This is an 18-month hybrid position (8 days/month in office) based in Washington DC, hosted by WRI's Data Lab as part of the 2026-28 Civic Science Fellows program. The Data Ethics & Governance Analyst will research and help develop practical approaches to emerging questions in data ethics and governance, with a focus on data sovereignty in the age of AI and benefit-sharing in open data and open-source systems. Responsibilities include: designing and conducting research on data governance issues including data sovereignty and open-data governance models; conducting stakeholder and community research through interviews and engagements, particularly with communities affected by environmental and conservation data decisions; contributing to data strategy and project delivery including governance guidance and pilots; and actively participating in the Civic Science Fellows cohort, sharing lessons and producing a final set of findings and recommendations. Requirements: bachelor's degree in a relevant field (public policy, social science, environmental studies, information science, data/technology studies, law, or related); minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience; experience conducting research or managing projects from scoping through synthesis and communication; experience in data governance, data ethics, responsible data practices, technology governance, or digital policy; experience conducting stakeholder/community research; experience with environmental, climate, conservation, or natural-resource data desirable; experience with Indigenous data sovereignty, open-data/open-source governance, benefit-sharing, or AI governance especially desirable. Existing US work authorization required; WRI cannot sponsor visas. Salary (US-based): $69,000-$82,000.
Deadline September 19, 2026
HOW TO APPLY:
External applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.
https://wri.wd501.myworkdayjobs.com/WRI/job/Data-Ethics---Governance-Analyst_2026-JR100458/apply