Economist

Job Description

What You’ll Be Doing

Nathan, a Cadmus Company, is seeking to hire an Economist for a short-term contract on its USAID Zambia Revenue for Growth Activity (R4G). The Economist will conduct an in-depth econometric study on illicit trade in tobacco products in Zambia. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, implementing, and analyzing econometric models to estimate the extent and impact of illicit trade in the tobacco industry. This research is crucial for policy formulation, regulatory decisions, and industry interventions, both for the Ministry of Finance and National Planning (MoFNP) and the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA). This is a short-term (30 workdays) advisor position open to Zambian and foreign citizens that is projected to start in March 2024. The Economist will report directly to USAID R4G’s Chief of Party.

Who We Are

At Nathan, a Cadmus company, we recognize that solving the world’s most challenging problems can’t be accomplished alone or with cookie-cutter solutions. That’s why we look for team players and problem solvers who are driven to use their unique perspectives and intellectual curiosity to help deliver breakthrough solutions that achieve transformative goals. On the Nathan team, you’ll collaborate with leading experts to help our clients across the globe.

Nathan’s mission is to deploy industry-leading expertise to help our clients achieve extraordinary results that strengthen society and the natural world. We offer competitive compensation, outstanding health care and retirement benefits, a vibrant and collaborative work environment, and opportunities for professional growth. We are committed to advancing diversity and fostering a culture of equity in the workplace and across society, and we strive to maintain an inclusive environment where all employees feel connected, respected, and valued.

Nathan, a Cadmus Company, is a leading provider of analytic and economic consultancy services worldwide. In the past decade, we have implemented more than 120 projects in more than 50 countries leveraging our global presence in Washington DC, London, and India. From improved transparency and deeper stakeholder engagement to more effective policies and more resilient businesses, we deliver results that impact economic growth, human development, and poverty reduction. We are passionate about applying our deep analytical expertise and advanced proprietary tools to generate economic solutions tailored to our clients’ unique challenges. Nathan focuses on a range of economic development subject matter areas including Trade & Logistics; Economic Policy & Governance; Private Sector Development; Women’s Economic Empowerment; and Financial Solutions.

Join Nathan, a Cadmus Company. Let’s solve the world’s most challenging problems together.

Responsibilities

Examples of tasks to be conducted by the Economist are summarized below:

Study Design and Planning: Develop a comprehensive research plan, including defining research questions, objectives, and methodologies. Design econometric models tailored to the unique challenges of estimating illicit trade in the tobacco industry
Data Collection and Processing: Oversee the collection, cleaning, and preprocessing of large datasets related to tobacco production, consumption, legal sales, and illicit trade. Ensure data integrity and accuracy
Econometric Modeling: Develop and implement econometric models to estimate the prevalence of illicit trade, factors influencing illicit trade patterns, and its economic impact
Statistical Analysis: Conduct rigorous statistical analyses to interpret model results, identify trends, and draw actionable insights. Apply advanced statistical techniques, including regression analysis, time-series analysis, and spatial modeling
Policy Implications: Analyze the policy implications of the research findings. Provide recommendations to policymakers, regulatory bodies, and law enforcement agencies based on the econometric results
Report Writing: Prepare detailed, clear, and concise research reports outlining methodologies, results, and conclusions. Communicate findings effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Team Collaboration: Collaborate with other researchers, data analysts, and subject matter experts within the organization. Provide guidance and support to any junior researchers who may be involved in this activity
Knowledge Dissemination: Present research findings at conferences, seminars, and workshops. Engage with external stakeholders, including government agencies, industry representatives, and NGOs, to disseminate research insights and foster collaborations

The tasks described above will be conducted in Lusaka, Southern, Central, Northern, Eastern and Copperbelt provinces of Zambia and remotely.

Qualifications

The Economist should possess the following qualifications and skills:

Master’s degree in economics, Public Policy, Statistics, or related field. PhD preferred
Minimum ten years’ work experience in tax policy in developing countries, working for either the public or private sector
Proven experience in designing and conducting econometric studies, preferably related to illicit trade or the tobacco industry
Proficiency in statistical software packages (STATA, R, Python, etc.) and data visualization tools
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment
Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with senior government officials; prior experience in policy analysis and recommendations is a plus
Familiarity with international trade regulations and tobacco industry dynamics is a plus

How to Apply:

Candidates are required to submit a cover letter, CV, and unedited writing sample to [email protected] by March 9, 2024. Please include “R4G ST Economist” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only finalists will be contacted. No phone calls please.

Applications missing a CV, cover letter and writing sample will not be considered for this position.

Additional Information:

We value the critical role safety and health protocols that contribute to all team members’ success. We work together to align and comply with all federal, state, and local safety and health mandates related to COVID to ensure a safe and valuable work environment.

Candidates who will be required to travel to specific countries must be willing to meet all of the requirements of the destination country(ies) for unimpeded entry.

Cadmus is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination. Cadmus is committed to providing a respectful workplace where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation (including gender identity and/or expression), national origin, military and veteran status, physical and mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Learn more about Cadmus by visiting our website at: http://www.cadmusgroup.com