Research Associate

Acre is supporting GRI in the recruitment of a Research Associate within the Standards Division to work either hybrid from Amsterdam or remotely (+/-2 hours CET) with the team based in Amsterdam.

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GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) is an independent, international organization that helps organizations with transparency. They do this through the creation of a global common language for organizations to report their sustainability impacts. This enables informed dialogue and decision-making around those impacts.

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The Role:

The Standards Division is responsible for developing and maintaining the world's most widely used standards for sustainability reporting.

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As a Research Associate, you will be primarily responsible for assessing research needs in existing projects and carrying out the research. This will be done through a combination of desktop research, direct interaction with experts, and analysis of feedback from stakeholders. Your responsibilities may also include supporting the writing and revision of content for the standards and project management activities.

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You will report to the research lead and will support the project managers in the development of these standards. For this, you will prepare a variety of documents and deliverables. You will have the opportunity to be involved in a range of sustainability content areas and further your understanding of the sustainability impacts of various sectors.

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To be successful in this role, you will ideally be organized and will be able to work independently as needed, balancing and prioritizing multiple tasks. You will also have strong research and analytical skills, as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills.

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Responsibilities Include:

• Carry out research on a wide range of topics related to the impacts of organizations on the environment, people, and the economy

• Find the most relevant information on specific topics across databases, secondary sources, and corporate reports. Ensure Standard content is well-evidenced and aligned with authoritative references

• Interact with team members to understand the research needs and adapt the methodology accordingly

• Analyse qualitative feedback from expert and stakeholder consultations in accordance with the GSSB Due Process Protocol

• Synthesize and present findings for specific audiences

• Contribute to the writing and content development of Sector Standards

• Develop high-quality written materials, including presentations, briefing documents, departmental documents and program proposals

• Compile and analyze information about sustainability reporting practices across the world

• Collaborate in project management tasks when required

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Key Competencies/Requirements:

• Minimum 3 years of experience or similar working on projects involving research and analysis, preferably with a focus on environmental, social, and economic sustainability issues. Experience may have been acquired in either academic, corporate or public service environment(s)

• Strong research skills; familiarity with socio-economic and financial databases and bibliographical research; ability to identify data sources and determine their validity; strong logical thinking skills

• Experience in writing formal or technical documents

• Technical knowledge of reporting and standards processes, including experience with the design of performance indicators, is a plus

• Fluency in written and spoken English

• Results-focused and able to work independently, handle multiple tasks, prioritize, and work to precise timelines

• Ability to work in an international and multi-cultural setting

• Affinity with the mission and vision of GRI

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GRI Offers:

• Hybrid work or remote arrangement (within +/- 2 hours CET)

• Access to coworking office spaces globally

• 36 (or extra leave) vacation days per calendar year to a maximum of 43 days paid time off including local public holidays

• Pension contribution of 8% gross yearly salary and €70 per month healthcare contribution, or according to local labor legislation

• Free access to the GRI Academy, the possibility to become a GRI-certified sustainability professional, and other personal development platforms; learning, development, and well-being platforms

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About GRI:

GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) is an independent, international organization that helps organizations be transparent and take responsibility for their impacts so that together we can create a sustainable future. GRI does this through the creation of a global common language for organizations to report their sustainability impacts. This enables informed dialogue and decision-making around those impacts.

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GRI is the global standard setter for impact reporting, which through an independent, multi-stakeholder process, maintains the world's most comprehensive set of sustainability reporting standards. Available as a free public good in 11 languages, the GRI Standards are, globally, the most widely used for sustainability reporting.

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More than 10,000 organizations, including 78% of the largest 250 companies in the world, disclose sustainability information through the GRI Standards - something unimaginable when GRI was first established 25 years ago. In addition, GRI's standards are referenced explicitly in 160 policies of governments, regulators, and stock exchanges in 60 countries.

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ACRE is supporting GRI in the hiring for this role. To apply, please note that only applications directly through Acre's website/link will be considered. If you have any questions, please contact Declan Murphy at declan.murphy@acre.com.