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Employment

Research Officer, Global Subsidies Initiative (GSI), Trade and Investment programme (Geneva)

Time Commitment: 100% (start February 1, 2009)

Salary scale CHF 76'500 - 80'000/year

Deadline: January 15, 2009

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is undertaking, as part of its Global Subsides Initiative (GSI), a multi-year project assessing the economic, social and environmental impacts of fossil fuel subsidies. IISD wishes to engage a Research Officer to support the Institute’s work in this area, advancing a research programme designed to increase the available information on fossil fuels subsidies, understanding how they relate to climate change, and promoting reform of those that work against sustainable development.

The Research Officer will report to the Director, Trade and Investment, or his delegate(s). The position is based in Geneva, Switzerland, at IISD’s European office.

Position Description:

The Researchers specific tasks as expected to include:

• Collection and analysis of financial and energy data, sourced from international institutions (such as the IEA, WTO) and individual governments (federal and provincial budgets, financial reports, programme guidelines)

• Working closely with external consultants and local partners in the production of country and sectoral studies

• Management and support of these consultants such that outputs are delivered to a high quality

• Development of global estimates of fossil fuel subsidies

• Work with economic modellers to develop scenarios regarding the effects of subsidy removal

• Assess economic, social and environmental implications of subsidy programs

• Develop and edit a wide range of publications and presentational material. Prepare key conclusions and recommendations and engage stakeholders with these

• Assist in the preparation of proposals for core programme funding and related activities

Skills:

• Flexibility to take on tasks ranging from highly complex to basic in nature

• Quantification of government financial support for the energy sector or other industries (experience in one or more of the following)

  • collection of subsidy-energy related data and analysis of policies

  • knowledge of sources of energy data at the international and country level

  • knowledge of national accounts and their numerical and political interpretation

  • ability to estimate subsidy-equivalent values for government support programmes

• Understanding the machinery of government, particularly fiscal and industrial policy

• Understanding approaches to industry reform and structural adjustment, including the political aspects of reform

• The ability to present research findings to professional gatherings and journalists is desirable

Qualifications:

Applicants should possess the following qualifications:

• Familiarity with sustainable development theory and policy issues.

• Masters degree in energy, economics or an interdisciplinary programme or equal.

• Minimum three to four years of relevant work experience.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

• Results-focused, ability to prioritise and to work quickly and accurately Availability to travel internationally.

• Strong written and oral communication skills in English and French.

Applications

Please send a CV (no longer than two pages including the names, phone numbers and email addresses of two referees) as well as a covering letter (one page).

Reply in confidence by January 15, 2009 to Fariba Di Benedetto: fdibenedetto-achtari@iisd.org.

IISD is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications regardless of ethnicity, age, gender or disability.

Whilst we are grateful for all applications, we regret that we will only be able to acknowledge those of shortlisted candidates.

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Regional Coordinator Trade Knowledge Network – Southeast Asia (Consultant)

The Trade Knowledge Network – a global collaboration of research institutions working on issues of trade, investment and sustainable development – is looking for an institution or individual to coordinate the Southeast Asian segment of the TKN.

The purpose of the position is to develop the scope and effectiveness of TKN-SEA to generate high-quality research and policy-relevant recommendations, and communicate those to decision-makers regionally and internationally. Specifically, the Regional Coordinator will be responsible for:

• Liaising with existing and engaging new TKN partners,

• Designing regional TKN-SEA research projects on issues related to trade, investment and sustainable development, and working with TKN-SEA partners undertaking the research,

• Collaborating with TKN-SEA partners to organise meetings in the region,

• Conducting research and coordinating the effective dissemination of TKN-SEA research,

• Developing and implementing joint research projects with other TKN regions (in particular Southern Africa and South America), and

• Supporting the TKN Secretariat in Geneva in day-to-day implementation, including fundraising, donor reports and website development.

We are seeking either an organisation or individual that:

• Is based in one of the ASEAN countries,

• With experience in managing and undertaking policy-related research,

• Is well connected to relevant institutions in the region, and

• Has a good understanding of trade and/or investment policy-processes and issues, and how they intersect with sustainable development.

If you or your organisation are interested in joining the TKN team, please send a letter of interest outlining how you meet the above-mentioned requirements. We would also be keen to hear what you feel are the two most important opportunities or challenges for sustainable development in the areas of trade and/or investment policies facing the Southeast Asian region in the coming year.

The letter should be sent by email to Ms. Flavia Thomé, fthome@iisd.org and Ms. Heike Baumüller, hbaumueller@gmx.com. The deadline is 9 January 2009. We will invite a number of shortlisted candidates to submit full applications for the position. This position is a consulting position, not an employment position.

About the Trade Knowledge Network

Coordinated by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), the TKN links network members, strengthens capacity and generates new research to assess and address the impact of trade and investment policies on sustainable development. The overarching aim of the TKN is to help ensure that trade and investment contribute to sustainable development, with social development and the environment equitably addressed in trade and investment policies. To find out more, please visit www.tradeknowledgenetwork.net.

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