Chief Development Economist Christian Aid

Chief Development Economist

Salary: £50,798 - £56,964 per annum (including London Allowance)

Based: London, Waterloo

Closing date: 9am, Wednesday 20th June 2012

We live in a world of unprecedented wealth, and yet despite all of our technological advances and the vast resources at our disposal, the scourge of extreme poverty remains humanity’s most pressing challenge. In a world of plenty, the scale and reach of today’s 1.4 billion people across the globe, who suffer from the injustice of extreme poverty, is a scandal. The global economic model of unfettered consumption has been a key driver in creating a growing divide of inequality between rich and poor. This unequal growth and increasing inequality is exhausting our natural resources and the current path is unsustainable. Christian Aid believes it doesn’t have to be this way; things can change.

With the launch of our new strategy “Partnership for Change”, we are determined to work to achieve a fairer, more sustainable world which allows all people to flourish equally within the bounds of our world’s natural resources. But this in part will require new thinking to explore alternative models that allow economies to develop and grow sustainably, ensuring the benefits of this growth are more equally divided among all. Economics is not the only imperative in eradicating poverty, but the inequality of power in existing market mechanisms is a key obstacle. The challenges are significant as powerful global institutions continue to protect the vested interests of the few. However, working with our partners across the globe, Christian Aid is determined to demonstrate the feasibility of alternative economic models that allow markets to develop, promote social cohesion and deliver sustainable growth within the natural resource constraints of our planet.

The post of Chief Development Economist will lead Christian Aid’s work in this field. Working across the organisation and drawing on the rooted experience of our partners and alliances across the globe, s/he will co-ordinate the development of thought leadership that radically challenges existing economic market approaches. S/he will ensure the thinking and experience of Christian Aid’s work with poor communities informs and shapes high level dialogue and practical applications of new alternative approaches.

We value the contribution each person makes to the success of our organisation. That’s why you can expect a wide range of rewards and benefits, including a generous holiday allowance, an interest-free season ticket loan, and flexibility that will ensure you enjoy a good work/life balance

As this post is UK based, non-EC nationals will require current and valid permission to work in the UK.

Christian Aid values diversity and aspires to reflect this in our workforce. We welcome applications from people from all sections of the community, irrespective of race, colour, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.

To apply, please visit our website.

Please note CVs will not be accepted.

Job reference: 284/MA

Closing date: 9am, Wednesday 20th June 2012

Interview date: Week starting 2nd July 2012