WRI Product Specialist in 122 views

This position is a full-time, benefits-eligible, term limited position with an end date of December 31, 2020. There is potential to convert into a regular term position depending on project funding and availability.

Job Summary:
This is a unique opportunity to support and lead the creation of an Earth Dashboard, a one-of-a-kind dashboard visualizing the state of our global commons, how they are changing, where pressures are coming from, and the key actors involved in either exacerbating or mitigating those pressures. The Earth Dashboard will be built on the Resource Watch API, leveraging over 300 of the best and most timely datasets on our planet, its resources, and our society. In this role, you will lead the design and development of the Earth Dashboard, collecting input from stakeholders and prospective users to guide implementation. You will manage external vendor(s), keep deliverables on track, and continually strive to meet the Earth Dashboard’s overall vision. In addition, you will support the Resource Watch team in identifying and developing new platform features that align with the long term vision of the Resource Watch platform.

Job Responsibilities:

• Manage the design and development of the Earth Dashboard, in coordination with the Global Commons Alliance Earth HQ and the Resource Watch team
• Serve as a liaison between Earth HQ and the Resource Watch team to ensure efficient and high-quality development of the Earth Dashboard within the Resource Watch ecosystem
• Provide general platform support for Resource Watch platform
• Engage in day-to-day interactions with external web vendors, set priorities, and keep deadlines
• Coordinate the drafting of RFPs and monitor vendor delivery against the RFP in coordination with the Resource Watch Product Manager and API & Services Manager, when relevant
• Prioritize feature requests based on user needs, stakeholder input, and track vendor budget and timeline constraints
• Ensure that the vision and theory of change for the Earth Dashboard is reflected in the web development for the platform
• Engage with external partners including Global Commons Alliance members

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Minimum of 2 years of experience supporting web or other product development, particularly working with external vendors
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to understand issues from different perspectives, and the confidence to take principled positions or seek help when needed
• High degree of comfort with web technologies, with the ability to work with both technical and non-technical colleagues and partners
• A self-motivated learner with a willingness and ability to take on new challenges as required Interest in working for a mission-driven environmental organization
• Passion for communicating environmental and sustainability data and science
• Strong visual and aesthetic sense
• US work authorization is required for this opportunity.

How to Apply:

Please include a cover letter in your application that describes your experience with product management, user research and/or managing vendors. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

Program Overview:

Resource Watch launched as a beta platform in April 2018 and currently hosts approximately 300 datasets, including 50+ in near real-time. Resource Watch sits within the Research, Data and Innovation department, which manages the review of all research products and leads moving our information into action initiative to promote excellence in all of our open data initiatives.

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.

The World Resources Institute (http://www.wri.org) is an environmental and development research and policy organization that creates solutions to protect the Earth and improve people’s lives. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is WRI’s policy to recruit, hire, and provide opportunities for advancement in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, protected veteran status, or disability. WRI’s global agenda requires a staff that is diverse – with respect to race, gender, cultural, and international background. Diverse perspectives and experience enhance the way WRI selects and approaches issues, as well as the creativity and applicability of WRI’s policy research and analysis. WRI, therefore, encourages applications from U.S. minorities, persons from other countries (especially developing nations), and from women of all backgrounds.