Research Analyst - Economic Modeller

at  IISD

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

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.

1. 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).