The Economist will support an effort to catalyze systemic change in agricultural production systems across a portfolio of TNC’s regional work.  This position is responsible for employing analytical methodologies and creating novel analytical solutions to drive economically beneficial food systems change, quantifying the costs and benefits of transition to regenerative food systems, and developing business cases/models to advance system change.  With an eye for opportunities that will create conditions for change across multiple communities and geographies, the Economist will be adept at market analysis, value chain analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and will possess the strategic acumen to identify market gaps and opportunities, with a focus on advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and community well-being.  In tandem with the Global Regenerative Foodscapes Strategy, the Economist will work closely with regional teams and key counterparts in science, policy and finance to gather feedback and enhance the role of science and data modeling to provide actionable solutions for local teams and project implementation.

The Economist will focus on local processes and drivers, economic assessment of farm level and foodscape level economics – and key forces driving these economics such as agronomic, policy, financial (credit, insurance contexts), technological or social factors. They will evaluate the opportunity to scale entrepreneurship and opportunities for financial or business investment and working with global and regional teams to develop a replicable model for implementation in prospective agricultural strategies.

The Economist also supports global strategy leadership through thought leadership on agrifood issues, assisting with and/or supporting priority projects and serves as a technical resource on the relevant global strategy and/or project(s). They liaise with other TNC staff, notably field colleagues, as well as external actors as applicable, to help drive the implementation of the global strategy and associated projects in the places where TNC works.  They track and/or assess corporate practices, governmental policies and decisions, or the practices or views of other stakeholders concerning the strategy or priority project and their potential impact on organizational conservation goals. They may also advise TNC communications, marketing and philanthropy staff on priority project(s) and related issues.

 

• Provides economic analysis of transitions to regenerative food systems.
• Provides strategic analysis in support of the conservation agenda for a key strategy area.
• Designs, implements and directs coordinates complex and diverse projects encompassing multiple programs.
• Incorporates cross-disciplinary knowledge to support program objectives.
• Makes strategic decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
• Significant latitude to deal directly with field management personnel and organizational leadership.
• Develops reports, presentations and assessments on topics related to the global strategy.
• Serves as a team leader for assigned projects; may require gaining cooperation with teams over whom there is no direct supervisory authority.
• Works within a budget to complete projects, negotiates and contracts with vendors.
• May involve domestic and international travel of 25% or more.