Company BSR

Job title Reseach Director

Location Paris, France or New York, United States

Job description

BSR seeks an experienced director to lead its global research activities. The position represents a unique opportunity to shape and lead BSR's research in support of its global consulting, cross-sector collaboration and member service at a time when the organization is growing rapidly. The director will be based in Paris, France or New York, United States.

Research is a critical function at BSR in its work with its global network of more than 250 member companies. The main objective of BSR's research is to define, and communicate the future sustainability agenda for business. BSR's research is designed to be actionable, enabling our members and other leading companies to create and implement sustainable business strategies.

BSR's research covers a comprehensive sustainability agenda, including environment, human rights, governance and economic development. Recent research has covered topics such as climate change,water, ecosystems services, human rights, sustainable consumption and local economic development. In the coming years, BSR's research will focus more on 'sustainability futures' to enable member companies embed and integrate key sustainability trends into their long-term corporate strategies. The Research Director will play a key role in developing this 'sustainability futures' research agenda.

The Director of Research will report to the Regional Managing Director of Europe, Middle East and Africa(EMEA) and member of BSR's global management team, and will lead a global research function. The Research Director will work closely with colleagues in other departments such as Advisory Services, Partnership Development and Communications.

BSR is seeking the most qualified candidate to serve in either its New York or Paris office, working with colleagues in other BSR offices.

Responsibilities

This position represents a unique opportunity for a sustainability leader to shape the direction of BSR's research. The Director will be asked to translate BSR's overall research objectives into a viable and robust research strategy and work plan, with a particular focus on 'sustainability futures'. This will include development of an overall actionable concept, methodology and tools for 'sustainability futures' as well as research streams on specific sustainability trends.

Further, the Research Director will work closely with and support BSR's industry directors and sustainability topic leaders (e.g. climate change and human rights) as well as the global services teams focused on BSR's core offerings such as stakeholder engagement, supply chain sustainability, reporting, local sustainable benefits, and materiality and strategy.

In support of the research strategy, the Research Director will build a global research function drawingon dedicated research staff resources and contributors based in other departments such as Advisory Services, as well as external contributors. The Research Director will be asked to generate corporate and other support to expand the function further.

Specific responsibilities include

• Refine and oversee implementation of BSR's research strategy, with a focus on "sustainability futures"
• Oversee implementation of research projects, working with internal staff and external partners.
• Lead, write and contribute to individual research projects.
• In collaboration with industry directors and regional leaders, translate the research agenda into innovative service offerings and initiatives involving BSR member companies and key stakeholders.
• Lead efforts in collaboration with Partnership Development and Advisory Services to identify and secure support from funders.
• Represent BSR externally to advance BSR's research agenda, and develop and maintain relationships with key individuals and institutions able to contribute to and support BSR's research.

Skills/requirements

The successful candidate will have deep knowledge of and significant experience in current and emerging sustainability topics relevant to global businesses, and be highly proficient in applied research and writing. Further, the successful candidate will have experience with futures research and/or scenario planning and the ability to translate such skills into actionable strategic recommendations for business.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong organizational development skills, including the ability to frame actionable solutions to complex issues through teamwork. The Director will have excellent interpersonal skills and will feel comfortable operating in a fast-paced, self-directed environment. Furthermore, the Director will have a strong track record in working with global teams and be proactive and consultative in his/her approach to fundraising, project and team management.

• Demonstrated understanding of global perspectives on corporate responsibility, environment,human rights and economic development.
• Strong writing, editing and research skills as demonstrated by publications in professional, mainstream media and/or specialized publications.
• Outstanding verbal, written communication and facilitation skills.
• Knowledge and experience related to business processes such as strategic planning, organizational development, stakeholder engagement, training programs, performance management, change management, etc.
• Understanding of the dynamics and interactions of the public, private and non-profit sectors.
• Experience in generating significant funding from private foundations, government, and/or intergovernmental bodies for research related to CSR/sustainable development is preferred.
• Master's degree, or higher, in a subject relevant to job responsibilities.
• Strong planning and project management skills, and experience budgeting and administration.
• Written/spoken fluency in English is required.
• Fluency in additional language(s) such as French, German, Mandarin or Spanish strongly preferred.
• Willingness to undertake significant business travel, up to 25 percent.
• Demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards and a diverse workplace.

Company/Institution description

A leader in corporate responsibility since 1992, BSR works with its global network of more than 250 member companies to develop sustainable business strategies and solutions through consulting, research, and cross-sector collaboration. With more than 100 staff in seven offices in Asia, Europe, and North America, BSR uses its expertise in the environment, human rights, economic development, and governance and accountability to guide global companies toward creating a just and sustainable world.

Website Visit www.bsr.org for more information.

Contact Please apply online at www.bsr.org/bsrjobs.