PRINCIPAL ECONOMIST - THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

PURPOSE

GGGI wishes to support partner countries and international stakeholders in taking an integrated approach to solving major issues through a combination of policy, finance, and knowledge sharing. The role of this position is to advocate such an approach through innovative economics research and analysis projects/programs that promote new, innovative ways of thinking on green growth.

ENGAGEMENT

The Principal Economist shall engage in thought leadership activities of GGGI and also support in-country delivery through global knowledge products and services that are based on the analysis and extraction of experiences (internally and externally) and contextualization of best practices. S/he shall partner with in-house and external experts or organizations who contribute to mainstreaming green growth to leverage their knowledge and experience for the effective delivery of GGGI’s work. The Principal Economist shall contribute to the expansion of GGGI’s international role and presence by presenting its work at international fora, building relationships with other development/research organizations, and leading or participating in joint research/initiatives. S/he shall provide expertise and guidance for in-country projects and activities in collaboration with GGGI operational teams, and shall originate content for knowledge sharing or capacity development on GGGI’s thematic focus areas from a macro-economics perspective.

DELIVERY

The Principal Specialist is responsible for applied, macro-economics, or policy research on GGGI priority topics, development of analytical tools and methodologies, analytical and research support to operational teams, economic analysis of green growth best practices and lessons learned, disseminating GGGI’s experience, and capacity building and knowledge sharing. S/he is expected to work closely with GGGI operational teams to originate and expand thematic programs/projects as well as other collaborative activities on thought leadership and knowledge sharing. Key tasks include:

• Planning and developing applied/practical/thought leadership knowledge products (papers, technical reports, monographs) on relevant topics;
• Participating in global research communities including GGKP expert working groups to contribute to global debates and to produce knowledge products relevant to GGGI country delivery;
• Forming substantive, long-term partnerships with academic and research institutions to leverage their knowledge and resources for GGGI’s global and in-country work;
• Providing technical analysis in support of and in coordination with GGP&I and IPSD Divisions and originating innovative projects to address country needs and global/corporate objectives;
• Analyzing data and information, assessing results and drawing conclusions, developing models, preparing and presenting results to internal and external stakeholders, and publishing policy and research reports;
• Advocating green growth and demonstrating GGGI’s thought leadership by organizing and participating in conferences, seminars, capacity building, and knowledge sharing programs; and
• Conducting expert review on project outputs for quality control.

REQUIREMENTS  

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Ph.D. degree in development or environmental macro-economics is required.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience that combines intellectual, strategic, and managerial leadership in research or thought leadership with a proven track record of publications at the international level

FUNCTIONAL

• Experience in modeling national level green growth and/or green jobs is strongly preferred.
• Experience in one of GGGI’s thematic focus areas (sustainable landscapes, energy, cities, water), other relevant disciplines (green growth, environment, climate change, statistics), or a combination of these is strongly preferred.
• Comprehensive understanding of the concept of green growth and of sectoral issues and policy and regulatory approaches in developing and emerging countries; and of recent developments and global trends in an area of specialization.
• Solid experience in applied/economics, research, and quantitative analysis in one or more thematic areas related to green growth with technical skills, a strong network, international experience, and reputation in the area of specialization.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including strong writing skills to publish journal papers, technical reports, policy briefs, or monographs on topics relevant to green growth.
• High degree of professional integrity, with proven managerial skills to lead a team effectively, deliver expected outputs on time, manage multi-cultural teams, effectively communicate with and listen to others, and coordinate across an organization and with external partners.
• Experience in international organizations working with developing countries is a strength. Proven record of providing analytical and technical advisory services to developing countries is a plus.
• Fluency in English. Knowledge of one or more other relevant languages is an asset.

CORPORATE

GGGI needs a person who can bring more than knowledge and passion to the role: someone who has the grit and resilience to do this work. The successful candidate is a skillful coach with an ability to diagnose challenges in an organization and a team, an innovator, a decision-maker, a powerful advocate, and a diplomatic change agent who understands the dynamics and tensions in this kind of diverse, global landscape. S/he should be:

• Excellent in knowledge development.
• Able to handle complex multi-stakeholder relationships.
• Keen on maintaining high degree of professional integrity with a stewardship of public resources.
• Proactive in providing mentorship and guidance to staff.
• Able to effectively communicate, listen to others, and create and promote an environment for open communication.
• Able to work effectively with other teams of a high degree of cultural/ professional diversity.