Job: Programmer - Modeller

Location: Paris
Deadline: Thursday, 02 January 2014

The OECD's mission - Better Policies for Better Lives - promotes policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. It provides a unique forum in which governments work together to share experiences on what drives economic, social and environmental change, seeking solutions to common problems.

The Environment and Economy Integration (EEI) Division of the Environment Directorate undertakes policy-orientated research in a number of areas at the interface between the environment and the economy, including\: the links between policy settings and economic and environmental outcomes, environment-economy modelling, resource productivity and waste, and trade and environment.

The modelling team uses large-scale economic models to assess the linkages between economic activity and environmental challenges. Most of the policy analyses undertaken by the team are based on quantitative assessments, using the multi-regional global recursive-dynamic computable general equilibrium model ENV-Linkages. An overview of recent activities of the team can be found at www.oecd.org/environment/modelling.

The EEI Division is looking for a Programmer-Modeller to contribute to the Environment Directorate (ENV) work on improving the modelling tools operated by the team using the GAMS software. The selected candidate will work under the supervision and general guidance of a Senior Economist.

Main responsibilities

Model development

• Contribute to the maintenance and further development of a world Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model (ENV-Linkages) and related quantitative frameworks operated by the modelling team at ENV.
• Improve the modelling framework with changes to the model code, such as recoding the GAMS program to allow a flexible aggregation of model regions and sectors (i.e. increase the modularity of the model) and improving the numerical robustness of the model code.
• Perform other programming tasks as required.

Database management and documentation

• When applicable, update the databases underpinning the model as well as other related databases needed for model developments.
• Contribute to the documentation of the model and its code in order to make it publicly available.
• Assist with preparing model outputs to be used in OECD reports, including representing quantitative results in clear graphs.

Organisation-wide collaboration

• Liaise with relevant staff in other Directorates on the use of in-house databases and relevant software, as well as assist in communications with other Organisations.

Candidate's profile

Academic and professional background

• Proficiency in using the General Algebric Modeling System (GAMS) to solve large-scale modelling applications.
• An advanced university degree in economics, econometrics, operations research, mathematics or another relevant discipline.
• At least three years of practical modelling experience.
• Knowledge of environmental economics and issues related to global environmental problems (e.g. climate change or biodiversity) would be an advantage.
• A demonstrated ability in optimization or CGE modelling would be preferable.
• Broader programming skills would be considered an asset.

Communication and OECD official languages

• Good interpersonal skills, including the ability to maintain harmonious working relations with staff at all levels in a multicultural environment.
• Excellent knowledge of one of the two official languages of the Organisation (English and French); very good knowledge of the other.

Core Competencies

Please refer to the OECD Core Competencies and the level 2 indicators.

Contract Duration\: 1 year fixed term, with the possibility of renewal. Ideal starting date\: January 2014

What the OECD offers

Monthly base salary starting from 4,187.34 EUR exempt of French income tax, plus allowances based on eligibility.

NB. Short-listed candidates may be asked to take a written test as part of the screening for candidates.

NB\: The appointment may initially be made at a lower grade if the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant correspond to that grade; in this case, the duties and responsibilities assigned will be adjusted accordingly.

The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified candidates to apply.

More Info and Application