Economic Adviser (Natural Resources) - Economic and Legal Section

Reference: 120900429
Location: London, UK | Salary: £82,309 per annum gross
Closing Date: 26 Oct 2012

Job Summary

The Economic Adviser provides policy and economic and commercial advice, either individually or as member of a multi-disciplinary team, to Commonwealth member governments and regional organisations. He/she undertakes a range of projects at the national or regional level with particular emphasis on the development of petroleum and mineral resources. The job involves frequent overseas travel.
The post-holder:

• As project leader, provides advice on and assists governments to formulate policies for the facilitation and regulation of private sector investment, including appropriate fiscal regime  contractual and regulatory frameworks relating to the focus areas by:

• conducting reviews of policy, fiscal framework contracts and other regulatory instruments;
• consulting with government officials and stakeholders on pertinent  economic and commercial  and related issues;
• preparing written and oral advice and recommendations.  
• Instructing and supervising the work of consultants contracted by the Secretariat.

• In particular, provide economic advices, based on modelling and benchmarking of fiscal regimes. Assist countries in developing optimal use of fiscal instruments, and revenue management mechanisms. 
• Analyses proposals, recommends negotiating strategies and, where necessary, participates as part of the government team in negotiations between governments and investors involving complex inter-related policy, legal, fiscal and economic issues
• Manages project execution by:

• defining project parameters in response to government requests for assistance and obtaining project approvals;
• managing and reporting on project implementation and monitoring project performance;
• leading the work of multi-disciplinary project teams in the office and on mission;
• defining, mobilising and supervising specialist legal, technical and other inputs to projects made by external consultants, as required.

• As a senior officer in the Section, provides leadership in the Natural Resources program, continuously seeking to identify improvements in terms of the content, scope and depth of programmes and of methods of delivery;
• Develops partnerships and initiatives with multi-lateral and bi-lateral agencies in relation to the focus areas and maintains contacts with senior government officials, investors and other international agencies;
• Contributes to international seminars, conferences and expert group meetings.

Qualifications and Work Experience

• A relevant post-graduate degree in Economics, Business or related field.   
• A minimum of ten years experience operating at a senior level dealing with high-level counterparts
• Experience in leading and managing projects in a field related to Energy and Natural Resources
• Delivery of substantive consultancy work related to policy regulation and /or negotiations relating to the development and exploitation of petroleum or mineral resources and facilitation of private investment gained in a government ministry, international organizations or private sector, ideally in an international context.

About the Special Advisory Services Division (SASD)

The Special Advisory Services Division (SASD) is a major development co-operation arm of the Commonwealth Secretariat, supporting the development efforts of member countries through technical assistance.  A significant part of the Division’s work is of a consultancy and advisory nature, delivered through a combination of in-house and external expertise. 

Within SASD, the Economic and Legal Section (ELS) operates as an in-house consultancy service to Commonwealth governments, offering policy, legal and economic advice and assistance with particular focus on the development of petroleum and mineral resources, maritime boundaries and ocean governance issues. 

Further information

How to apply
Apply online

Full Job Description for Economic Adviser (Natural Resources) - Economic and Legal Section