# Application for Program Associate, Sustainable Ocean Initiative ([World Resources Institute](https://www.wri.org)) Program Associate - Sustainable Ocean Initiative | December 2020 | 1 of 2 To whom it may concern, As an ambitious researcher and passionate advocate with extensive experience in marine policy, I am excited to apply for the Program Associate position at WRI’s Sustainable Ocean Initiative. As a Senior Researcher at the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations (IDDRI) , I am engaged in a range of activities that aim to strengthen ocean governance. I produce policy-relevant research and collaborate with governments, NGOs and scientists to advocate for effective conservation and management of marine biodiversity. I have broad experience working with government officials and other actors to promote ocean sustainability and have developed a strong awareness of the geopolitical and economic factors that influence policy. Through my diverse portfolio of research and publications, I have developed extensive knowledge of marine policy issues and the underlying science. I recently deepened my knowledge through strategic research on marine geopolitics, nature-based solutions, aquaculture, and the role of China in international marine policy. I have followed the Ocean Panel with great interest and believe the recent call to action can encourage further commitments to sustainable management. I am keen to contribute my skills and experience to advance this agenda and maximise the impact of WRI’s work ahead of the 2021 UN Ocean Conference. ### Strategic and analytical skills Working for a small institute, I am required to strategically develop a work programme that can generate impact and visibility with limited resources. I monitor current developments, seeking niches where we can contribute useful analysis and identifying specific roles we can fulfill. I have developed a varied body of research and events that has secured our position as both an objective and respected voice in international policy processes and a leader on previously neglected issues. For example, I analysed the traffic on IDDRI’s website and noted continued interest in an outdated overview of high seas issues. As UN discussions were gaining momentum, I saw an opportunity to produce a comprehensive guide to serve as an introduction for newcomers and a reference for seasoned delegates. I developed high-quality analysis, seeking feedback from reviewers with diverse perspectives, and procured forewords from the Chair of the negotiations and France’s Special Ambassador for Climate Change. I planned a communications campaign, leveraging my extensive network and social media and outreach skills to ensure wide distribution. The report is now widely recognised as the essential guide to the negotiations and remains one of our most popular publications. It generates regular invitations from editors, journalists and event organisers, including the opportunity to write a comment piece in Nature . ### Interpersonal and political skills I played a central role in the conception of the Partnership for Regional Ocean Governance and subsequently worked closely with colleagues to identify strategic partners and develop projects that have attracted significant long-term support. We worked with the European Commission to secure funding and announce these projects as EU commitments to the Our Ocean Conference. I coordinate with a wide range of actors to implement these projects, including government, research institutes, and UN and EU bodies. In previous roles I have been responsible for coordinating a global community of renewable energy experts and for hiring and managing consultants. Program Associate - Sustainable Ocean Initiative | December 2020 | 2 of 2 As part of the STRONG High Seas project , I work closely with colleagues and partners to strengthen participation in international negotiations and facilitate regional exchange and collaboration between decision makers and stakeholders. At the first UN Ocean Conference, I developed a full-day programme on regional governance, hosted by the government of Germany. This included high-level speakers and culminated in the launch of a flagship report that I lead-authored, Partnering for a Sustainable Ocean . I am open and easy-going, and find that my genuine interest in people enables me to quickly form personal connections. These relationships have provided me and my institute with excellent opportunities, including invitations to speak at high-level closed-door workshops, lead development of significant publications, and provide input to policy-making processes. ### Communications and events I am a confident public speaker, representing IDDRI in various forums and regularly speaking at a range of events. I have conducted media interviews and written articles, in both English and French, and have experience communicating with diverse audiences, from scientists to the general public. I have cultivated a strong professional network and social media following that allows me to exchange with leading researchers and experts, as well as promote our work and outputs. In addition to organising side events and conference sessions, I regularly organise and facilitate high-level expert meetings, workshops, trainings, and stakeholder dialogues. I played a key role in the conception and delivery of the Marine Regions Forum , an international invite-only conference. Adapting to current circumstances, I have quickly learned to deliver engaging online events. For example, I recently organised a webinar on mesopelagic fisheries, coordinating the release of two reports from different organisations and convening leading scientists and governance experts. The event was well received, with 250 attendees engaging in a lively discussion with panelists. Work ethic ● Motivated and productive - strive to get things done as effectively and efficiently as possible. ● Self-aware and adaptable - quickly see where I can complement others and add value. ● Supportive and kind - lifting others up and favouring collaboration over competition. ● Curious lifelong learner and fledgling mentor - eager to extend myself and share my experience. I believe that my extensive knowledge and experience in ocean policy will immediately add value to the team and make a significant contribution to the promotion of the Ocean Panel agenda. I would be delighted to further discuss this role, should I have the opportunity. Warm regards, Home FAQ Internships PROGRAM ASSOCIATE, SUSTAINABLE PRINT THIS PAGE APPLY OCEAN INITIATIVE Program Management • London, UK This is a limited term position, ending 30 September 2021. Job Summary In this role you will support the delivery, and the development of WRI’s Sustainable Ocean Initiative and its associated work streams. You will be required to provide expertise, input and guidance to help advance work streams and activities under consideration by the Program, with particular emphasis on supporting the activities of the Ocean Panel and driving implementation of its ambitious ocean agenda. You will assist in building new partnerships and finding strategic synergies within and across priority countries, regions and sectors. You will provide technical inputs, and analysis in support of the Ocean Panel agenda, and contribute to fundraising and grant preparation and reporting of evidence-based program impact. This is a multi-faceted role requiring close collaboration with external partners and colleagues across the Ocean Panel Secretariat, WRI, WRI’s international offices, and the Friends of Ocean Action. You will have experience of working with senior stakeholders in government, business and civil society, and preferably a strong background in ocean issues or related topics such as ecosystem restoration and governance, nature- based solutions, climate mitigation, adaptation and financing. You must be flexible and results-oriented with excellent organization, writing and communication skills and strong attention to detail. This position is based in London and reports to the Deputy Head of Secretariat for the Ocean Panel. This is a limited term, ending 30 September 2021. Home FAQ Internships This position is remote due to Covid-19, but you will be based at WRI’s office in London once restrictions have lifted. ### Job Responsibilities Support the effective delivery of the Ocean Panel agenda in the lead up to 2021 UN Ocean Conference and UN General Assembly, contributing technical content, undertaking rapid analysis, and supporting material preparation Support the action coalitions for nature-based infrastructure and shipping decarbonization (formed in response to Ocean Panel recommendations), ensuring a clear workplan for the development and launch of associated products and provide support for relevant convenings or events Support WRI’s emerging work stream for the restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems at scale, undertaking research to shape relevant analyses and project deliverables, and (with support from senior staff) managing relationships with key partner organizations to advance project goals Develop and maintain strong working relationships with WRI’s programs, centers and international offices to maximize synergies and leverage the existing knowledge, research and expertise of WRI Identify relevant opportunities and contribute to fundraising proposals (presentations, narratives, budgets) to advance elements of work in line with the strategy and theory of change for WRI’s ocean initiative Raise the profile of the work of WRI’s Ocean Initiative via relevant international fora, and internal communication with WRI colleagues Contribute to the production of original research, knowledge products, and communications materials, including blogs and newsletters Organize meetings, calls and webinars and support the preparation and coordination of associated preparatory and Home FAQ Internships follow up materials Job Qualifications Master's degree (or bachelor's degree with 2 additional years of experience) Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience required Experience with ocean policy issues and nature-based solutions is not required but would be desirable Strong political, strategic and analytical abilities A task-oriented style, with a focus on achieving clear and ambitious goals Demonstrated ability to meet multiple deadlines by maintaining a high level of organization and communication with team members Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to synthesize large amounts of information and to focus quickly on the essence of an issue/problem and identify the means to address it Strong interpersonal skills; able to develop and manage productive relationships with consultants, partners and others Excellent written and oral communication skills, including ease in presenting and facilitating, and briefly summarizing the essence of issues and means to address them Ability to work well in a team, including open and constructive communication and an interest in collaborating on a wide range of work products and projects ### How to Apply Please submit a cover letter with resume. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered. Closing date for applications 14th December 2020. Potential Annual Salary: £37,000- £46,250 Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors. Home FAQ Internships Program Overview The World Resources Institute’s (WRI) Sustainable Ocean Initiative (SOI) is focused on accelerating progress toward a sustainable ocean economy and achievement of SDG 14 - the Ocean Goal. The Initiative supports efforts to address the numerous challenges the ocean faces and encourage conservation of the marine environment alongside the sustainable use of the marine resources that are so crucial to many countries’ economic development and human well-being. Despite the central importance of a healthy ocean to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, solutions offered by the ocean, and the ocean economy, to support sustainable and equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges such as food insecurity and climate mitigation and adaption have been largely overlooked. Through the Ocean Initiative, WRI has set out to change this narrative, to build a greater understanding among governments, business leaders, financiers and practitioners of the opportunities, solutions, values and contribution of the ocean to the global economy, human health and wellbeing, and to accelerate knowledge-based decision making and solutions that drive inclusive ocean based economic opportunities while sustaining ocean ecosystems and coastal populations. WRI serves as the Secretariat to two globally influential ocean initiatives, the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (Ocean Panel) and the Friends of Ocean Action (with the World Economic Forum), which allows us to place cutting edge research and analysis in the hands of decision makers to shape agendas and policies at the highest levels of business and government. With ocean partners, WRI works to raise the profile of the ocean on the international stage and catalyze and accelerate responsive action and innovative solutions for a sustainable ocean economy. Home FAQ Internships 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 in order 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 now $150 million. Founded in 1982, WRI has a global staff of 1,000+ people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico 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. APPLY APPLY LATER ← Back to Current Openings Home FAQ Internships Share     STAY CONNECTED FOLLOW SIGN UP FOR OUR DONATE TO WRI NEWSLETTERS WRI Get our latest commentary,  DONATE Facebook upcoming events, publications, maps, and data. Sign up for the  Twitter weekly WRI Digest. 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