Chief Economist

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About the Organization

World Resources Institute (WRI) India, an independent charity legally registered as the India Resources Trust, provides objective information and practical proposals to foster environmentally sound and socially equitable development. WRI India’s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations. Through research, analysis, and recommendations, WRI India puts ideas into action to build transformative solutions to protect the earth, promote livelihoods, and enhance human well-being. We are inspired by and associated with WRI, a research organization. Currently over 300 researchers are working with WRI India in our offices at Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.

Job Description

WRI is seeking an experienced, strategic and dynamic Chief Economist, to play a central role in driving the economic transition needed to achieve the world’s climate, nature and people goals.

This is an exciting new position. WRI is committed to addressing systemic barriers and enablers and tackling these three intertwined goals together, rather than offering piecemeal solutions and tackling the three challenges in isolation. By playing a leadership role in such a large and impact-oriented NGO, the Chief Economist has the opportunity to help overhaul the unsustainable production and consumption patterns driving today’s crises.

You (Chief Economist) will develop WRI’s approach to how to grow green, in a way which supports improved human well-being through resilient growth and development whilst reducing carbon emissions and protecting the natural environment. All countries in the world are trying to figure this out at the same time, and you will draw on WRI’s research excellence and country and global presence to provide learn from and develop this ‘practice’.

You (Chief Economist) will help build out and guide economics teams in every WRI Country Office, supporting governments and partners to implement new economic pathways and learn from each other. This might include integrating climate, nature and people into macro-economic frameworks; shifting economic incentives through policy (e.g. fiscal, trade, industrial and labor policy), regulation, and behavior change; and maximizing benefits of the transition through green skilling, social protection, and economic diversification. You will also be responsible for integrating equity into your work.

You (Chief Economist) will also work with the human systems teams in WRI to develop the economic rationale and priorities for their strategies to transform how the world produces food and energy and develops its cities, translating this into research and action on the ground.

You will sit in the Climate, Economics & Finance (CEF) Program, reporting to the Global Program Director, providing Chief Economist leadership both with CEF and across the Institute.

Job Responsibilities

Strategy and Thought Leadership (25%):

• Develop the economic framework and approach for WRI’s work on inclusive, green transition pathways, connecting the strands of how countries can grow green, protect their economies from climate risk and improve outcomes for people, including by preparing the workforce for the future.
• Advise on the effective integration of economic analysis in the work of WRI’s three human system teams (cities, energy, and food/land/water) and WRI Country Offices, ensuring high standards of economic rigor and relevance.
• Guide the development of WRI’s growing analysis and thought leadership on trade policy.
• Provide strategic economic advice to WRI’s Board, the Global Executive Team, Global Program Directors and Country Directors on other key economic issues related to the delivery of WRI’s climate, nature and people outcomes.

Research, Data & Innovation (20%):

• Lead and oversee research on cutting-edge economic issues related to the strategic priorities above.
• Oversee the strengthening of WRI’s capability on economic modelling, including integrating climate and nature into macro-economic modelling, economic policy and trade policy.
• Engage with academic institutions, think tanks, and other global thought organizations, positioning WRI at the forefront of climate and environmental economics and just transitions research.

External Engagement & Collaboration (20%):

• Provide thought leadership internationally, translating complex economic research into accessible and actionable policy recommendations for diverse stakeholders, including governments, private sector actors, and civil society organizations.
• Nurture relationships and foster strategic partnerships with external organizations, including governments, multilateral institutions, business leaders and NGOs to amplify and advance WRI’s economic agenda.
• Represent the organization in high-level dialogues at international events such as G20 meetings, Multilateral Development Bank meetings, the COP conferences, and other global climate, nature and development finance and economics fora.

Leadership and Development of Economics Function (20%):

• Lead the development, growth, and operationalization of WRI’s economics function, building a professional function which sustains high standards of economics rigor and relevance, aligned with WRI’s mission and strategic goals.
• Support the ongoing professional growth of the economics function, helping to build a forward-looking, high-impact function that is seen as a leader in the field of economics for climate, nature and people. Ensure knowledge-sharing, and professional development opportunities in the function.
• Mentor a team of economists in the Climate, Economics & Finance Program, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, excellence and delivery.

Fundraising (15%):

• Work with WRI and CEF leadership to support from foundations and donors.
• Build relationships with funders and key stakeholders to position the organization as a leader in the economic aspects of climate, nature and just transitions.
• Support the development of compelling fundraising proposals aligned with the organization’s strategic objectives in the field of climate and nature economics and just transitions.

Education Qualification/Required Skills & Experience

• Education: You have an advanced degree in Economics, Development Economics, Environmental Economics, or a related field.
• Experience: You have a minimum of 20 years of experience in economic analysis, policy development, or advisory roles related to climate change, sustainable development, or environmental economics. A proven track record in leading high-level economic research and providing strategic advice to senior leaders or policymakers.
• Leadership: Strong leadership experience, with at least 10 years of managing teams and complex programs. Ability to mentor and inspire others, fostering collaboration and driving high-impact results.
• Policy Expertise: Deep understanding of global climate change and environmental policies, economic models, and the economic dimensions of just transitions and energy, food and urban system change, including shifting economic incentives and social and economic implications for vulnerable communities.
• Global Engagement: Experience working in or with international organizations, global policy processes (e.g., G20, MDBs, UNFCCC), and other high-level economic and climate/environment governance forums.
• Fundraising: Experience in securing funding and building relationships with institutional donors and partners. 
• Technical Skills: Expertise in economic policy and incentives. Knowledge related to trade. Knowledge of green economic models, or other advanced economic modeling techniques.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with experience in delivering complex economic analysis to diverse audiences, including policymakers, donors, and the public.
• Global Experience: Significant experience working in diverse international contexts, with a demonstrated ability to navigate political and cultural differences.
• Country Experience: Experience working in and with Emerging and Developing Country Economies, with an understanding of economic barriers, enablers, policy making and political economy.
• Languages: You are proficient in verbal and written English.
• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based.

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