Junior Economist - Environmental Policy and Economics (Brussels)

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

A little more about your role… Do you have a keen interest in environmental policy and an enthusiasm for developing solutions to complex and challenging problems? Are you looking for the ideal opportunity to take your career in environmental consultancy to the next level? If so, we are seeking a high‑calibre junior‑level economist to join our growing team at WSP in Brussels.

The role is in WSP’s Environmental Policy and Economics team, based in our Brussels office, and working globally in collaboration with colleagues across the UK, Europe and Canada. The team provides robust, impartial and influential advice on policy development and strategic response across the full policy lifecycle (policy development and assessment; implementation; review, evaluation and revision).

This is an exceptional opportunity for the right candidate, opening your potential for career development, exposure to diverse projects as well as international travel in a friendly and supportive environment.

YOUR TEAM

WSP is at the forefront of providing policy and economic advisory services to the public and private sector across the EU and UK. WSP’s Environmental Policy and Economics team is a market leader in providing policy, technical and economic advice on the development and implementation of environmental policy and business response to policy. We have an extensive track record across all major environmental fields including chemicals and water policy, industrial emissions, air quality, waste, circular economy, taxonomy, biodiversity, climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Working with us will bring you into contact with policy makers at the highest level and your input will contribute to protecting and improving the environment for millions of people across multiple countries. Our reputation for robust and impartial analysis means our projects directly influence the development and improvement of environmental policies in the UK, EU and beyond, addressing some of the most challenging issues we face.

Our work with national Governments, EU institutions and agencies, international bodies such as the United Nations and World Bank, alongside industry associations and major global companies stretches our positive influence around the world. WSP’s Environmental Policy and Economics team is based across our offices in the UK (London, Reading, Bristol, Manchester and Edinburgh) and Belgium (Brussels). The team works alongside our broader global advisory services, bringing together a worldwide community of environmental specialists numbering more than 73,000 people over more than 50 countries.

Our Belgium-based team is looking to increase our presence in the heart of EU policy making. Located in the heart of Brussels, our multi‑disciplinary team will involve you in EU projects from day one whilst providing you with training, career development and personal support services that will assist you in becoming a recognised expert in your fields of interest. You will be joining the business at an extremely exciting time, with an expanding team, strong forward workload, and an ambitious strategy for growth.

In this role you will:

• Work in multi‑disciplinary teams, contributing to policy development, implementation and evaluation; economic analysis; cost‑benefit analysis; information/data collection and analysis; socio‑economic assessment; stakeholder consultation; report writing and verbal presentation.
• Support the delivery of a diverse range of environmental policy projects at national and international level, for clients such as international organisations (e.g. OECD, United Nations); EU institutions and agencies (European Commission, European Chemicals Agency, European Environment Agency); national governments (e.g. Canada, EU Member States, the UK, etc.); and the private sector.
• Actively engage with clients and stakeholders from the public and private sectors, building and maintaining relationships to identify new business opportunities.
• Support the winning of new environmental policy projects through effective proposal writing and presentations, and represent WSP at relevant EU policy forums, conferences, and meetings.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

We are looking for candidates with experience in the consultancy environment or other relevant industry with a core background in environmental economics. Relevant work experience may be within a consultancy, government, research agency/think tank, NGO or private sector/industry organisation or relevant placement.

The role requires knowledge of economic theory and socio‑economic techniques to environmental and other policies at national and/or international level, including cost‑benefit and cost effectiveness analysis; ex‑post evaluation; impact assessment; valuation of human health and social and environmental effects of policies; and assessing economic competitiveness.

Our ideal candidate will have the following qualifications, experience and skills:

• A postgraduate qualification in environmental economics/economics is essential; an undergraduate degree in one of the following areas is desirable: environmental science; environmental management, technology, economics, engineering, policy; law.
• A focus on microeconomics and/or economics for public policy is an advantage.
• A demonstrable interest in developing a career in environmental policy (e.g. related to one or several of the thematic areas mentioned above), and knowledge of the policy landscape associated with those thematic policy areas.
• Demonstrable research skills and understanding of analytical techniques e.g. the collection, validation, analysis and synthesis of data, summarizing and critically evaluating literature, designing and conducting stakeholder consultations, dissemination of surveys, market analysis; socio‑economic analysis; regulatory impact assessment.
• Familiarity with national and international sources of government and business statistics would be desirable.
• Strong mathematical skills, covering quantitative analysis, data management, statistical modelling.
• Excellent organisational skills, demonstrating the ability to take the initiative and the ability to plan your work and adhere to fixed deadlines; and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to present findings, policy recommendations, and project updates to clients, stakeholders, and the broader public; ability to write clear and concise reports in English, and for non‑technical audiences.
• Strong expertise in policy evaluation and impact assessment methodologies, using data‑driven approaches to inform decision‑making and policy recommendations.
• Applications from those with European language skills are particularly welcome.

WHAT YOU’LL LIKE ABOUT US:

A working environment inspired by belonging, driven by inclusion. Our flexible working policy - We recognise the importance of work‑life balance and encourage you to find yours. WSP is about making the world around us a better place, including the environment, transport infrastructure, buildings and land use. Excellent career prospects. We are growing fast, and every day we strive to outdo ourselves. We are open to your ideas and want to try new things. We have a supportive environment that invests in your development and training. WSP is about embracing a culture of collaboration with colleagues who stand out for their skills.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself? With us, you can. Apply today.