Rapid Deployment Mechanism manager

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

About the Program:

The High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People (HAC for N&P) (www.hacfornatureandpeople.org) is an intergovernmental group of 120 countries-co-chaired by Costa Rica and France, championing a global deal for nature and people with the central goal of protecting at least 30 percent of the world's land and ocean area by 2030. The 30x30 target is a global target which aims to halt the accelerating loss of species and protect vital ecosystems that are the source of our economic security.

The HAC Secretariat is administered by WRI and hosted by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in Washington DC.

Following the HAC for N&P win in the 2024 Ocean Category of The Earthshot Prize Award, the HAC N&P received 1 Million British pounds to foster support for its country members in the implementation of the 30x30 target.

To manage this grant the HAC for N&P has created a rapid deployment mechanism (RDM), offering financial support initially to 10 countries to fulfil their gaps and unlock projects to progress their 30x30 implementation at national level.

Job Highlight:

Reporting to the HAC Secretariat Director, you will integrate equity into your work. You will provide technical, operational and administrative support to the HAC N&P RDM, doing so in close coordination with the HAC for N&P team in particular the Grants and Finance specialist. You will be based at GEF's office in Washington, DC. This one-year position which is full-time, benefits-eligible.

What will you do:

Finalize the creation of the RDM (20%):

• Review the documentation and internal procedures developed
• Finalize the procedures and documentations developed
• Provide recommendations to streamline RDM procedures and documents
• Lead the Call for Proposals application process including providing inputs and updating relevant documents and proposal screening and evaluations.

Manage the day-to-day RDM work (40%):

• Manage the applications for the RDM including through the review and approval of such applications
• Manage relationships and support of the applicant countries and selected countries
• Manage relationships with partners of the RDM
• Organize and manage the RDM bi-weekly meetings with the HAC team and the co-chairs
• Manage relationships with the Earthshot prize team
• Identify potential new financial contributions to the RDM

Manage the implementation of the RDM (40%): -

• Coordinate the selection of recipient countries
• Review countries' proposals and support such proposals when needed
• Ensure that these proposals are compliant with the RDM procedures, the 30x30 requirements and their national NBSAPs
• Support the HAC grant and finance specialist in the collection & submission of materials for the subgrants
• Review the reports from countries after the finalization of the subgrant process.
• Organize regular meetings with the selected countries
• Provide regular monitoring reports to the HAC secretariat and the Earthshot Prize
• Provide a final report at the end of the one-year mission on the implementation of the RDM

What will you need:

• Education: You have a completed bachelor's degree in a related field. Relevant work experience in lieu of degree is accepted
• Experience: You have minimum 5 yr of full-time professional experience in fund management, preferably in a non-profit setting
• Deep knowledge of conservation project management and 30x30 issues
• Experience with oral and written communication, working with international teams or projects
• Experience using Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Experience of small teams and of handling multiple projects with varying deadlines as well as rapidly changing priorities
• Languages: Fluent in English, with additional common languages (e.g., French, Spanish) a plus
• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization

Potential Salary: US salary range is between 84,000 and 95,000 USD. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

How to Apply: Please submit a resume with a required cover letter by the date of 7 March 2025. We may close for applications sooner if we receive a high volume of qualified applications.

We are unable to consider your application without a cover letter in addition to your resume.

You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

What we offer:

• 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
• Medical Coverage, Dental Coverage, Vision Coverage, retirement plan access and employer contribution

About Us:

Founded in 1982, World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. WRI has a global staff of over 1,800 people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia and the United States, as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.

The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps, and analysis to solve the world's greatest environment and international development challenges and improve people's lives. We work with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.

Our mission and values:

WRI's mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth's environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence and Respect.

Our culture:

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission including equal opportunities in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, caste, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status.

Our team in Human Resources carefully reviews all applications.