UCLA IoES is seeking a highly-motivated and pragmatic development economist who
wants to conduct research and analysis for real-world problems. The position is a
one-year contract appointment to conduct research and analysis in support of blue
economy development in small island developing states. This individual will be
conducting research and outreach as part of the Blue Prosperity program at UCLA.
This program, with funding from the Waitt Foundation, engages islands on using
marine spatial planning to support marine protection and sustainable development of
their blue economy.
The primary function of the economist will be working in partnership with the Waitt
Institute and partner island governments in the Pacific on key projects needed to
advance the Blue Prosperity Programs. Because the work is responsive to
Governments’ needs, expect a dynamic and applied portfolio of work. These projects
will seek to quantify the economic impact of different policy-, infrastructure-, and
business-development scenarios on the islands. For example, the economist may be
asked to estimate the impact to fisheries and tourism revenues if certain areas of the
ocean were to be closed to fishing or to calculate the revenue that would be
generated if a new tax was added to the hospitality industry in a particular city. The
economist will play a key role in helping the Waitt Institute build its Blue Economy
program, a key program to advance long-term ocean sustainability. The ideal
candidate will help lead a portfolio of work and help SIDS governments make
decisions based on the research and analysis provided.
The economist will work closely with other researchers at UCLA including those at
the business, law and public policy schools. Individual projects will be executed over
months, not years, and may require occasional weekend work. Key to this position is
the ability to execute work in a timely and efficient manner that aligns with
government decision-making. A flexible nature is necessary as projects are subject
to shifting due to a variety of factors, including weather, government decision-making,
scheduling, etc.
The ideal candidate will be a post-doctoral researcher who has experience working
on conservation and/or sustainable development economics, particularly in
developing countries. Familiarity with data-poor statistical and estimation techniques
is required. The position will require travel to foreign countries multiple times a year,
which may include extended stays (3 weeks).