Senior Consultant – Subsidy Methodologies

Organization: International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
Program: Energy (Global Subsidies Initiative – GSI)
Location: Remote (preferably London, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, or Winnipeg)
Contract Type: Consultancy (Retainer)
Duration: 12 months (minimum 50 days/year)
Application Deadline: September 1, 2025

Role Summary

IISD is seeking a Senior Consultant in Subsidy Methodologies to lead and support technical work on fossil fuel and environmentally harmful subsidy reforms, focusing on public finance tracking and subsidy evaluation. The consultant will develop methodologies, conduct analysis, and produce actionable research outputs to inform global and national policy decisions—particularly in emerging economies.

This position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of economic analysis, policy reform, and sustainable development. The ideal candidate combines advanced technical knowledge with strong writing and communication skills, and has the ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative global team.

Key Responsibilities

Research and Methodological Development

• Lead the design and improvement of methodologies for evaluating fossil fuel and other public subsidies.

• Analyze tax expenditures, price gaps, public lending, SOE behavior, and related financial flows.

• Review and enhance international frameworks (WTO, IMF, OECD) for subsidy tracking, adapting them to local contexts.

• Produce technical reports and policy briefs for diverse stakeholder audiences.

Coaching and Quality Assurance

• Provide expert review and feedback on draft outputs to ensure rigor, clarity, and actionable insights.

• Mentor junior researchers and consultants on methodological consistency and writing standards.

• Uphold high-quality outputs across GSI deliverables.

Strategic Communication and Outreach

• Tailor findings to audiences such as ministries of finance, multilaterals (G20, IMF, World Bank), and advocacy organizations.

• Engage with partners, technical reviewers, and policymakers to refine and defend analytical approaches.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree (MA, MSc, or PhD) in economics, public finance, energy taxation, or a related field.

• Minimum 10 years of experience in public finance or subsidy analysis, ideally in the energy sector.

• Strong understanding of fossil fuel subsidies, environmentally harmful subsidies, carbon pricing, and energy taxation.

• Experience working with or for governments, multilaterals, or international organizations.

• Proficiency with Excel (PowerBI or other data tools a plus).

• Strong writing skills and ability to translate complex findings into actionable recommendations.

• Fluency in English required; additional languages are an asset.

• Experience with cross-sector subsidy reform (e.g., agriculture, forestry, water) is desirable.

• Proven ability to work remotely and manage deliverables independently.

Contract Details

• Type: Consultant (retainer)

• Duration: 12 months, minimum 50 working days

• Compensation: Based on experience and qualifications

• Location: Remote (must have work authorization in the chosen country)

How to Apply

Submit your CV and cover letter in English before September 1, 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Candidates must be authorized to work in the country from which they intend to operate.