Research Operations Lead

The World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA) is a global non-profit on a mission to measure how business impact people and planet to collaboratively strengthen corporate accountability for sustainable development. We publish free and publicly available research on company performance on sustainable development. We assess and engage with companies across seven system transformations: digital, food and agriculture, nature and biodiversity, decarbonisation and energy, finance, social, and urban, and we collaborate with more than 400 Allies worldwide to facilitate the use of our research insights for stakeholder action.

We are currently transitioning our research for greater scale, improved efficiency, deeper and more impactful insights, and enhanced scientific rigor. As part of this transition, our research and digitisation function will grow to a staff size of 82 before the end of 2025. At this scale, our Research and Digitisation (R & D) Director will need the support of a Research Operations Lead (ROL) who functions like a Chief of Staff.

In this role, you will work directly with the R & D Director, to lead on strategic projects, to drive strategic planning and execution, to provide data and insights for strategic decision-making, and to enhance internal communication and cross-team collaboration. We are looking for a strong conceptual thinker who can build collaborative relationships across the organization. You should thrive in a fast-paced and purpose-driven work environment that provides high levels of autonomy.

What you will do:

• Lead on the concept and execution of priority projects aimed to enhance the impact, efficiency, rigor and credibility of WBA research.
• Provide timely data, analysis, insights, and recommendations for strategic decision-making and progress tracking.
• Drive the strategic planning, budgeting and reporting rhythm for the R & D function.
• Assist the R & D Director with preparations for the Supervisory Board’s Research Committee meetings, with a view to enhancing the regularity of meeting cadence as well as enhancing the quality of discussion and communication.
• Support the R & D Director with the development of communication materials for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Architect improvements of systems, processes, and internal meetings to help create time and space for R & D Leads to focus on key priorities such as innovative and impactful research and fundraising.

What we are looking for:

• 15+ years of experience in roles related to strategic planning, operations management, project management, or financial management. We will also find it relevant and interesting if candidates come from more technical fields like research, science and engineering but are seeking to pivot into a more generalist career trajectory or into the sustainability field. Actual previous experience in a chief of staff role, whether corporate, public sector or non-profit, will be a big advantage.
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills is a must. Must be able to write clearly and concisely for a professional audience.
• Facility with spreadsheet applications or other data analysis/management software and other relevant applications is required.
• Competence in analyzing data and designing clear, effective presentations to communicate insights and support decision-making (e.g., using PowerPoint).
• Proven interest in or familiarity with sustainable development and sustainability topics is a plus.
• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Economics, Business Administration/Management, or Engineering is preferred.
• Passion for making a difference with a curious mindset and a ‘can do’, hands-on and professional attitude. In our teal culture based on self-managed teams, you must be proactive and inclusive to thrive.
• Comfortable in a globally inclusive, fast-paced, agile, and virtual/hybrid environment that promotes flexibility whilst being able to meet deadlines.

Our offer:

A challenging job with considerable responsibilities and maximum autonomy. We stimulate personal growth and believe in flexible working arrangements, and you will receive market-based employment benefits (the equivalent of the all-in annual compensation range of €83k - €90k gross). We have a physical presence in Amsterdam and London, alongside many employees who work across the world. We welcome applicants from around the globe. However, to ensure effective collaboration with the Research Director, we encourage applications from those who can or are willing to work in a European time .

Interested?

Send us your resume by clicking the 'apply for this job' button addressed to Lourdes Montenegro, including a brief cover letter explaining why you’d like to join WBA and how you match the role description. Ideally, you should also be able to provide a link to your writing sample in your resume. For any questions regarding the role, please contact Bosco Lliso (b.lliso@worldbenchmarkingalliance.org). We are happy for you to apply as soon as possible but at the latest by 5 pm CET, 7 February 2025. The first virtual interviews will be held from 14 February 2025. For more information about WBA and our benchmarks please see our website or follow @SDGBenchmarks on Twitter.