WWF - Junior Economic Researcher

About the company

At WWF-UK, we're working to show how economic policies can help tackle climate change, reverse nature loss and create a future where people and nature thrive. The decisions governments make about the economy have a huge impact on our planet, and we want to help shape those decisions for the better.

Your tasks

In this role, you'll help us explore how climate change and nature loss affect the economy, and how government policies, including decisions about tax and public spending, can help address these challenges.

You'll join our Economics team, working with colleagues to research evidence, explore different policy approaches and turn complex economic ideas into clear, engaging information that can help influence decisions.

You'll also have opportunities to learn from experts and policymakers, understand how economic policy is developed and contribute to WWF-UK's work with international organisations and initiatives, including the G20 and the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action.

It's an opportunity to develop practical experience in economic research, policy and advocacy, while contributing to WWF-UK's mission to bring our world back to life.

During your placement, you'll have the opportunity to

• Explore the links between economics and nature. Research how climate change and nature loss affect economies, and the policies that could help address these challenges.
• Find and bring together evidence. Gather information from credible sources, identify key findings and explore where there may be gaps in existing research or policy approaches.
• Make complex ideas easier to understand. Help create clear research summaries, briefings and other content that colleagues can use to communicate economic evidence and influence policy.
• Learn from experts and decision-makers. Support conversations and engagement with economists, policymakers and other experts, helping capture different perspectives and useful insights.
• Explore opportunities for change. Work with colleagues to understand how economic policies are developed and contribute research and ideas that could help shape future recommendations.
• Contribute to international policy work. Support research and analysis linked to international discussions and initiatives, including the G20 and the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action.
• Share your findings and ideas. Help present research, contribute to discussions and explore how evidence can be used to make a stronger case for policies that support people and nature.

Requirements

We're looking for someone who's curious about economics and interested in how economic decisions can help tackle some of the biggest challenges facing our planet.

You don't need to have experience working in government or developing economic policy. What's important is your interest in applying economic thinking to real-world issues, your willingness to learn and the ideas you can bring.

*We'd love to hear from you if you*

• Have a degree in economics, or a degree that includes a significant element of economics.
• Have an interest in climate change, nature, economic policy or international affairs.
• Enjoy researching topics, exploring evidence and understanding different perspectives.
• Can use economic concepts to explore questions and think through possible solutions.
• Have a thoughtful approach to checking information, identifying key findings and recognising where evidence may be limited.
• Can communicate ideas clearly, whether in writing, conversations or presentations.
• Enjoy working with others, listening to different viewpoints and asking questions.
• Can organise your work, manage agreed tasks and ask for support when needed.
• Are open to feedback, willing to explore unfamiliar topics and interested in developing new skills.
• Value different perspectives and want to contribute to a welcoming, inclusive workplace.

You may have developed your skills through your studies, volunteering, personal projects, work experience or other activities. We're interested in your curiosity, your potential and how you'd like to develop your skills through the placement.

What we offer

Skills you'll build This placement is designed to give you practical experience and opportunities to develop your research, policy and communication skills.

You'll have the chance to develop

• Economic research and analysis: Using economic concepts to explore real-world challenges, gather evidence and identify key findings.
• Policy development: Understanding how research informs government decisions and how economic policies can support action on climate change and nature loss.
• Building evidence-based arguments: Connecting research and analysis to develop clear, well-supported conclusions and recommendations.
• Communication and presentation: Turning complex information into accessible summaries, briefings and presentations for different audiences.
• Working with experts and policymakers: Building confidence in professional conversations, listening to different perspectives and developing your understanding of how policy decisions are influenced.
• Planning and organisation: Managing research tasks, keeping information organised and working towards agreed deadlines.

You'll also build a portfolio of work that demonstrates the skills and experience you've gained during your placement.

Support along the way As part of Roots@WWF-UK, you'll have the opportunity to learn and grow alongside other early careers colleagues.

You'll receive support from your line manager and a dedicated buddy, alongside structured learning and development opportunities throughout your 12-month placement.

The programme is designed to help you build practical experience, develop your confidence and explore your future career opportunities.

Other

Practical details *Location: Living Planet Centre, Woking, Surrey Contract:** 12-month fixed-term placement

Want to know more? We've brought together the key information about this opportunity to help you understand the role and what you'll gain from the placement.