OVERVIEW

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 experts come from across the globe and from many disciplines. With offices in Winnipeg, Geneva, Ottawa, and Toronto, our work affects lives in nearly 100 countries.
Established in 2005, IISD’s Global Subsidies Initiative (GSI) works with governments, international institutions, and civil society to reform subsidies and align public financial flows with sustainable development and climate goals. Our team leads cutting-edge work on fossil fuel and other environmentally harmful subsidies, public finance, and energy taxation—offering policy-relevant insights grounded in both global best practices and national realities.
We are currently seeking a Senior Consultant, Subsidy Methodologies to lead and support our technical work on fossil fuel-related subsidy reform (potentially other sectors as needed) and public finance tracking. This role is ideal for someone who has a firm grasp of technical analysis and economic logic, while understanding the relevance of bigger picture considerations such as policy relevance, equity, and real-world outcomes.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• At least 10 years of experience in public finance, energy taxation, economics, or a related field.
• Graduate degree (MA, MSc, or PhD) in one of the above-mentioned fields
• Deep understanding of subsidy identification, public financial flows, effective carbon pricing, and tax policy—including practical experience applying or adapting methodologies. Experience working with other sectors that benefit from environmentally harmful subsidies (agriculture, fisheries, forestry, mining, water) a strong asset.
• Experience producing research outputs for policy and practitioner audiences (e.g. ministries of finance, G20, IMF, World Bank).
• Proven ability to review, revise, and elevate complex analytical and written materials.
• Confident in navigating imperfect data and balancing rigour with policy relevance. Proficiency with PowerBI and other data applications an asset.
• Strong written and spoken English essential;
• Experience in coaching, mentoring, or team capacity-building an asset.

This role is for someone who:

• Has deep expertise in public finance, taxation, subsidy analysis and innovative methodological approaches.
• Is numerate and enjoys quantitative and qualitative research and methodological rigor
• Can confidently challenge weak assumptions, develop new methods for quantifying subsidies and other forms of public financial support using Excel or similar tools, and design practical financial solutions (i.e. alternatives to harmful subsidies) that serve sound fiscal policies, sustainability, and equitable development.
• Works fast and smart: is adept at refining writing and logic, providing constructive feedback to teammates, perfecting drafts provided by others, and ensuring polished finished products.
• Thinks clearly, writes persuasively and explains complex technical issues across diverse audiences.
• Is ready to coach junior colleagues.
• Thrives independently: drives forward workstreams with limited oversight, collaborates well but doesn’t wait for instruction