Nature Economist

Who we are

We are an environmental consulting company. What’s our purpose? We put nature at the heart of decision-making by developing science-based solutions.

We support public and private entities that want to improve the environmental, social and economic impacts of policies, projects and investments. As a spin-off of the University of Padova and a certified B Corp; we work locally and internationally bringing scientific innovation into everyone’s life.

At Etifor we like teamwork, we work hard and we never stop being curious: being part of the team means sharing our values (read our Culture Manifesto to find out more). For us the only thing that really matters is how green your heart is: we welcome and value (bio)diversity in all its forms!

Who are we looking for?

Etifor is seeking a Nature Economist to join our Nature Governance team. The ideal candidate has an economic background and wants to use their knowledge for the valorization of natural resources through economic analysis and financial models development.

The candidate should also have a proactive and outgoing attitude, that, paired with excellent communication skills, makes them suitable for future career development as an account manager: responsible for developing and managing relationships with new and existing customers while pursuing new opportunities and cultivating relevant networks.

Finally, the candidate should be able to work at national, European and international levels and move easily around different contexts related to the public sector and natural resources management.

Role and responsibilities

The candidate will be integrated into the Nature Governance Program, which supports local and international public bodies like parks, water utilities, local authorities and research institutions in improving the financing of protected areas and natural resources and orienting policies that consider environmental targets.

Particularly, the candidate will support the team in the following activities, to be carried out in national, European and international projects:

1. Project execution:

• perform economic analyses and assessments of ecosystem services;
• develop financing schemes for natural resources and payments for ecosystem services;
• conduct literature reviews, fieldwork and data collection, analysis and reporting.

2. Project development and writing:

• track and screen new opportunities (tenders, grants, consultancies);
• support negotiations with potential clients;
• write proposals to be submitted in national and international calls.

Education

We're looking for candidates with a Master's or Specialist degree in one of the following classes or equivalent education: Environmental Engineering, Urban and Environmental Spatial Planning, Economics (with environmental focus), Natural Sciences, Environmental and forestry sciences, Environmental and land sciences and technology, Economic Sciences for Environment and Culture.

Having obtained a Ph.D in such topics is considered a plus.

While your educational background is important, it doesn't tell the whole story. If you believe you have the right spirit, knowledge, and skills for this role, please send us your application.

Experience

Applicants should have 3-4 years of experience in one or more of the following fields:

• economic analysis;
• ecosystem services evaluation and assessment;
• nature financing;
• payment for ecosystem services;
• environmental policies.

Experience in account management and sales is also welcome.

Candidates with less experience than required may be considered based on their educational qualifications and other specific skills.

Required skills

1. Soft skills

• precision and accuracy in delivering well-structured technical content;
• excellent communication skills (e.g. ability to interact effectively with a wide range of individuals and institutions, good public speaking skills);
• strong analytical skills;
• structured problem-solving ability.

2. Hard skills

• excellent command of written and spoken English and Italian;
• other languages proficiency (preferred);
• data and statistical analysis;
• proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, particularly Word and Excel;
• basic knowledge of GIS software (preferred);
• basic knowledge of software for ecosystem services evaluation (preferred).

What We Offer

The Etifor team will support your growth within the company in an international and friendly corporate environment. In particular, we provide:

• A dynamic, young, and innovative environment that values diversity and inclusion.
• Work-life balance through smart working contracts (minimum 4 days in presence per month, or more if you wish) and flexible hours.
• Professional growth opportunities with tailored paths, mentoring, and numerous training and development opportunities (keep in mind that Etifor is a spin-off from the University of Padua).
• A team working at both the local and international levels to reconnect people with nature by addressing climate change and biodiversity loss issues.
• Benefit plan, that includes €8 meal vouchers, a dedicated training budget (for both personal and professional development), and access to psychological support services.

Contract info

Start Date: August 2025.

Work Location: Etifor's office in Padua at Piazza Alcide de Gasperi, No. 41. We have a super-flexible smartworking policy!

Duration and level: To be determined during the interviews, based on experience.

Contract Type: Full-time (IV livello CCNL Commercio).

Hope we gave you all the information you need to consider joining our amazing team!