Data Ethics & Governance Analyst

Job Posting Organization:
The World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent research organization that focuses on improving people's lives, protecting and restoring nature, and stabilizing the climate. Established with a mission to leverage data, expertise, and global reach to influence policy and catalyze change across various systems, WRI operates in over a dozen focus countries and collaborates with partners in more than 50 nations. With a workforce of over 2,000 staff members, WRI is dedicated to advancing gender and social equity in its mission, ensuring equal opportunities in employment and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Job Overview:
The Data Ethics & Governance Analyst position is part of WRI's Data Lab, which serves as the core data innovation and product delivery unit. This hybrid role requires the analyst to work in the office for 8 days per month and is designed for individuals residing in Washington DC, Maryland, or Virginia. The analyst will engage in research and develop practical approaches to emerging questions in data ethics and governance, particularly focusing on data sovereignty in the context of artificial intelligence (AI) and benefit-sharing in open data and open-source systems. The position is part of the Civic Science Fellows program, which aims to build a network of leaders committed to ensuring that all people can shape and benefit from science, technology, and innovation. The analyst will contribute to WRI's work on data ethics and governance while participating in a broader learning community, translating research into actionable recommendations for WRI policies and practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The analyst will engage in various tasks, including:

• Research and Analysis on Data Ethics and Governance (30%): Design and conduct research on emerging data governance issues, including data sovereignty and governance models for open data. Conduct desk research and synthesize evidence on topics such as shared ownership and rights to control data use. Analyze findings in their social, institutional, and policy context, translating them into clear options and recommendations.
• Stakeholder and Community Research (25%): Plan and conduct interviews and research engagements with experts and community representatives. Support inclusive research approaches, documenting findings and implications for further action.
• Data Strategy and Project Delivery (20%): Contribute to data governance meetings, connecting research findings to organizational needs. Support the design and implementation of data governance guidance and maintain project documentation.
• Civic Science Fellowship Learning and Field-Building (25%): Actively participate in the Civic Science Fellows cohort, co-designing the Fellowship project and sharing lessons learned with the community. Produce a final set of findings and recommendations to inform future work at WRI and in the civic science field.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a completed bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as public policy, social science, environmental studies, information science, or law. A minimum of 3 years of full-time relevant professional experience is required, including experience in research or project management. Candidates should have experience in data governance, data ethics, responsible data practices, and technology governance. Familiarity with environmental, climate, conservation, or natural-resource data is desirable, as is experience with Indigenous data sovereignty and community engagement.

Educational Background:
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required, with additional relevant work experience considered in lieu of a degree. The educational background should ideally include studies in public policy, social science, environmental studies, information science, or related disciplines.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 3 years of full-time relevant professional experience, including conducting research or managing projects from initial scoping through to communication of findings. Experience in data governance, data ethics, and community research is essential, along with the ability to collaborate effectively with both technical and non-technical colleagues.

Languages:
Verbal and written proficiency in English is mandatory. Additional language proficiency relevant to WRI’s global work is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is an 18-month position requiring existing work authorization in the United States, as WRI cannot sponsor visa applications. The potential salary for this position ranges from $69,000 to $82,000, depending on experience and local market conditions. The successful candidate should be available to begin in time to participate in the Civic Science Fellows cohort starting in late September 202

• WRI offers a hybrid working model with flexible hours, generous leave days, and various benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as retirement plan access.