Program Overview:

Program Overview - About WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities The decisions that national leaders, local officials, developers, and planners make today will determine how billions of people in urban centers will thrive over the next century. Already, half the global population resides in cities. That figure is set to increase to 70 percent by 2050. Traditional models of city development can lock us into congestion, sprawl, and inefficient resource use. However, compact, connected, and efficient growth can help ensure more competitive cities, and provide a better quality of life for citizens. WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities (WRI Ross Center) works to ensure cities drive economic opportunity while sustaining natural resources. We use technical expertise, cutting-edge research, and on-the-ground partnerships to design solutions that enable sustainable city growth. Our analysis and tools allow cities to effectively manage their natural resources and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Working across our network, we develop and support the implementation of research-based solutions in sustainable mobility, urban development, as well as urban efficiency & climate that reduce pollution, improve health, and create safe, accessible public spaces for all people to thrive. WRI Ross Center builds on WRI’s global and local experience in urban planning and mobility, and uses proven solutions and action-oriented tools to increase building and energy efficiency, manage water risk, encourage effective governance and make the fast-growing urban environment more resilient to new challenges. Aiming to influence 200 cities with unique research and tools, WRI Ross Center focuses on a deep cross-sector approach in selected megacities on two continents, and targeted assistance to additional 50 urban areas, bringing economic, environmental and social benefits to people in cities around the globe.

Job Summary:

In the WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities, the Project Management Office Team ensures the implementation of effective project management mechanisms to all the Ross Center projects. As our Associate, you will report to the Sr. Manager, Project Management and be responsible for leading operational project planning and delivering annual progress reporting, working closely with global teams in DC and international offices in 6 countries. You are also expected to facilitate peer learning and ensure effective collaboration and coordination among international teams, areas of work and core functions. The position will support the Sr. Manager, Project Management to establish a project management office in the Ross Center. Some international travel will be required.

This position is currently remote due to Covid-19, but you will be based in our Washington, DC office once restrictions have lifted.

Job Responsibilities:

The Associate, Project Management key responsibilities include:

Increase project management acumen for the Cities Program by adapting tools and/or processes, ensuring proper link to overall Cities strategy.

Serve as liaison with core function teams, including Strategy, Development, Finance, etc. & manage coordination of efforts with other teams within WRI to ensure project delivery.

Provide support and guidance to teams to manage multiple projects through the project lifecycle.

Provide appropriate guidance to teams to ensure compliance with funder policies and project commitments.

Assist teams to identify project risks and possible mitigation strategies and implement framework for risk tracking and mitigation.

Facilitate set-up and maturation of project management community of practice, fostering discussion, alignment and adoption of relevant project management and reporting processes.

Create internal training materials and conduct training, when necessary. · Ensure staff access to professional training and development.

Supervise 1 intern, as needed, and provide guidance and mentorship for global network of project managers.

Ability to learn and adopt new tools as required to monitor and track project activities.

Job Qualifications:

Education:

Master's degree in Project Management, Administration, or similar field required.

Experience:

Minimum 3-5 years of relevant full-time work experience in project management · Project Management Certified (such as PMP, PMD Pro or equivalent)

Proven experience managing multiple projects through the project lifecycle

Experience in project management and associated best practices

Experience with delegated project or financial management assignments Personal Attributes

Detail-oriented and organized thinker who can juggle multiple, competing priorities

Demonstrated collaborative and consultative approaches to problem-solving skills

Highly motivated, proactive work style and excellent organizational skills and work ethic.

Articulate and versatile with professional writing experience and strong oral communications skills.

Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced office environment, both independently and as part of a global team across time zones.

Excellent inter-personal communication skills, including the ability to maintain and encourage collaboration with other programs, international offices, and partners.

Ability to think creatively and collaboratively about all elements of engagement work with preference for a proven track record of searching for and implementing innovative and high-impact approaches with clear results.

Adaptable to rapidly changing priorities and able to manage multiple deadlines and deliver high quality work products.

Keeps track of information and communicates trends and patterns in data to assist decision-making · Excellent Microsoft Office skills; Office 365; and project management software (such as Asana, Monday and/or Microsoft Project).

Ability to travel, when needed.

Potential Salary: $59,000-$77,000 Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors

How to Apply: Please submit a resume with cover letter. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

WRI Overview:

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.

We are passionate. We value our diversity of interests, skills, and backgrounds. We have a flexible work environment. And we share a common goal to catalyze change that will improve the lives of people. Our shared ideals are at the core of our approach. They include integrity, innovation, urgency, independence, and respect.

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.

We have been growing rapidly: our staff has doubled in size over the past 5 years, and our operating budget is nearing $200 million. Founded in 1982, 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.

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices.

This vacancy is archived.

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