Associate, Rights and Livelihoods

The Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI) is a global coalition of over 150 organizations dedicated to advancing the forest, land, and resource rights of Indigenous Peoples, local communities, Afro-descendant Peoples, and in particular the women within these groups. RRI’s members capitalize on each other’s strengths, expertise, and geographic reach to achieve solutions more effectively and efficiently. RRI leverages the power of its global coalition to amplify the voices of local peoples and proactively engage governments, multilateral institutions, and private sector actors to adopt institutional and market reforms that support the realization of rights.  

If you are passionate about working with Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and Afro-descendant Peoples in the Global South to strengthen their rights, development, and environmental efforts, this could be the place for you. For more information, check out our current openings. 

Studies show people of color, people from Indigenous and local communities, women, and LGBTQ+ persons are less likely to apply for positions unless they meet every qualification. RRI strongly encourages candidates to apply even if they don’t meet every required qualification as all applications will be accepted, reviewed, and evaluated equally. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

Associate, Rights and Livelihoods 

The Associate will provide critical support to the Rights and Livelihoods Program and the Path to Scale Initiative. 

• Rights and Livelihoods Program: RRI’s thematic program focused on helping Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and Afro-descendant Peoples secure tenure rights and enhance self-determined economic development. The program hosts key RRI assets including the Interlaken Group, the emerging community monitoring initiative, and the new Coalition strategy to advance the self-determined livelihoods of Indigenous Peoples (IP), Local Communities (LC), and Afrodescendant Peoples (ADP). 

• Path to Scale Initiative: An informal network catalyzed and coordinated by RRI, engaging public/private donors, intermediaries, and rightsholders to accelerate the recognition of tenure rights and mobilize significant funding for community stewardship, aiming to meet 2030 climate and biodiversity targets. The Path to Scale set 2030 targets to support the recognition of an additional 400 million hectares of tropical forests for communities, and to mobilize at least $10 billion in new funding for community tenure rights and forest guardianship. 

As Associate, you will coordinate activities, deliver research, and provide administrative and operational support across these initiatives. Reporting to the Program Director for Rights and Livelihoods, you will collaborate closely with team members and stakeholders. 

This is a full-time position based in Washington, DC and classified as non-exempt under the US Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) therefore, eligible for overtime. Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the US and reside in the DC metro area by the start date. RRI currently has a hybrid work schedule with the opportunity to telework Mondays and Fridays.

Primary Responsibilities (full job description to be provided before interview): 

1. Path to Scale Network Support (40%)  

• Develop meeting agendas, take detailed minutes, and prepare meeting outputs.  

• Coordinate and schedule meetings, manage the Path to Scale listserv, and develop outreach materials. 

• Support the drafting of concept notes and manage consulting agreements.  

• Organize international events and collaborate with partners for successful delivery.  

2. Rights and Livelihoods Program Support (30%)  

• Coordinate research and advisory committees focused on livelihoods.  

• Support the development of funding proposals and donor follow-up efforts.  

• Oversee consulting agreements and associated administrative processes. 

3. General Programmatic Support (15%)  

• Provide logistical, operational, and administrative support for the Rights and Livelihoods Program.  

• Contribute to donor reporting and draft internal communications.  

• Prepare briefing materials, reports, and presentations for internal and external stak