Manager, Diplomatic Engagement

wri; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

World Resources Institute (WRI) is seeking a Manager for Diplomatic Engagement to advance the NDC Partnership. The role involves tracking political dynamics, analyzing developments, and supporting strategic outreach to leaders and partners in a fast-changing global landscape.

The position reports to the Chief of Staff and works with the Global Director to translate insights into diplomatic engagement, guidance for the Steering Committee, and evidence-based messaging for decision-makers.

Qualifications

• Monitor national, regional, and international policy developments relevant to the partnership.
• Provide analyses that shape strategic positions and recommendations for outreach.
• Draft policy briefs, memos, and background materials for leadership.

Responsibilities

• Policy Research & Analysis: monitor developments and produce timely insights.
• Outreach & Stakeholder Engagement: support UN entities, governments, and partners; brief Steering Committee.
• Draft strategic papers and policy memos to inform external communications.

Skills

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic communication

Diplomatic outreach

Job description

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days per month in the office. You can be based in our office in Washington, D.C. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position. To be eligible for this position in US, you must be a resident of DC, Maryland or Virginia at the start of employment.

About the Program:

The NDC Partnership is a global coalition, bringing together more than 260 members, including more than 140 developed and developing countries and more than 110 institutions. The NDC Partnership exists to accelerate the implementation of the Paris Agreement by strengthening the capacity for and collaboration around country‑owned climate and development action aligned with NDCs.

Hyperlink to program: NDC Partnership

Job Highlight:

The Manager for Diplomatic Engagement plays a central role in advancing the NDC Partnership. The Manager will follow complex political dynamics, track and analyze new developments relevant for the NDC Partnership, and support the NDC Partnership in strategically identifying and utilizing conducive opportunities to advance its mission in a fast‑changing global landscape.

This position will play an important role in support of the NDC Partnership leadership - the Support Unit Global Director, the Co‑Chairs and Steering Committee - in setting and advancing the NDC Partnership's political outreach. The position is anchored in evidence‑based outreach – one of three pillars of the NDC Partnership's 2026-2030 Work Program – through which programmatic work is amplified.

The Manager will work to ensure that opportunities are translated into action and that insights are fed into outreach, communication efforts, and engagement in diplomatic fora, thereby increasing visibility, strengthening influence, and informing decision‑makers. They will support efforts to ensure that the NDC Partnership is championed at the highest levels and that evidence‑based messages are disseminated to support informed decision‑making and contribute to shaping international discourse and practice.

The Manager will monitor and analyze international, regional, and sectoral policy and legislative developments; support relationships with government actors, UN agencies, and external partners; deliver timely insights and recommendations; and produce high‑quality written materials and other products that inform strategic decision‑making and external communications. Reporting to the Chief of Staff and working closely with and supporting the Global Director, this is a cross‑cutting role. The Manager will advance the strategic direction put forward by the Co‑Chairs and Steering Committee, with guidance from the Support Unit Management team, and collaborate with staff situated in all Support Unit workstreams.

What you will do:

Policy Research and Analysis (30%)

• Monitor national, regional, and international political and policy developments relevant to the NDC Partnership's mission
• Track and review key reports and decisions form intergovernmental bodies, UN agencies, governments, and NGOs.
• Offer timely guidance to colleagues on policy narratives, details, and issue area developments, identifying emerging trends, opportunities and challenges in the national and global policy landscape.
• Provide analyses that shapes strategic positions and recommendations to inform outreach by the NDC Partnership's leadership, including efforts to guide long term transformation.

Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement (60%)

• Stakeholder Engagement Support a broad range of relationships, including potentially with UN entities, international organizations, international financial institutions, governments, philanthropy and other partners on coordination and policy matters.
• Draw on insights and best practices to inform Steering Committee briefings.
• Briefings Draft, contribute to and propose ideas for strategic papers - policy memos, reports, fact sheets, bri