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 (NGOs), 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 financing and investment strategies 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.). This research aims to understand the sustainability and financial risks created by corporate activities for different groups of stakeholders (shareholders, banks, society at large) and to find options to mitigate and avoid these risks by influencing corporate strategies.

Investment strategy research aims to understand capital expenditure patterns: the choices made with regard to production technologies (e.g. renewable vs. coal-fired power), geographical allocation and vertical integration. Financing strategy research aims to understand how companies finance their current operations and expansion plans, identifying the roles played by different types of financial institutions (banks, pension funds and others).

Building on these analyses, you will also work on scenario studies to assess the financial implications which sustainability risks and policy changes could have for companies. These studies will help to understand the financial and sustainability risks banks and investors are exposed to, as well as the options they have to influence companies and to restructure their investment portfolios. These research results can inform banks and investors directly, but can also help NGOs to understand what they could expect from these financiers.

We expect you to:

have a PhD in an economic field or a similar level of research experience;
be a passionate researcher with keen analytical skills and a high level of accuracy;
know how to analyse corporate finance structures and corporate investment strategies;
have experience with financial modelling 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;
show experience with writing and editing well-structured reports in English, while experience with writing reports in Dutch 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 10 to vacature@profundo.nl.