Posted on November 8, 2009

print  e-mail

Senior Economist

The Revenue Watch Institute (RWI) is a non-profit policy institute and grantmaking organization that promotes the responsible management of oil, gas and mineral resources for the public good. With effective revenue management, citizen engagement and real government accountability, natural resource wealth can drive development and national growth. RWI provides the expertise, funding and technical assistance to help countries realize these benefits. The Revenue Watch Institute is the only organization dedicated exclusively to addressing the special problems of oil, gas and mining-dependent countries—countries where poverty, conflict and corruption too often converge.

RWI is funded through the generous support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and the Open Society Institute, along with several other donors. Revenue Watch promotes transparent, accountable and effective management of natural resource wealth to help countries avoid the "resource curse." We take a comprehensive approach to improving governance and development across the entire value chain—from the organization of extractive production, revenue generation and revenue management, through the expenditure processes and development outcomes in resource rich countries. Please visit our website for more information: www.revenuewatch.org RWI is seeking a Senior Economist to serve as RWI’s principal advisor on extractive industries economic issues. The Senior Economist will analyze oil, gas and mining sector trends and will help coordinate and lead RWI engagement with the private sector. The Senior Economist will also represent RWI at conferences and other public events.

Working under the supervision of the Deputy Director, the Senior Economist will be responsible for designing and implementing a research and advocacy program to promote transparency and accountability within the investor and business community. The Senior Economist will help RWI apply its research findings through technical assistance, capacity building and policy advice to governments and civil society in producing and consumer countries.

Responsibilities

• Design RWI strategy for engaging with extractive companies, investor and the business community on transparency and accountability in the management of extractive industries for sustainable development.
• Monitor extractive industry related data and economic trends on a global and regional level, and develop policy recommendations and strategies for future RWI activities
• Develop and maintain relationships with related research and policy projects and business organizations focused on natural resource economics and energy, and identify opportunities for synergy and collaboration
• Oversee the implementation of RWI’s economic research agenda
• Contribute to an RWI library of best practices in resource revenue management covering issues such as corporate social responsibility, taxation, regulation, local content, environmental and social impact assessment
• Work closely with resource-rich countries to improve their natural resource revenue management and distribution schemes, with an emphasis on getting a fair deal from the extractive companies and using extractive income to enhance economic growth and development at the local, regional and national level
• Work in close partnership with rating agencies, investors, extractive companies and RWI partners’ in the field to develop extractive companies monitoring projects and methodologies that are practically oriented and address issues related to fiscal transparency, accountability

Requirements

• Advanced degree in business and economics and at least 5 years of professional exposure to oil, gas and/or mining business industry and company practices.
• Proven knowledge and expertise in economic and financial analysis of oil, gas and mineral sector
• Track record of working with extractive companies and investor community. Field experience in resource-rich countries is an asset
• Excellent writing, analytical, and quantitative skills. Strong ability to communicate technical details to non-expert audiences and the media as well as technical audiences
• Ability to manage several simultaneous projects in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Integrity and professional discretion
• Willingness to travel frequently
• Fluency in at least one additional language to English preferred

Start Immediately

Salary Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package and opportunities for professional advancement.

To Apply

No phone calls, please. The Open Society Institute/Revenue Watch Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please email resume, cover letter, references and salary requirements before November 30, 2009, to:

Open Society Institute Human Resources
SrEconRWI
400 West 59th Street
New York, Ne 10019
Fax: (212) 548-4675
E-mail: humanresources@sorosny.org

Job Type: Finance
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organizations