Sustainable Economist

World Resources Institute
Washington DC and NYC - United States
S: Commensurate with experience

This position would serve in WRI's Economics Team and WRIs Post 2015 Development Team.
The Economist Team provides a sound economic underpinning to support the analysis and practical tools being developed in Programs across the Institute. This can include work ranging from: identifying approaches to value coastal ecosystem services, to city case studies assessing the multiple benefits of bus rapid transport systems, to developing economic tools for comparing investments in "grey" water treatment infrastructure versus investments in "green" protection of local watersheds, to guiding economic modelling teams in the assessment of different climate policy options.

The Post 2015 Development Team supports the development and implementation of the goals, targets and indicators of the Post 2015 Development Agenda at global and country level. From autumn 2015 onwards, attention will shift to country level implementation in a variety of socio-economic settings. A Leadership Circle will be established of selected developed and developing countries which are committed to transformative change, but which require dedicated analytical and practical support during the change process. Working with other think tanks, WRI will also establish platforms for cross-country sharing and learning.

Both teams work closely with colleagues within WRI, as well as with international, governmental, civil society, and business partners. The Teams support the identification of coherent, cost-effective policies and approaches that can achieve both environmental and economic or business development objectives.

Responsibilities

Research and analysis

Economist Team
Plan, design and conduct economic analyses, including potentially overseeing the development of econometric studies, statistical analysis, and economic modelling.
Contribute to the development and production of produce high-quality, high-impact reports, issue briefs, case studies, and blogs.
Participate in internal and external peer review processes for publications and papers.
Develop project proposals and concept notes.
Post 2015
Review socio-economic and environmental analysis, including country studies, on policy coherence for sustainable development (PCSD) and drafting a high-quality working papers and blogs.
Develop an effective coalition of think tanks to support the overall Leadership Circle – with a clear division of roles and responsibilities
Design a programme proposal to support the development of effective, efficient and cohesive national sustainable development plans in selected developed and developing countries
Develop tools and analysis as an input in the global debates on effective, efficient and cohesive SDG implementation in the context of the 'Accelerator Forum' and the HLPF

Outreach and communications

Communicate WRI research and analysis with external audiences; represent WRI at conferences, workshops and other events.
Design and implement WRI roundtables, workshops or other convening events with key stakeholders.
Liaise with and develop close collaborations with WRI colleagues in various Programs.
Liaise with and develop collaborations with external partners from around the world, including partners from developing countries and international agencies.
Provide timely responses to information demand from external audiences.
Project management
Independently manage projects or discrete components of large projects.
Undertake planning and implementation of budgeting and communications activities.
Engage in coordination across WRI program and issue areas.
Undertake fundraising efforts as needed.
Assist in prioritizing research and project activities.
Supervise the work of junior researchers and interns.

Qualifications
Minimum 8-10 years of progressive professional work experience related to environmental or natural resource management economics.
Strong research skills are required. Demonstrated ability to conduct economic analyses, including modelling statistical analysis and econometrics.
Excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills are essential. Ability to work remotely as part of a team that often meets virtually is a plus.
Strong network of – or experience working with – UN member states and agencies is a plus.
Candidate must be self-motivated with an ability to juggle multiple priorities, handle assignments independently, and work under tight deadlines.
Flexibility, team spirit, sense of humor, breadth of interests, and willingness to explore unfamiliar issues all are qualities that will be looked for during the hiring process.
International experience required. Foreign language skills are a plus.
Position requires some international travel.
Degree in environmental economics, natural resource economics is required.

Master's or PhD. strongly preferred.

Final candidate will be required to take a writing test.

Finalists will need to submit 2 writing samples.

Salary and Benefits: Salary is commensurate with experience and skills. WRI offers a generous, comprehensive benefits package

Job summary