Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS) is looking for two Economists / Researchers in its Sustainable Development team with at least three years’ work experience to undertake research around green industrial policy in South Africa and the region. TIPS’s research approach is on generating and analysing evidence-based options for industrial policy as the key to more inclusive and sustainable economic growth. You can see more about our work at www.tips.org.za.

Qualification, Experience and Competences Required

• A Master’s degree in Economics or a related field (Development Studies, Political Science, etc.) with a strong economics component;
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in policy research and analysis; 
• A demonstrated interest and expertise in themes related to the green economy and industrial development;
• Strong writing, editing and presentation skills, with an excellent command of written and spoken English;
• Knowledge of national and international developments on sustainable development issues;
• Strong computer skills, with a proven ability to analyse quantitative information;
• Attention to detail, be highly organised, and be able to work both in a team and independently;
• Ability to work in a multicultural and multidisciplinary setting; 
• Capacity to work under pressure and to adhere strictly to deadlines;
• Willingness to learn and do the job, multi-task and be flexible; and
• Demonstrate an energetic and enthusiastic personality.

Scope of Work

• Performing economic policy research (both qualitative and quantitative analysis) on green economy policy issues;
• Liaising with and supporting the relevant policy-making entities dealing with green economy issues in South Africa (and elsewhere in the region as appropriate) in line with TIPS's mandate and priorities; 
• Contributing to the dissemination of TIPS’s research through policy briefs, working papers, journal articles, book chapters, presentations and communication-orientated pieces;
• Providing internal content, in conjunction with TIPS’s staff, on various research projects, proposals, workshops, training, events, publications, and other outputs; and
• Supervising and mentoring junior staff.

Who we are:

Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS) is an independent, non-profit, economic research institution based in Pretoria. It was established in 1996 to support economic policy development, with an emphasis on industrial policy, in South Africa and the region. Its areas of focus are trade and inclusive industrial policy, and sustainable development. TIPS approach is to integrate research and analysis, policy development, disseminating information, capacity building, technical support, and programme design and management. To support these activities, TIPS researchers are expected to provide world-class quantitative and qualitative socio-economic analyses.

Application details:

Closing date for applications:  7 March 2025

To apply, please send a short CV, a cover letter highlighting your interest for the position and how you match the requirements as well as a writing sample via e-mail to jobs@tips.org.za. Note that we will only consider applications with all of these components. Correspondence will be limited to short-listed applicants only.