Environmental Economist - NIWA

Want to work in Aotearoa New Zealand? Are you passionate about delivering economic research that makes a difference?

• Full time, permanent position (37.5 hours per week)
• Based in Hamilton, New Zealand
• $75,000 to $125,000, depending on skills and experience
• Generous benefits (i.e., leave, professional development, wellness, family sick leave)

NIWA is a dynamic research organisation and New Zealand's largest and pre-eminent provider of climate, freshwater and marine science. Our core purpose is to enhance the economic value and sustainable management of New Zealand's aquatic resources and environments, to provide an understanding of climate and the atmosphere, and increase resilience to weather and climate hazards to improve safety and wellbeing of New Zealanders.

The position is part of the Social Sciences and Economics team within NIWA. The team comprises seven staff based primarily in Hamilton. We work across NIWA's scientific platforms on multidisciplinary research and consultancy projects and lead social science and economics research providing applied knowledge and engagement to support decision-making by industry, government, Māori and community organisations.

What we're looking for:

The purpose of this position is to conduct economic research that supports the delivery of NIWA's National Outcomes: Adapting to a changing climate; Transitioning to a low carbon economy; Caring for our biodiversity; A more productive sustainable economy; and Improving the health of our waterways and oceans. We seek an experienced Economist to support and work as an effective team member across a number of multidisciplinary projects, applying specialist expertise in economic assessment and appraisal. You will engage widely with staff across NIWA's science platforms and national centres, as well as external partnerships, providing innovative research design and economic insight to enhance NIWA's research and consulting activities, external bidding activities (research and commercial), and establishing value for stakeholders and partnerships.

What you will bring: To be successful in this position you will have:

• A Masters or PhD in economics, natural resources, environmental economics or relevant discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Previous applied economist experience in the public sector, NGO or consultancy.
• Strong technical skills applicable to analysing the economic dimensions of the biophysical world.
• A track record of working in applied settings with decision-making and policy implications.
• Research design, project management and/or delivery experience.
• Familiarity with environmental priorities in New Zealand and the Pacific region, including climate change adaptation, transitioning to a low carbon economy, caring for biodiversity, enhancing a sustainable economy, and improving the health of waterways and oceans.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary and or multicultural teams.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary research teams.
• Skills in oral and written communication to multiple audiences, including a scientific and/or industry publication track record.
• A willingness to working with Māori and developing the associated capabilities to working effectively with Māori (incl. researchers, senior leaders, groups and organisations).

We don't expect perfection in our candidates - if you think you have what it takes, but don't meet every point referenced in the position description, please still get in touch!

NIWA offers flexible working options (e.g., part-time, flexible start and finish times). We are happy to discuss potential flexible options for this position at the interview stage.

NIWA promotes the importance and value of an inclusive and diverse workforce, including the Rainbow Community, and pride ourselves on being a family-friendly and supportive workplace.