Economist

StepSquare; Woking; Hybrid; GBP 43,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job description

5 Year Fixed Term Contract

Hours: 35

Location: Woking, Surrey/Hybrid Working

This is a UK based contract and as such, you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK. We unfortunately do not have any opportunities available for sponsorship. Any offer of employment, if applicable, will be subject to receiving evidence of your Right to Work in the UK.

At WWF-UK we are 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 our website.

About The Role

We are looking to recruit an economist to join our Policy Solutions Team, to lead our new flagship project: Future Fit for a Just Transition, a central part of our partnership funded with KPMG. Driving forward a just transition to a net zero, nature positive economy and financial system is a key priority in our strategy, and this programme will play a central role in the delivery of our objectives in this area. It will focus on international implementation of the transition, identifying best practices and challenges faced in different countries to facilitate shared learning, promote healthy competition, identify collaborative solutions, and hence speed up implementation.

You will be responsible for leading the methodological development and delivery of the technical work underpinning the programme, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders. This will include scoping out and developing economic metrics of national level progress on the just transition to a net zero, nature positive economy, developing compelling and impactful knowledge products and undertaking international engagement on the findings.

You will lead research, compile data, produce reports, documents and briefings as well as commission and manage consultants as needed. You will both develop the content and deliver the Flagship report, and use it to make the case for action and implementation to key stakeholders on proposed policy changes. You will also build links and strategic relationships with other organisations and other parts of the WWF global Network to promote and disseminate the work. Important will be the ability to create and provide diverse, relevant and impactful ideas for policy, and to involve communities affected by climate and nature loss in the process of policy development.

We’re Looking For Someone With

• An understanding of how policy is influenced, both inside and outside Government.
• Experience of influencing key stakeholders including in government and the business community, changing opinions, practices and creating new models to deliver policy change and business transition.
• A degree level qualification in economics or relevant work experience in economic policy and analysis.
• Experienced researcher and commissioner of research, with experience of using economic analysis and quantitative methodologies, demonstrated by using evidence to analyse problems and come up with solutions.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and analytical skills.

Benefits, rewards & location

The salary for this role is £43,851- £56,386. 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 31 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.

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.

Application closing date: 05/05/2025

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.