Revenue Watch Institute (RWI) is an independent, non-profit policy institute that promotes responsible management of oil, gas and mineral resources for the public good.  Too often natural resource wealth results in corruption and poverty, instead of growth and development.  With effective revenue management, citizen engagement and government accountability, natural resource wealth can drive economic growth and development. RWI provides the expertise, funding and technical assistance to help countries realize these benefits. Please visit our website for more information: www.revenuewatch.org.

RWI has recently merged with the Natural Resource Charter (NRC), a move that advances the organization’s commitment to strengthening its intellectual contributions to the field. Producing high-quality and rigorously-prepared policy research, including the harnessing and analysis of extractive sector data, represents an organizational priority. More information about the Natural Resource Charter is available at www.naturalresourcecharter.org.

Description

RWI seeks a full-time, Economic Analyst to support the implementation of RWI’s activities with a variety of stakeholders across our portfolio in sub-Saharan Africa, but with particular emphasis on Ghana and Tanzania. The economist supports RWI’s economic research, technical assistance and capacity building activities across Africa in coordination with relevant regional and technical staff. The economist will actively be involved in helping improve management of the natural resource sector in countries across Africa. The economic analyst will be based in Accra, Ghana, with regular travel elsewhere in the region, and will report to both the Africa Regional Coordinator and RWI Head of the Legal and Economic Team.

Responsibilities

•   Help coordinate regional activities with RWI technical and capacity building staff
•   Generate regional and country-level research on the management of oil, gas and mineral revenues in the Africa  region, including on:
1)   Macroeconomic frameworks;
2)   Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) implementation;
3)   Revenue management, including natural resource funds governance;
4)   Revenue distribution;
5)   Economic diversification;
6)   Local content
•   Help organize and facilitate trainings on related topics for government officials, parliamentarians, media and civil society groups
•   Conduct policy analysis and provide technical assistance to government officials and parliamentarians, to inform decisions about policy and legislation related to the economic management of natural resources
•   Build networks with relevant African government officials, parliamentarians, media and civil society groups, and represent RWI at regional events
•   Identify new topics and conduct research and analysis to enhance our impact on the ground

Qualification Required & Experience

Requirements:

•   Graduate degree in economics, finance, public administration, development studies or political economy;
•   At least four years work experience related to public finance, institutional governance, economic development,
•   Professional or academic familiarity with the policies for and  special challenges faced by petroleum and mineral rich countries seeking to insulate their economies from risks associated with finite and volatile natural resource revenue flows;
•   Ability to conduct policy analysis and make specific recommendations to public officials and civil society advocates about policies for extractive sector management that bolster national development and minimize risks of corruption and conflict;
•   Excellent quantitative skills (experience in econometrics and statistics will be favorably considered);
•   Strong ability to communicate technical details to non-expert audiences and the media as well as technical audiences;
•   International experience required;
•   Fluency in English a must; French strongly preferred.

Other Skills Required:

•   Effectively manage to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, troubleshoot and follow projects through to completion, with strict deadlines and without loss of attention to detail, budget and reporting;
•   Excellent written, verbal, organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills;
•   Excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office and experience with internet research and database management; proficient knowledge of statistical analysis package (R, Stata, etc…) is an advantage;
•   Exercise good listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences;
•   Effectively work as a team member and independently, with a high-level of self-motivation and ability to set and meet goals;
•   Show discretion and ability to handle confidential issues;
•   Knowledge of key organizations and networks active in the field;
•   Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with colleagues and the general public.

Salary: Commensurate with experience (full-time position)

Start Date: As soon as possible – fixed term contract until October 2015 (with possible extension depending on successful fundraising).

Location: Accra (with some international travel)

How To Apply For The Job

Please send at your earliest convenience or, a cover letter, CV/resume, salary requirements and references to

rwi@revenuewatch.org

Closing Date: 17 February, 2014

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Please include in subject line: RWI/Africa Economic Analyst.

START DATE: As soon as possible – fixed term contract until October 2015 (with possible extension depending on successful fundraising).