This is a hybrid position which requires min. 8 days/month in the office. You can be based in our office in Istanbul. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI Türkiye is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position.

About WRI and WRI Türkiye:

WRI is a trusted partner for change. Using research-based approaches, we work globally and in focus countries to meet people’s essential needs, protect and restore nature, stabilize the climate, and build more resilient communities. We aim to fundamentally transform the way the world produces food, uses energy, and designs its cities to create a better future for all. We work across several topics affecting people, nature, and the climate: Cities, Climate, Energy, Food, Forests, Freshwater, Ocean, Equity, Business, Finance, and Economics.

WRI Türkiye has been working on urban mobility, urban development, and urban efficiency & climate since 2005. It has implemented practical projects in collaboration with local and central governments in 17 cities in Türkiye, 6 cities in Africa, and 2 cities in Europe, focusing on sustainable transport, urban development, and energy efficiency in buildings. It serves the goal of sustainable cities through implementation projects, capacity-building efforts, and the development of strategy documents, as well as national and international collaborations.

About the role:

WRI Türkiye is seeking to fill a Urban Resilience Manager’s position to advance our policy and project related work that focusses on effective climate adaptation and resilience in Türkiye.

WRI globally, has deep experience in the urban development sector and is widely recognized as a leader in promoting sustainable cities. Currently, WRI Türkiye is working on to promote nature positive approach as part of their urban resilience and disaster mitigation strategies in Türkiye.

The selected candidates will contribute to research, coordination, capacity building, communications and outreach related to projects focusing on urban climate resilience. The position will also offer an opportunity to work on impactful on-ground projects with government bodies in integrating climate concerns into policies and programs. The selected candidate will work with the Urban Efficiency and Climate team under the Cities Program based in Türkiye and will also collaborate with colleagues in the WRI network. The role involves undertaking desk and field research, engaging with key departments to understand climate adaptation strategies, and performing other related tasks. The individual will work closely with staff from WRI Türkiye and consortium partners, central and local government.

Responsibilities:

· Manage projects, develop them to achieve the desired outcomes outlined above with impact at scale.

· Conduct in-depth primary and secondary research, with quantitative and qualitative analysis to inform policies and actions needed for advancing urban climate resilience and addressing barriers.

· Provide technical leadership on policies and strategies related to climate change adaptation, including but not limited to nature-based solutions, green/grey/blue infrastructure, integrated urban planning, the built environment

· Facilitate impactful dialogues, convenings, workshops, roundtables and events with partners.

· Lead coordination and dissemination of capacity-building activities

· Lead field studies

· Write compelling research products, articles, and blogs, and provide research and content development support, as needed.

· Keep abreast of industry and technology trends, policy and financing landscape and sectoral developments.

· Support fund development efforts in relevant areas

· Perform other tasks as needed towards achieving the Urban Efficiency and Climate Program’s vision.

· Coordinate with relevant government agencies to obtain required data

· Lead, organize and conduct stakeholders’ consultations to invite inputs

· Learn about existing planning policies at the city/state and national level for the same.

· Assist in organizing events and workshops as needed in the program.

· Participate in all external and/or internal meetings and stakeholders’ consultations from time to time and provide inputs, as necessary

· Liaise / coordinate with the partner organizations or organizations working on the ground in the climate adaptation space.

· Supervise / assist the research team working to develop subnational climate action strategies and data-driven pathways

· Prepare technical reports for the assignment including data collection, mapping, conduct surveys, compilation, analysis and develop presentations.

Requirements:

· Master’s degree in environmental studies, climate studies, geography, urban planning/architecture/engineering, public policy, biology or a related field.

· Min. 10 years of relevant professional experience, ideally combining research experience with project management in one or more of the following areas: climate change adaptation and resilience, environmental science, data analysis, or a related field.

· Demonstrated experience in leading and/or contributing to interdisciplinary research projects on nature-based solutions, urban resilience, vulnerability assessments, community-based adaptation and other related work

· Understanding of climate impact assessments and adaptation strategies.

· Experience working with public and private sector stakeholders on climate change adaptation and resilience topics

· Experience working with bilateral and multilateral institutions or on international development priorities

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex information to a variety of audiences

· Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with data analysis software is highly desirable.

· Proven experience in reporting is a plus.

· Excellent communication skills in Turkish and English, both written and verbal; proficiency in additional languages is an advantage.

· Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

· Experience working in a multinational environment, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and adaptability.

· Proficiency in quantitative and/or qualitative data collection and analysis.

· Mapping using GIS tools would be a plus.

How to Apply

We kindly request you to send your cover letter and CV written in English to yaren.yanik@wri.org.