Equity Economist

Job Summary:

As the Equity Economist, your time will be split between two projects: 1) Research for the equity tool and 2) Knowledge scoping for inclusive low-carbon transitions. In this role, You will have the opportunity to engage with other programs within WRI on this as well as international organizations, local research institutions, and other stakeholders that work in equity issues Knowledge Scoping for Inclusive. You will join the core economist team based in the WRI Europe office in The Hague, and report directly to the lead economist.

This is a limited-term position through FY22, ending 30 September 2022 with possibility for extension based on funding.

Job Responsibilities:

Research for the Equity Tool (50% of time)

• -You will help construct the analytical model for distributional impact assessment, collect data, run the analysis, analyze the results, and contribute to report writing

Low-Carbon Transitions (50% of time)

•  You will analyze the research landscape regarding social inclusion in relation to forestry and energy sectors and climate finance, leveraging lessons from WRI initiatives and platforms such as NDCP, NCE, International Climate Initiative, etc.
• You will engage with the steering team for the Inclusive Low-Carbon Transitions initiatives, as well with EfD’s global network
• You will provide research support as needed for WRI to engage with external partner organizations in developing research collaborations

Job Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in economics, econometrics, or other relevant fields; Bachelor’s degree with an additional two years of relevant experience
• Minimum of 3 years of full-time work experience
• Strong academic background in development economics and econometrics, sound knowledge in data science is strongly
• 4-5 years of work experience in social-economic analyses at both micro-and/or macro-economic levels
• Strong background on challenges and opportunities of low-carbon transition in developing countries, especially on the dimensions of inclusion and finance
• Experience with equity research (incl. gender equity) and handling rural household survey data is

Preferred

• Strong quantitative analytical skills, knowledge of Big Data technologies, machine learning and/or GIS software is a plus
• Prior experience in analyzing and writing research products
• Proficiency in English (both oral and writing) would be compulsory for this position, knowledge of other languages, e.g. French or Spanish is preferred
• Excellent communication skills – both verbal as well as written
• High level of initiative and strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and deliver high quality work under pressure
• Critical thinker with high level of intellectual curiosity
• Creativity in designing and presenting information, ideas
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with teams

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume with cover letter. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered. 

Program Overview:

WRI’s Center of Excellence in Economics has joined forces with the Equity Learning Lab of WRI’s Center for Equitable Development to develop a distributional impact assessment tool that will allow the institute as a whole to better understand and measure the equity impacts of the environmental policies and system transformation recommendations from our work. If successful, this tool will be applied to analyze the equity-based distributional impacts of interventions, polices and strategies examined in work across the institute. This effort will allow us to deepen the integrity of WRI’s work and to create a strong case for mutually reinforcing climate and development action in countries. Additionally, WRI is supporting the Environment for Development (EfD), a global network of research centers solving the world’s most pressing environmental and development challenges, to develop an actionable research agenda for the Inclusive Low-Carbon Transitions in the Global South initiative. WRI will contribute to the high-level research agenda, and with active review of key outputs, especially the sectoral reports on forestry and energy, mobilizing new climate investment, and enabling policy environment.

WRI Overview:

World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade in order to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean.

We are passionate. We value our diversity of interests, skills, and backgrounds. We have a flexible work environment. And we share a common goal to catalyze change that will improve the lives of people. Our shared ideals are at the core of our approach. They include: integrity, innovation, urgency, independence, and respect.

The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps, and analysis to solve the world’s greatest environment and international development challenges and improve people’s lives. We work with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.

We have been growing rapidly: our staff has doubled in size over the past 5 years, and our operating budget is now $150 million. Founded in 1982, WRI has a global staff of 1,000+ people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, and the United States, as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.  

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices.