Systems Dynamics Analyst

About the International Institute for Sustainable Development

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an award-winning independent think tank working to accelerate solutions for a stable climate, sustainable resource management, and fair economies. Our work inspires better decisions and sparks meaningful action to help people and the planet thrive. We shine a light on what can be achieved when governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities come together. IISD’s staff of more than 200 people, plus over 100 associates and consultants, come from across the globe and from many disciplines. With offices in Winnipeg, Geneva, Ottawa, and Toronto, our work affects lives in nearly 100 countries.

The Infrastructure program works with the Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) methodology to make the case for investment in sustainable and nature-based infrastructure.

Position Background

The Analyst will support the IISD Infrastructure program, building and expanding on the use of integrated assessments in calculating the risks and externalities of infrastructure projects.   The Analyst will work with and improve the IISD Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) methodology and its application to nature-based infrastructure. The SAVi methodology uses a combination of systems thinking, system dynamics, spatial and excel-based financial models to provide analysis and make the case for investment in nature-based and sustainable infrastructure. IISD has been working with infrastructure planners, decisionmakers and investors and has used SAVi assessments for more than 7 years in more than 20 countries.

This position will contribute to the work of the Nature-based Infrastructure Global Resource Centre and support projects to assess, value and implement NBI through customized SAVi assessments on various types of NBI located across the world.

Examples of previous assessments can be found here.

The Analyst will be part of a multi-disciplinary team, and work closely with IISD affiliates, consultants and interlocutors in different parts of the world.

Responsibilities:

1. Development and Simulation of Integrated Cost Benefit Analysis:

The Analyst is expected to use existing SAVi models, primarily for nature-based infrastructure/nature-based solutions, and parametrize and calibrate them to specific projects. The Analyst may occasionally also work on other types of infrastructure (energy, transport, buildings, water-related infrastructure).

The Analyst will also be expected to support the creation of new sectoral and thematic models for new assets. Specific tasks include model creation with Vensim/Stella and/or Excel, data research and parametrization of the model, calibration and validation (structural and behavioural) and reporting (both on the structure of the model -documentation-, validation, results and interpretation of results).

2. Research & Writing:

The Analyst is expected to collaborate and conduct qualitative and quantitative research and simulation on the environmental, social and economic performance of infrastructure projects, primarily nature-based infrastructure/solutions.

The selected candidate will be required to work independently and deliver high-quality analyses and writing that is “publication-ready” with limited oversight and editing. We also expect the analyst to develop communications and presentation materials both collaboratively and independently.

3. Collaboration and project management:

The Analyst will participate regularly in team meetings and strategy sessions to coordinate activities, contribute ideas and execute on new initiatives.  The Analyst will also collaborate with IISD staff, affiliates, partners and consultants on the design and implementation of projects. We welcome applicants with entrepreneurial approaches to projects and interest in business development.

4. Representation:

The Analyst will be required to represent IISD and present the results of his/her work to decision makers and other relevant stakeholders around the world.

5. Communications:

The Analyst will develop and liaise on publications and communications material with the infrastructure team and the IISD communications team.  These materials will include op eds, press releases, infographics, brochures, PowerPoint, etc.

6. Other

The Analyst may be requested to contribute to the infrastructure work program through other duties as assigned.

Required Skills:

• Simulation: advanced knowledge of the software Vensim and/or Microsoft Excel. Knowledge of Stella and other software, e.g. GIS and InVEST, would be an advantage.

• Quantitative research methods: experience with mathematical models is required (e.g. differential equations, econometrics, optimization). Experience with data analysis is also required. Knowledge of various simulation techniques and models, across sectors (e.g. energy optimization models, land use models) would be an advantage.

• Qualitative research methods: Knowledge and experience in creating Causal Loop Diagrams (CLD) is required. Experience in conducting surveys would be an advantage.

• Organizational and planning:  Ability to work autonomously, managing workload and producing deliverables to time and to budget.  Results-focus, ability to prioritize and to work quickly and accurately, with flexibility to take on tasks ranging from highly complex to basic in nature.

• Knowledge on measuring, quantifying and monetizing risks and externalities of nature-based infrastructure/solutions is a strong advantage.

• Experience in publishing papers and presenting at conferences/workshops is an advantage

• Experience working in developing countries is an advantage.

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of a Master’s degree in System Dynamics or related Master’s degree program with substantial coursework in system dynamics.

• A minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience, or an equivalent number of years in postgraduate research/teaching.

• Availability to travel internationally.

• Excellent English-language written and spoken (our working language is English).  Working level French and/or Spanish is an advantage.

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

Start date: As soon as possible

Remuneration will depend on experience.  We will be considering candidates at different levels of seniority.

Location:  Flexible, the candidate will be preferably based at one of the IISD offices Switzerland (Geneva), Canada (Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg)) but home-based is possible.

The candidate must have a valid work-permit in the location where they are based.

Application Procedure

Please include the following:

• A CV (no longer than two pages)
• A cover letter, one page
• IISD Voluntary Self-Identification Questionnaire (optional)
• All submissions must be in English.

Only candidates short-listed for an interview will be contacted. Referees will not be contacted unless the application is successful.

IISD has implemented a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy that requires employees who are required or choose to be at an office or participate in in-person team events or in-person meetings/events to be fully vaccinated. Anyone unable to be fully vaccinated, either because of a sincerely held religious belief or a medical condition or disability that prevents them from being fully vaccinated, can request a reasonable accommodation.

IISD is committed to fostering a more equitable and sustainable world and welcomes candidates who uphold our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, to correct the conditions of social injustice and disadvantage in employment around the world, we encourage candidates from historically marginalized groups, including women, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, and those who identify themselves as 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply for this position. Preference will be given to the equity-deserving groups during the hiring process. We offer reasonable accommodations in our recruitment process and seek applicants' advice on how best to accommodate their needs. Please self-identify and answer our employment equity questionnaire on our applicant tracking system when you apply.

IISD does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, caste, ethnicity, religion, colour, disability, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.