Nature Economist - London
Digby Wells Environmental
Date: 1 day ago
City: East London, Eastern Cape
Contract type: Full time

We are looking for a passionate and highly skilled Nature Economist who wants to Make A Difference. The successful candidate will be assessing the economic value of natural and social capital (incl. priority ecosystem services) in support providing a foundation to make informed decisions that align with sustainability principles and responsible stewardship outcomes. You will be providing valuable insights to building a ‘business case’ for nature-based solutions and prioritizing a holistic ecosystem-wide perspective that support operationalization of core businesses within the resources and infrastructure sectors, as well as the wider landscape within the host communities and countries.
- Conduct economic analyses of natural capital, ecosystem services, and biodiversity to inform proactive and sustainable resource management strategies.
- Develop and implement economic models to assess the value of environmental goods and services, either in terms of monetary value or habitat trading schemes.
- Provide policy and regulatory advice to clients on sustainable development and environmental economics, particularly in reference to International Finance Corporation’s Performance Standard 6.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to deliver integrated solutions and supporting the ecological concerns through a lens risk-based assessment upon project and communities' dependencies.
- Carry out business development to grow the service offering within the team, including compiling and contributing to proposals and tenders, and standardizing approach to these natural capital accounting frameworks.
- Prepare technical reports, economic valuations, and business cases for environmental projects.
- Stay abreast of emerging trends and global best practices in nature-based economics and sustainable finance, where applicable (e.g. Land.
Key Requirement:
- A degree in Environmental Economics, Natural Resource Economics, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- 3-6 years’ experience in environmental or natural resource economics, preferably within a consultancy.
- Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with proficiency in economic modelling and valuation techniques.
- Excellent understanding of global sustainability frameworks, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), and natural capital accounting.
- Ability to translate complex economic concepts into actionable insights for diverse stakeholders.
- Exceptional communication and report-writing skills.
- Willingness to travel to project sites as needed.
What We Offer:
- A collaborative and inclusive work environment within a globally recognized consultancy.
- Opportunities for professional growth and career development.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- The chance to make a meaningful impact in the sustainability and resources sector.
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