System Dynamics Analyst - Toronto, Canada - IISD

IISD

Verified Company

Toronto, Canada

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

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

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:

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Resultsfocus, 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 naturebased 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.