes are understood by all program staff and pursued as an integral part of strategies to drive sustainable outcomes
• Collaborate with the Data Lab and Managing for Results to ensure alignment within WRI Africa
• Help develop capacity for the Data Lab and Managing for Results functions in WRI Africa
• Provide guidance (dotted line) to existing Data Lab and Managing for Results staff

What will you need:

• Education: You have a completed master's degree in a discipline related to environment, development, or evaluation, with strong methodological skills in social sciences, natural sciences, or related fields
• Experience: You have 12+ years of relevant, full-time experience in conducting research related to environment or development, including 5+ years of experience managing researchers
• You have experience working with international organizations and relevant experience working in the Africa continent
• You have a track record of conducting and overseeing research that translates into policy and practice
• You have demonstrated knowledge of specific research methods, quantitative or qualitative and experience communicating those methods clearly to diverse audiences
• Experience applying valuation methods is desirable
• Languages: You have professional proficiency in English. Professional proficiency in French is desirable.

Potential salary:

Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

What we offer:

• A competitive salary
• 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 United States.
• 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.
• Long-term commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours.
• Generous leave days that increase with tenure