UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform

• Employment Type: Full time (35 hours per week)
• Duration: 3-year fixed term     
• Remuneration: Level B from $127,947 plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
• Location: UNSW Kensington Campus, Sydney
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold unrestricted work rights to be considered for this position

About the Opportunity

The Ocean and Coastal Economist leads the Global Ocean Accounts Partnership (GOAP) work on Ocean Economy (OE) accounting and Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Accounting (BESA) as part of GOAP's 2030 programme of work. The role is central to GOAP's mandate to support priority countries in building and mainstreaming national ocean accounting systems, working directly with country governments, statistics offices, and partners across Africa, the Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Ocean and Coastal Economist brings deep expertise in environmental-economic accounting, natural capital valuation, and international statistical frameworks, particularly the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) and the System of National Accounts (SNA 2025), applied to the measurement and governance of ocean economies. The role operates at the interface of research, policy, and international governance, taking independent responsibility for significant work areas, establishing an independent research portfolio.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the advancement of global ocean accounting and sustainable ocean development. Working across research, policy and international partnerships, you will help shape the development and application of ocean economy and ecosystem accounting frameworks that inform national decision-making, investment and governance. You will collaborate with governments, national statistics offices, international organisations and interdisciplinary research teams, while building an emerging research profile and contributing to globally recognised standards and methodologies. The role offers the opportunity to influence policy, support capacity building across multiple regions, and contribute to innovative work spanning natural capital accounting, biodiversity valuation, blue finance and sustainable development.

The role reports to the Centre for Sustainable Development Reform (CSDR) Directors, and has no direct reports.

Some Key Skills Required

• PhD  in economics, environmental economics, ecological economics, or a closely related discipline, and/or relevant work experience in natural capital accounting, national accounts, or policy advisory positions for government, international organisations, or applied research.
• Ocean economy accounting, including the application of ocean economy satellite/thematic accounts or Blue Economy Satellite Accounting..
• Natural capital valuation, including economic valuation of ecosystem services (e.g. provisioning, regulating, and cultural services in marine and coastal contexts).
• National income accounting (SNA 2025 or predecessor frameworks), including experience working with national statistics offices or statistical agencies or national academic institutions  
• Blue economy policy and governance, with an understanding of how economic data can inform fisheries management, marine spatial planning, blue finance, or sustainable ocean development.
• Application of ISIC or equivalent industrial classification systems to the definition and measurement of ocean-related economic activities
• Demonstrated track record in research with high quality outputs, and evidence of developing research excellence.
• Demonstrated ability to provide training and mentoring to country-based professionals in relation to the development of ocean accounts
• Proven ability to write for both a policy and scholarly audience, influencing decision making and creating impact.
• Experience working in or with developing countries, SIDS, or international development contexts, familiarity with the Pacific, African or LAC regional policy landscape.
• Familiarity with blue finance instruments (blue bonds, results-based finance, sustainable ocean investment) and an understanding of how ocean accounts can underpin investment decision-making would be advantageous.

To learn more about this position and view the full list of criteria, a copy of the Position Description can be accessed by clicking on the position description button below this ad.

Benefits and Culture

People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world.  Our benefits include: 

• Flexible Working Options (work from home, flexible hours etc) 
• Career development opportunities 
• 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments 
• Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period 
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness)

How to Apply

Make each day matter with a meaningful career at UNSW. Submit your application online before Sunday 23rd August 2026 at 11:55pm.  Please upload your CV and a cover letter (max 2 pages) outlining how your skills and experience match the skills and experience listed in the position description (Selection Criteria). A copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@UNSW.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed within the position description in your application.

Pre-Employment Checks

As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role.

Get in Touch

Anabel Wason

Talent Acquisition Partner

a.wason@unsw.edu.au [a.wason@unsw.edu.au]

Please apply through the application portal and not via the contact above.

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.