Pre-doctoral Research Fellow, Climate and Nature Finance (F/M/D)

L'Institut de hautes études internationales et du développement recrute un/une

Pre-doctoral Research Fellow, Climate and Nature Finance (F/M/D)

The predoc will be based at the HCGS of the Geneva Graduate Institute, in Geneva, Switzerland

The ideal start date is 1 October 2024, but flexibility around this can be accommodated.

We are seeking a motivated, independent and highly skilled Research Assistant (“predoc”) to work with Prof. Beatrice Weder di Mauro (Professor, Department of Economics and Hoffmann Center for Global Sustainability and President CEPR), supporting ongoing research in economics of climate and nature finance. The ideal candidate has previous experience and a bachelor with specialization in climate and finance and is looking to develop their research skills prior to joining a top PhD program in Economics.

The predoc will perform a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:

• production of quantitative analysis, including descriptives, summary statistics and more complex econometric analysis;
• liaising with coauthors and participating in regular online or in-person meetings with various collaborators;
• developing technical reports, background papers and policy briefs;
• conducting general desk-research, including the preparation of literature reviews, and the support in the elaboration of scholarly publications;
• supporting the organization and running of events and the hosting of visitors;
• preparing presentations for an academic audience and for relevant stakeholders;
• support in the preparation of pedagogical and outreach materials;
• editing of research papers and other texts;
• managing field and conference activities (may require travel);
• engaging with CEPR, policy and civil society stakeholders, among others.

The predoc should have completed a Master or Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in economics, preferably with a specialization in environment, climate or nature. Fluency in written and spoken English, as well as excellent communication skills are required. The predoc should be able to manage their own areas of responsibility independently and be able to organize workload and work effectively under multiple tight deadlines.

The position entails the predoc covering the tasks above with a 70% dedication. The predoc is invited to spend 10% of their time attending classes at the Master or PhD level in Economics and the Institute. The selection of courses or seminars to attend is to be discussed with Prof. Weder di Mauro and subject to prior authorization by the course leader. The predoc will be able to engage at the Economics Department and the Hoffmann Centre for Global Sustainability (HCGS). In addition, the predoc will have the opportunity to engage in joint research projects with the Center of Economic Policy Research (CEPR). This may involve participation in events and conferences of the Climate and Environment program of CEPR as well as engagement in high-level joint events between HCGS and CEPR.

The position is for one year with the possibility of renewal depending on performance. The predoc will be based at the HCGS of the Geneva Graduate Institute, in Geneva, Switzerland (with some locational flexibility). The ideal start date is 1 October 2024, but flexibility around this can be accommodated.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Responsibilities:

• production of quantitative analysis, including descriptives, summary statistics and more complex econometric analysis;
• liaising with coauthors and participating in regular online or in-person meetings with various collaborators;
• developing technical reports, background papers and policy briefs;
• conducting general desk-research, including the preparation of literature reviews, and the support in the elaboration of scholarly publications;
• supporting the organization and running of events and the hosting of visitors;
• preparing presentations for an academic audience and for relevant stakeholders;
• support in the preparation of pedagogical and outreach materials;
• editing of research papers and other texts;
• managing field and conference activities (may require travel);
• engaging with CEPR, policy and civil society stakeholders, among others.

Qualifications:

• Completed Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in economics or a closely related field;
• strong quantitative and data analysis skills;
• interest in academic research and intention to pursue a PhD in economics;
• excellent communication and teamwork abilities;
• fluency in written and spoken English.

Salary and Benefits:

The predoctoral fellow will receive a competitive salary, commensurate with similar pre-doctoral positions at other universities.

What we offer:

• Individual mentoring and collaboration on research projects;
• involvement in high-level research events and projects with the CEPR;
• collaboration and teamwork with an international team of researchers;
• possibility to attend Master- or PhD-level classes;
• mentoring in the process of application to doctoral programs.

Please send an application file containing:

• A brief motivation letter, describing the interest of the candidate in the position and long-term career plans;
• a sample of writing (can be a Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis, a piece of work for a past course assignment, a writing piece from previous RAships, so long as the candidate is the author, etc.);
• a copy of university degree certificates, alongside a copy of the official transcripts;
• the name and contact details of a minimum of two and a maximum of three references.

We kindly ask you to submit your application file either in PDF format, in English.

Experiences outside of the academic world will also be valued in the assessment of applications, and gaps in the CV due to family or health conditions will be taken into account. Members of minoritized groups in academia are strongly encouraged to apply.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our institution. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, marital status, disability status, race, national origin, color, gender, sexual orientation or religion.

For more information, candidates are encouraged to consult the Institute's website: graduateinstitute.ch.

Please note that offers received by post will not be considered.