OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE
Global Risks Senior Economic Analyst-
Global Risks and Resilience Programme
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £41,575 - £51,466 per annum
Location: London
Ref: GR&R/02/20
An independent, global think tank, working for a sustainable
and peaceful world in which every person thrives.
About us
ODI is an independent, global think tank, working for a sustainable and peaceful world in which every person thrives. We harness the power of evidence and ideas through research and partnership to confront challenges, develop solutions and create change. (odi.org)
Purpose of Job
The Global Risks and Resilience Programme is a relatively new programme in ODI. The expert team pioneers research, analysis and policy advice on systemic, inclusive and appropriate approaches to understanding risk and managing uncertainty. We look at the nexus between new and emerging threats – climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, antibiotic resistance, economic and financial instability, transnational criminal networks and terrorism, cyber disruption and disinformation, geopolitical volatility and conflict – to understand the impacts on poverty, development, and the required policy responses.
We promote risk-informed development approaches to that enables:
· systematic investigation of multiple threats to development objectives, and the trade-offs that will arise from choosing particular actions
· risk preferences[1] and strategic priorities of key actors from decision-makers to citizens, that can influence the direction and success of programming outcomes
· generation of foresight to anticipate evolving, emerging and new risks and opportunities within rapidly changing socio-technological conditions and how these can interact with development decisions
By doing so, we aim to support greater coherence between, and successful implementation of, international crisis-prevention and sustainable development agendas.
The post holder(s) will contribute to the thought leadership, policy advice and research on understanding economic impacts of external shocks and applying analytical insights/skills to improve decision-making to help countries achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, overcoming hazardous geographies, multiple hazards, systemic risks and high levels of vulnerability.
Current areas of work include:
· the economic impacts of climate and conflict shocks, models and scenario planning
· China’s international economic response to COVID-19
· climate-resilient (global) value chains, trade and investment
· economics of climate change adaptation
· public policy: incentivizing investment and making financing flows consistent with resilience goals
· disaster risk financing, including insurance and forecast-based financing
· the role of the private sector in fostering resilience, including impact investing
· transformational change through climate finance
We welcome candidates with a strong track record and expertise in any of these areas but particularly with a focus on the economic impacts of climate change and other threats, models and scenario planning.
This position would suit an individual who is used to working in a fast-paced environment and able to produce analysis and research under tight time constraints.
No speculative applications ONLY candidates with the relevant experience will be considered.
Person Specification
Essential
Posts representing the initial appointment as senior economic analysts (at the level of a Research Fellow), require substantial analytical and research experience, a record of publication and advisory work, and clear evidence of successful development, management and funding of many consultancy projects.
Knowledge and Qualifications
· Post-graduate degree and ideally PhD in a relevant discipline i.e. economics or finance, with a strong preference for specialization in development or behavioural economics
· Demonstrable knowledge of key issues and organisations in at least two of the following areas: assessing economic impacts of climate change and other threats such as pandemics and conflict, modelling and scenario planning; shock-resilient (global) value chains, trade and investment analysis; public policy, institutional and behavioural responses to risk; the economics of development and/or climate change adaptation.
Experience
· Extensive low and middle-income country experience (particularly in LDCs and SIDS), working with government actors and / or international institutions on key issues relating to socio-economic development, public policy and risk management.
· Significant experience in an international policy development research and analysis environments i.e. policy-oriented research and analytics, demonstrated by publications and reports.
· Experience in designing and managing large, multi-country research programmes, working closely with project partners (including those in LMIC countries) and managing timely delivery of high-quality outputs for different audiences.
Skills
· Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills (e.g. economic impact assessment, cost-benefit analysis, political economy analysis, macroeconomics, investment strategy etc.)
· Capacity to write clearly for a range of audiences, and excellent organisational and oral communication skills.
· Ability to perform economic analysis for the identification and assessment of macroeconomic, microeconomic and financial risks.
· Relevant experience in mathematical modelling and experienced user of statistical software e.g. Stata, SPSS, e-Views, etc.
· Construct alternative forecasts and scenarios for planning and stress testing purposes, with a focus on forecasting economic and development indicators.
· Utilize methodologies and econometric models for forecasting variables under baseline and stress conditions.
· Demonstrate soundness of scenario assumptions utilizing robust research and monitoring of political, macroeconomic and market developments.
Abilities
· A demonstrated capacity for policy advisory or public-affairs work, based on an analytical approach, and an innovative and creative communications ability.
· Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills with the ability to negotiate successfully with a wide range of stakeholders, demonstrating cultural and political awareness.
· Exceptional time management skills.
· Willingness and ability to travel internationally frequently, which may include overnight and weekends.
· Excellent project management skills, including managing a complex and varied workload and responding with confidence to evolving problems.
· Proven ability to translate research ideas into fundable projects in the areas of risk management and/or economic planning.
Desirable
· Experience of extended ‘immersion’ in a development context (including spending time within marginalized or poor communities).
· A history of engagement in major policy processes such as SDGs, Parliamentary Select Committees and/or international initiatives.
· Regular contribution to public affairs e.g. media interviews, opinion pieces etc.
· Active membership of professional associations and networks within international development, climate change and / or economic development sectors.
· Private sector experience/networks.
· Experience working with non-UK donors e.g. AFD, USAID, multi-lateral banks.
· Internationally recognised expert in their chosen field.
· Fluency in a language other than English.
Closing date: Monday 10 August 2020
Interview date: Week Commencing Monday 17 August 2020
For more information, please download an application pack here. If you are experiencing difficulties downloading, please telephone 020 3327 7290 or email humanresources@odi.org.uk.
How to apply:
For more information, please download an application pack here. If you are experiencing difficulties downloading, please telephone 020 3327 7290 or email humanresources@odi.org.uk.