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Financial-economic researcher


With profound research and advice, Profundo aims to make a practical contribution to sustainability and social justice. Quality comes first to meet the goals of our clients. Thematically we focus on international commodity chains, the financial sector and Corporate Social Responsibility. Our international client base includes non-governmental organizations, research institutes and government institutions, as well as pension funds and other investors.
To expand our research capacity we are looking for an experienced
Financial-economic researcher
You will research the activities of companies involved in international commodity chains (mining, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, energy) and other sectors with significant social and environmental impacts (garments, weapons, electricity, etc.). Using data retrieved from company publications, trade journals, statistics, databases and other sources you will identify the key players within an industry, their investment strategies and their supply relationships. Your research will cover the distribution of added value and other benefits, as well as (external) costs, along the chain. By understanding how corporate groups are structured internationally, you will also unravel transfer pricing and tax avoidance schemes. With scenario studies you will assess the financial implications and effectiveness of policy instruments.
Within this broad field, you will focus specifically on the role of financial institutions. After identifying the financial stakeholders - banks, pension funds, other investors - of all kinds of companies, you will analyse their influence on (non-)sustainable company activities. This research will help NGOs and governments to understand how to engage with financial institutions to realise their sustainable ambitions. It will also help banks and investors to understand their financial involvement in sustainability issues and their options to influence these issues in a positive way.
We expect you to:
  • have a Master’s degree in finance, general economics, business economics or a related field;
  • be a passionate researcher with keen analytical skills and at least 5 years of experience;
  • be capable of analysing corporate structures, financial stakeholders, trade relationships and taxation schemes;
  • have experience with cost-benefit analyses and scenario studies;
  • be familiar with relevant social and environmental issues and with key developments in the field of corporate social responsibility;
  • feel highly motivated to foster the integration of sustainability and social justice in corporate practices;
  • have the ability to coach younger colleagues in further developing their research skills;
  • have experience with writing well-structured reports in English; experience with writing Dutch reports is an advantage.
We offer:
  • challenging and varied research and advice projects with a high social relevance;
  • a small organization that provides plenty of room for individual initiatives and your personal and professional development;
  • a wide network of inspiring clients from all over the world;
  • a friendly office close to the Amsterdam Sloterdijk train station;
  • a contract for 28 to 40 hours per week (to be determined in consultation);
  • flexible working hours and the option to work part-time from home;
  • an attractive salary, depending on background and experience;
  • a good pension scheme and other fringe benefits.
For more information on Profundo, please visit our website (www.profundo.nl). If you have further questions, feel free to call or send an email to Jan Willem van Gelder (+31-(0)20-8208320 or jw@profundo.nl).
Please send your application, including a motivation letter, a curriculum vitae and a sample of your research work, before November 9 to vacature@profundo.nl.