This position can be based in the WRI Europe office in the Hague, the Netherlands or London, United Kingdom. Existing work authorization is required for candidates who will be based in the UK.


About the Program:

The WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities is dedicated to shaping a future where cities work better for everyone. Through its network of global and local experts, the Ross Center supports city- and national-level change for people and the planet, focusing on integrated solutions to new and long-standing urban challenges, primarily in the Global South. Cities are key in achieving a net-zero, resilient and inclusive future. They represent 80% of global GDP and contribute with almost 70% of global emissions and 75% of energy related emissions. Today, they are home for 50% of the global population and by 2050 this number will increase to 2/3. More than 2.5 billion urban dwellers will move to cities by 2050, 90% of them in Africa and Asia.


Job Highlight:

In this role, you will provide grants and finance management, and project management support. You will work on complex, multi-year, multi-faceted international grants - developing and updating budgets, tracking, and monitoring expenditures, preparing financial reports, and working with project managers, partner organizations, and international offices to maintain a healthy financial system. You will be supported by a team of project managers and finance specialists within the WRI Ross Center. You will work closely with our central finance teams, including the cost and pricing team, grants and contracts team, and accounting team.

You will report to the Director of Urban Efficiency & Climate within the WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities and to the Operations & Finance Manager, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities.


What will you do:


Financial Management (60%)

Update project budgets using WRI’s budgeting and forecasting software (TM1), MS Excel and Asana Process invoices and payments for projects in compliance with WRI’s policies (subgrants, consultancies, work orders, etc.) Assist project team in project closeout processes including turnover documentation and financial reconciliation Review on a monthly basis the transactions and finances of the projects and update the budget and financial review template(s) for review with workstream director(s) and operations staff Develop fiscal year budget forecasts on a yearly basis in coordination with operations and workstream directors of both teams Work with Salesforce to add new proposals

Program/Project Management (20%)

Process documentation for project commitments (i.e. agreements, contracts, work authorizations, and purchase orders) Work with partners to help them understand and meet subgrant and contract requirements Provide timesheet guidance to workstream team members on a bi-weekly basis

Grant Management (20% of time):

Lead the drafting of grant proposal budgets and assists in the collection & submission of formal proposals for grants Coordinate with project managers to prepare all required grant forms for submission as instructed by grant Keep track of deliverables and reporting required under grants Coordinate with project managers to keep timely and accurate information on donors and contacts in Salesforce.

What will you need:

Experience: 1+ year of relevant, full-time work experience, including supporting financial or project management functions Education: You have a completed bachelor’s degree in economics, finance, accounting, public policy, political science, international affairs, or similar subject You have experience in programme management, financial management, or budgeting You have advanced MS Excel skills and experience with budgeting software or project management software You have experience with internal communications and communications with third party vendors Languages: You have written and spoken proficiency in English Requirements: You have the existing right to work if you would like to be based in our London office.

Potential Salary:

€42,000 - €50,000 if based in the Netherlands

£30,000 to £37,000 if based in the United Kingdom


Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors. WRI offers a competitive remuneration and benefits package.

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume and a cover letter by 23 February 2023. You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

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 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. Long-term commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours. Generous leave days that increase with tenure.

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, Respect.

Our culture:

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. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, we embrace all diversity and encourage women, the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, Afro-descendants, and Indigenous people to apply. Recognizing our strong commitment to gender equality, WRI has also been awarded EDGE certification.

Our Human Resources team carefully reviews all applications.

This vacancy is archived.

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