Economist

This is a UK based contract and as such, you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK. Evidence of your Right to Work will be checked prior to interview.

At WWF-UK we’re committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. As a Disability Confident Employer, we acknowledge that some candidates may require additional support to overcome barriers experienced during the application process. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team via recruitment@wwf.org.uk

About the role

We’re looking to recruit a policy expert lead our work on the role of public policy to shape carbon and nature markets. These markets represent a significant opportunity to mobilise the private sector in tackling climate change and contribute to restoring nature. However, there remain many challenges to address in building high-integrity, well-functioning markets at sufficient scale, and ensuring that these markets support and help finance the climate and nature objectives that Governments have set themselves through policy processes such as the development of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Biodiversity and Strategy Action Plans (NBSAPs).

The successful postholder will have responsibility for identifying, developing and advocating for appropriate solutions to the existing challenges, working with others within WWF and beyond. The role will build on immediate and practical solutions to developing high integrity carbon market approaches with the private sector already underway, to focus on ‘next generation’ policy and governance frameworks and advocacy to Governments in the UK and beyond on the role of national policy in maximising the efficacy and wider benefits of carbon and nature markets going forward.

This will include helping to devise policy solutions that ensure private markets function as part of a blended finance model that supports the landscape and seascape transition required to deliver countries’ NDCs and NBSAPs, in a way that works for indigenous people and local communities.

The role is located within the Policy Directorate in our Conservation, Advocacy and Policy Department, where we work in the UK and beyond with governments, the private sector, financial institutions and civil society to:

• promote a net zero, nature positive transition in the UK and globally;
• reshape economic and financial sector incentives in order to deliver and finance the transition, through advocacy on policy and regulation;
• stop nature loss from deforestation, including by championing and helping practically develop more sustainable supply chains in the food sector;
• promote more sustainable patterns of land use that deliver on the triple challenge of securing benefits and food security for people, whilst simultaneously tackling climate change, and halting and reversing nature loss.

Economics is the context, driver and ultimate solution to all of our goals and we aim to embed an understanding of economic incentives and realities within all of our influencing strategies.

You will collaborate with colleagues in the creation, implementation and influencing of robust policy solutions. You will work closely with experts in finance, climate, food production and consumption to design new policy that uses the economy as a key lever for change.

While this is initially a fixed-term, one-year contract, the aim is for the postholder to work with others to develop this workstream into a more ambitious programme of work and secure the funds to continue this work on a longer-term basis.

We’re looking for someone with:

• A strong understanding of the current state of play in relation to carbon and nature markets, the associated challenges and opportunities, and the landscape of players operating in this space.
• Experience of policy development.
• Degree level qualification in economics OR relevant work experience in policy and analysis.
• Good research abilities and experience of using economic analysis.
• An understanding of how policy and politics interact & how policy is influenced, both inside and outside Government.
• Excellent communication, influencing & interpersonal skills.

Benefits, rewards & location

The salary for this role is £43,850 - £54,743. We also offer a full benefits and rewards package including:

• Annual leave starting at 26 days a year, rising one day each year to a maximum of 30 days plus bank holidays
• Flexible working options
• 7.5% employer contribution to pension, increased to 10% with employee contribution.
• Training and development opportunities
• Regular wellbeing initiatives.

This role is hybrid and you’ll be required to be in the office 20% of your contracted hours. The job is based at our UK head office, the Living Planet Centre in Woking, Surrey. The Living Planet Centre is one of the greenest buildings in the UK, and you’ll hot desk among trees and gardens.

WWF employs a vibrant, passionate and committed workforce, and offers ample opportunities to develop a career working on the exciting, crucial and ever-more topical and urgent, environment and conservation agenda.

About WWF-UK

We’re a global conservation charity with hundreds of projects around the world and millions of supporters.

At WWF-UK, we’re bringing our world back to life. Protecting what’s left is not enough – we’re now in a race to restore the natural world and prevent catastrophic climate change before it’s too late. And it’s a race we can still win.

We’re courageous and passionate about fighting for the future we want to see – a world where people and nature can thrive.

We were born out of passion and science, and for more than 60 years we’ve been at the forefront of global efforts to protect wildlife and the natural world. We operate with integrity, collaboratively and with respect for those we work alongside.

How to apply and the recruitment process

Please click on the link and apply via our website by completing the application form and submitting a copy of your up-to-date CV and a supporting statement to highlight what makes you a good fit for us.

Our policies and benefits reflect the importance of people being able to have a good work-life balance and being able to bring their ‘full self’ to work.