Senior Consultant, Subsidy Methodologies
Job Description
Description
Overview
TheInternational 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 300 experts 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.
Established in 2005, IISD’s Global Subsidies Initiative (GSI) works with governments, international institutions, and civil society to reform subsidies and align public financial flows with sustainable development and climate goals. Our team leads cutting-edge work on fossil fuel and other environmentally harmful subsidies, public finance, and energy taxation—offering policy-relevant insights grounded in both global best practices and national realities.
We are currently seeking a Senior Consultant, Subsidy Methodologies to lead and support our technical work on fossil fuel-related subsidy reform (potentially other sectors as needed) and public finance tracking. This role is ideal for someone who has a firm grasp of technical analysis and economic logic, while understanding the relevance of bigger picture considerations such as policy relevance, equity, and real-world outcomes.
Who We’re Looking For
This role is for someone who:
- Has deep expertise in public finance, taxation, subsidy analysis and innovative methodological approaches.
- Is numerate and enjoys quantitative and qualitative research and methodological rigor
- Can confidently challenge weak assumptions, develop new methods for quantifying subsidies and other forms of public financial support using Excel or similar tools, and design practical financial solutions (i.e. alternatives to harmful subsidies) that serve sound fiscal policies, sustainability, and equitable development.
- Works fast and smart: is adept at refining writing and logic, providing constructive feedback to teammates, perfecting drafts provided by others, and ensuring polished finished products.
- Thinks clearly, writes persuasively and explains complex technical issues across diverse audiences.
- Is ready to coach junior colleagues.
- Thrives independently: drives forward workstreams with limited oversight, collaborates well but doesn’t wait for instruction.
A robust sense of logic, curiosity, and intellectual courage is essential. As is the ability to respectfully but firmly advocate for different approaches to be applied to diverse economic and political contexts.
Key Responsibilities
Research and Methodology
- Lead the development and refinement of methodologies for tracking and evaluating subsidies and public financial flows—especially fossil fuel and other environmentally harmful subsidies.
- Critically review existing frameworks for subsidy tracking (e.g., WTO, IMF, OECD) and propose methodological improvements to better reflect economic realities and policy priorities in emerging economies.
- Analyse tax expenditures, price-gap estimates, direct transfers, state-owned enterprise behaviour, public lending, and related flows.
- Contribute to high-quality technical reports and policy briefs that translate complex findings into accessible, impactful messages.
Coaching and Quality Assurance
- Work independently to manage your own deliverables while coordinating closely with IISD’s wider team.
- Review and improve draft outputs from staff and other consultants—sharpening logic, methodological rigor, structure, actionability of recommendations, and messaging.
- Guide less experienced researchers on good analytical practice, writing discipline, and consistent methodological approaches.
- Uphold a high standard of clarity and rigour across all GSI outputs.
Strategic Outreach and Audience Adaptation
- Adapt research for different policy audiences, from finance ministries to campaign groups and multilateral organisations.
- Engage constructively with technical reviewers, partners, and critics—defending ideas where appropriate and adjusting own approach when needed.
Qualifications and Experience
- At least 10 years of experience in public finance, energy taxation, economics, or a related field.
- Graduate degree (MA, MSc, or PhD) in one of the above-mentioned fields
- Deep understanding of subsidy identification, public financial flows, effective carbon pricing, and tax policy—including practical experience applying or adapting methodologies. Experience working with other sectors that benefit from environmentally harmful subsidies (agriculture, fisheries, forestry, mining, water) a strong asset.
- Experience producing research outputs for policy and practitioner audiences (e.g. ministries of finance, G20, IMF, World
Company
International Institute for Sustainable Development
Location
Winnipeg
Country
Canada
Salary
125.000
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