ECONOMIST

 BACKGROUND

Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS) is an independent, non-profit, economic research institution based in Pretoria. It was established in 1996 to support economic policy development, with an emphasis on industrial policy, in South Africa and the region. Its areas of focus are trade and inclusive industrial policy, and sustainable development.
TIPS strives to undertake in-depth economic analyses, especially at the industrial level; provide quality research as the basis for improving industrial policy and the broader economic development strategies and support an increasingly dynamic, evidence-based discourse on industrial policy and inclusive growth with academics, other researchers and stakeholders.
 

THE ROLE
Purpose
Working closely with the TIPS JUST SA Lead and other team members, the Economist will support the design and implementation of the TIPS component of the Just Transition to a Decarbonised Economy for South Africa (JUST SA) project, an ambitious, multi-year initiative supporting the implementation of pathways towards an environmentally sustainable, climate-change resilient, low-carbon economy and just society. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic economist with an interest in climate change and the green economy to participate in ground-breaking research on the Just Transition in South Africa.

Scope of work
•Lead the design and delivery of support to Just Transition processes (e.g., local level economic diversification in the Mpumalanga coal fields, decommissioning of Eskom coal-fired power stations, and other studies as required).
•Support the implementation of the national and provincial TIPS JUST SA research programs.
•Deliver training on the green economy and the Just Transition to provincial and local government officials.
•Support the establishment of a Just Transition Community of Practice in South Africa.
•Update the JUST SA digital knowledge platform on a regular basis.
•Participate in relevant conferences and forums, including webinars, networking events, study trips, etc.
•Contribute to other JUST SA work packages, processes and outputs as required.
 

REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications & expertise
•At least a Masters level degree in Economics, Development Economics, Industrial Policy or similar
•3-5 years of experience in policy research and analysis
•Good understanding of the energy transition and the South African just transition landscape
•Excellent writing, presentation and communication skills in English
•High level of computer literacy in MS Office, including data manipulation in Excel
 

Competencies & personal qualities
•Attention to detail
•Innovative and adaptive
•Excellent organisational skills
•Able to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
•Ability to work under pressure, prioritise and adhere to deadlines
•Able to work independently and deliver agreed output
 

Application details:
Closing date for applications: 31 August 2024

Non-South African applicants should have authority to work in South Africa. The role is expected to be based in Pretoria, with some aspects of delivery to be undertaken virtually. Alternative arrangements could be considered for candidates based outside of Gauteng.
 

To apply, please send a short CV, a cover letter highlighting your interest for the position and how you match the requirements as well as a writing sample via e-mail to jobs@tips.org.za. Note that we will only consider applications with all of these components. Correspondence will be limited to short-listed applicants only. You can see more about our work at www.tips.org.za