Brasil Executive Director

About the Organization

WRI Brasil is a research institute that develops and promotes sustainable solutions that protect and restore the environment while creating opportunities for economic and social well-being. We combine research excellence with strong partnerships across government, the private sector, academia, and civil society to turn big ideas into action on the ground.

WRI operates in more than 50 countries and has offices in 12 geographies: the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Europe, Africa (Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo), India, Indonesia, and China. WRI’s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs of current and future generations.

Position Overview

WRI Brasil seeks a visionary and strategic leader to steer the organization into its next phase of growth and impact. The Director reports to the WRI Brasil Board and operates under the oversight of the Managing Director for Global Presence and National Action, who directs the countries and regions across WRI’s global network. The Director will lead a multidisciplinary team of over 100 staff across São Paulo and Porto Alegre, managing a growing portfolio of research and engagement that contributes to WRI’s global mission.

You will define and execute WRI Brasil’s country transition strategy—a transformative pathway for Brazil to achieve prosperity that is positive for people, nature, and climate—aligned with WRI’s global systems-change framework. You will combine strategic foresight, political acumen, and credibility across sectors to advance systemic transformations in energy, food-land-water systems, and cities, supported by enabling systems in governance, economics, and finance.

The ideal candidate will be a dynamic, articulate leader with deep knowledge of Brasil’s political and institutional landscape, and a proven ability to mobilize teams, build coalitions, and deliver measurable impact. Representing WRI at the highest strategic levels with partners, government, and the broader sustainability community, you will serve as a visible thought leader. You will also exemplify WRI’s core values of respect, integrity, innovation, research independence, and urgency to act.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Organizational Management

• Steer and maintain an ambitious national strategy that contributes to WRI’s global mission of systems change and country transitions.
• Lead a cohesive, inclusive, and high-performing team, embedding WRI’s values and a strong DEI culture across all activities.
• Inspire, support, and grow talent across the organization, fostering professional development, leadership capacity, and long-term engagement.
• Oversee institutional operations, ensuring sound internal controls, financial discipline, and compliance with global standards.
• Adopt and promote network ways of working, ensuring alignment with institutional policies and strengthening collaboration as a cohesive, interconnected network.
• Serve as a member of WRI’s Global Management Team, promoting collaboration and learning across programs and offices.
• Cultivate a performance-oriented culture that values innovation, accountability, and impact.

Strategy and Program Development

• Lead WRI Brasil’s strategic planning and oversee delivery of research, projects, and partnerships that drive transformative change in Brazil’s key systems.
• Identify and expand new lines of work aligned with WRI’s mission and Brazil’s development priorities.
• Ensure quality assurance of WRI Brasil’s research outputs and communications, upholding the highest standards of excellence and integrity.
• Foster collaboration across global programs, regional initiatives, and country offices to scale impact and learning.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

• Build and sustain strong relationships with national and subnational governments, corporate and financial leaders, academia, and civil society.
• Represent WRI Brasil at high-level events, media platforms, and coalitions to enhance visibility and thought leadership.
• Strengthen relationships with the WRI Brasil Board and Fiscal Committee, ensuring transparency and alignment with WRI’s global governance.
• Provide strategic counsel and leadership in political economy analysis and policy engagement, positioning WRI Brasil as a trusted voice on sustainability transitions.

Fundraising and Financial Sustainability

• Develop and implement a diversified fundraising strategy, including large-scale, multi-year funding from governments, philanthropies, corporations, and individuals.
• Collaborate with other WRI offices to co-fundraise for multi-country initiatives and leverage WRI’s global network.
• Maintain donor stewardship and ensure transparent financial reporting and accountability.

Qualifications

• At least 15 years of relevant professional experience, with a minimum of 7 years in senior leadership of complex organizations.
• Proven record of strategic leadership, people management, and delivery of impactful sustainability programs.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising at the multi-million-dollar level and partnership development with government, business, and philanthropy.
• Deep understanding of Brazil’s political economy, environmental challenges, and opportunities for systemic change.
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Excellent communication and representation skills in Portuguese and English; Spanish desirable.
• Advanced degree in economics, public policy, environmental science, or related field preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. WRI Brasil offers a CLT 40-hour work contract, life insurance, health and dental coverage, meal vouchers, and other competitive benefits. The position is based in São Paulo, with periodic travel within Brazil and globally.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should apply online through WRI Careers Portal by October 27, 2025. All applications must be submitted via WRI’s recruitment platform to be considered.

About Us:

World Resources Institute works to improve people’s lives, protect and restore nature and stabilize the climate. As an independent research organization, we leverage our data, expertise and global reach to influence policy and catalyse change across systems like food, land and water; energy; and cities. Our 2,000+ staff work on the ground in more than a dozen focus countries and with partners in over 50 nations.

Our mission and values:

WRI’s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Independence, Integrity, Impact, Partnership and Care.

Our culture:

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission including equal opportunities in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, caste, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status.

Our team in Human Resources carefully reviews all applications