Research Analyst - Economic Modeller

This position is open to candidates resident in countries in the CET or similar time zone. Preference will be given to candidates located in one of IISD’s EU payroll countries: Germany, Portugal, UK.

Eligible countries: Belgium, Burkina Faso, France, Germany, Italy, Kenya, Luxembourg, Portugal, Rwanda, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Uganda, United Kingdom

About

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an award-winning independent think tank working to accelerate solutions for a stable climate, sustainable resource management, and fair economies. Our work inspires better decisions and sparks meaningful action to help people and the planet thrive. We shine a light on what can be achieved when governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities come together. IISD’s staff of more than 300 people, plus over 100 associates and consultants, come from across the globe and from many disciplines.

IISD’s work typically involves influencing activities at multiple levels of governance, particularly international processes and forums, direct advisory services to national governments, and partnerships and capacity building with international and local civil society organizations and the private sector.

Position Background

The Analyst will support the IISD Infrastructure program, building and expanding on the use of integrated cost-benefit analysis to simulate the wider impacts of infrastructure projects on their economic and financial performance. The Analyst will work with and improve the IISD Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) methodology and its application to nature-based infrastructure and possibly other infrastructure sectors. The SAVi methodology uses a combination of models based on systems thinking to provide analysis and make the case for investment in nature-based and sustainable infrastructure. IISD has been working with infrastructure planners, decision-makers, and investors and has used SAVi assessments for more than 7 years in more than 40 countries.

This position will support the work of the Nature-based Infrastructure Global Resource Centre by contributing to economic assessments and developing models for nature-based infrastructure projects located across the world.

Examples of previous assessments can be found here.

The Analyst will be part of a multidisciplinary team and work closely with IISD affiliates, consultants, and partners globally.

Responsibilities:

• Development and Simulation of Integrated Cost-Benefit Analyses
  
  

The Analyst is expected to use existing SAVi models, primarily for nature-based infrastructure/nature-based solutions, and will be responsible for customizing and calibrating them for specific projects. The Analyst may also work on other types of infrastructure (energy, transport, buildings, water-related infrastructure).

The Analyst will also be expected to support the creation of new sectoral and thematic models for new assets. Specific tasks include model creation with Excel, Vensim, and/or Stella and/or other modelling software as appropriate, data research and parametrization of the model, calibration and validation (structural and behavioural), and reporting (both on the structure of the model -documentation-, validation, results and interpretation of results).

• Research and Writing
  
  

The Analyst is expected to collaborate and conduct qualitative and quantitative research and simulation on the environmental, social, and economic performance of infrastructure projects, primarily in terms of nature-based infrastructure/solutions.

The selected candidate will be required to work independently and deliver high-quality analyses and writing that is “publication ready” with limited oversight and editing. We also expect the Analyst to develop communications and presentation materials both collaboratively and independently.

• Collaboration and Project Management
  
  

The Analyst will participate regularly in team meetings and strategy sessions to coordinate activities, contribute ideas, and execute new initiatives. The Analyst will also collaborate with IISD staff, affiliates, partners, and consultants on the design and implementation of projects. We welcome applicants with entrepreneurial approaches to projects and an interest in business development.

• Representation
  
  

The Analyst will be required to represent IISD and present the results of their work to decision-makers and other relevant stakeholders around the world. Although a lot of the interaction with stakeholders and colleagues is virtual, the Analyst will be expected to travel approximately 4–5 times per year to attend conferences or dialogues, deliver training workshops, and/or present research findings.

• Communications
  
  

The Analyst will develop and liaise on publications and communications material with the Infrastructure team and the IISD communications team. These materials will include op-eds, press releases, infographics, brochures, PowerPoint presentations, etc.

• Other
  
  

The Analyst may be requested to contribute to the Infrastructure work program through other duties as assigned.

Required Skills

• Knowledge of the benefits of nature-based solutions/infrastructure and how to identify, value, and quantify externalities of infrastructure projects is required.
• Quantitative research methods: Experience with mathematical models is required (e.g., differential equations, econometrics, optimization). Experience with data analysis is also required. Knowledge of various simulation techniques and models across sectors (e.g., energy-optimization models, land-use models) would be an advantage.
• Simulation/forecasting methods: advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel is required. Knowledge of Stella or Vensim, as well as other software, e.g., GIS and InVEST, would be a strong advantage.
• Qualitative research methods: Knowledge and experience with systems thinking and in developing systems maps (e.g., causal loop diagrams, tree diagrams) is required. Experience in conducting surveys would be an advantage.
• Organization and planning: Ability to work independentlyly while managing workload and producing deliverables on time and to budget. Results-focused, able to prioritize and work quickly and accurately, with flexibility to take on both basic and highly complex tasks.
• Experience in publishing papers and presenting at conferences/workshops is an advantage.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of a master’s degree in economics, environmental sciences, systems thinking/dynamics, sustainable development, or a related master’s degree program with substantial coursework on quantitative modelling and sustainable development.
• A minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience or an equivalent number of years in postgraduate research/teaching.
• Availability to travel internationally.
• Excellent English language skills, both written and spoken (our working language is English). Working-level French is a strong advantage.
  
  

Position Details

This position is open to candidates resident in the CET or similar time zone (eligible countries listed below). Preference will be given to candidates located in one of the IISD's payroll countries: Germany, Portugal, and the United Kingdom.

Eligible countries: Belgium, Burkina Faso, France, Germany, Italy, Kenya, Luxembourg, Portugal, Rwanda, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Uganda, United Kingdom

Candidates must hold an appropriate work authorization for locations where they expect to be based, without any sponsorship from IISD.

Duration: Indeterminate

Salary: Salary commensurate with experience and location

Start date: As soon as possible

Application deadline: November 30, 2024

Application Procedure

Applications will only be accepted through Bamboo HR. Please include the following:

• A CV (no longer than two pages)
• A cover letter (one page)
• IISD Voluntary Self-Identification Questionnaire
• All submissions must be in English.
  
  

Only those candidates we wish to interview will be contacted. Resumes will be kept on file for one year.

IISD is committed to fostering a more equitable and sustainable world and welcomes candidates who uphold our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, to correct the conditions of social injustice and disadvantage in employment around the world, we encourage candidates from historically marginalized groups, including women, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, and those who identify themselves as 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply for this position. Preference will be given to the equity-deserving groups during the hiring process. We offer reasonable accommodations in our recruitment process and seek applicants’ advice on how best to accommodate their needs. Please self-identify and answer our employment equity questionnaire on our applicant tracking system when you apply.

IISD does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, caste, ethnicity, religion, colour, disability, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.