System Dynamics Analyst

About the International Institute for Sustainable Development

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an independent think tank that delivers the knowledge to act. Our mission is to promote human development and environmental sustainability. Our big-picture view allows us to address the root causes of some of the greatest challenges facing our planet today—ecological destruction, social exclusion, unfair laws and economic rules, a changing climate. 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 system dynamics in calculating the risks and externalities of infrastructure projects. The use of system dynamics and Excel-based simulation models is central to our advisory services, particularly the SAVi methodology. Visit iisd.org/savi/ for further details. The Analyst will be part of a multidisciplinary team, working closely with IISD affiliates, consultants, and stakeholders in different parts of the word.

Responsibilities:

Simulation: The Analyst is expected to use existing SAVi models (for power generation, buildings, roads, irrigation, wastewater management, and nature-based infrastructure), parametrize and calibrate them to new assets. 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, data research and parametrization of the model, calibration and validation (both structural and behavioural), and reporting (including on the structure of the model documentation, validation, results, and interpretation of results).

Research: The Analyst is expected to collaborate and conduct qualitative and quantitative research and simulation on the environmental, social, and economic performance of infrastructure projects and policies. The Analyst will work across many sectors, including energy, material management, nature-based infrastructure, and water. The selected candidate will be required to work independently and deliver “publication-ready” analyses and writing with limited oversight and editing. The Analyst is also expected to develop communications and presentation materials both collaboratively and independently. Experience in publishing papers in peer-reviewed journals is welcome, as is experience in preparing PowerPoint presentations for public events.

Collaboration and project management: The Analyst will participate regularly in team meetings and strategy sessions to coordinate activities, contribute ideas, and implement 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.

Representation: The Analyst will be required represent IISD and present the results of their work to decision-makers and other relevant stakeholders around the world.

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, PowerPoints, etc. Experience with social media will be an advantage.

Required Skills

• Simulation: Advanced knowledge of Vensim software or similar system dynamics modelling software (e.g., Stella) and Microsoft Excel. Knowledge of geographic information system (GIS) and InVEST models would be an advantage.
• Quantitative research methods: Experience with mathematical models is required (e.g., differential equations, econometrics, and 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.
• Organization and planning: Ability to work independently, manage the workload, and produce deliverables to time and to budget. Results focused, with the ability to prioritize and to work quickly and accurately, with flexibility to take on tasks ranging from highly complex to basic in nature.
• Knowledge of measuring, quantifying, and monetizing risks and externalities of infrastructure projects is a strong advantage.
• Experience working in developing countries is an advantage.

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of a master’s degree in system dynamics, relevant interdisciplinary program, or equivalent.
• 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 skills, both written and spoken (our working language is English). Working-level French and/or Spanish would be an advantage.

Location: EST, GMT, CET, or CEST time zone (home-based). Candidates must hold appropriate work authorization for locations where they expect to be based. We especially encourage applications from candidates in the Global South.

Starting Salary: Competitive and depends on location

Type of Employment: 80%–100% full-time equivalent staff position, including under an Employment of Record model. One-year contract with a possibility of extension.

Application Deadline: Open until filled.

The candidates will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will be closed once filled.

Start Date: Immediately.

Application Procedure

Applications will only be accepted through Bamboo HR. Please include the following:

• A CV (no longer than two pages)
• A cover letter (one page)
• The IISD Voluntary Self-Identification Questionnaire

All submissions must be in English.

Candidates must hold appropriate work authorization in their country of residence.

Only those candidates we wish to interview will be contacted. Resumes will be kept on file for one year.

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 a 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.

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