Summary
We are seeking a technical leader to ensure JIM’s credibility, accuracy, and continuous improvement as the standard for impact and climate risk measurement. You’ll own the technical and methodological roadmap, lead a technical team, and represent JIM’s expertise to the financial sector.
As Technical Director, you’ll focus on four core areas: maintaining model credibility through rigorous governance and quality assurance; leading and developing the technical team (economic modelers, developers, data analysts); representing JIM at technical forums and with members; and aligning the technical roadmap with commercial priorities in partnership with the Executive Director.
This is a fractional leadership role (50-80% time) with potential to transition to full-time based on mutual success. While we cannot guarantee specific outcomes or timelines, we are exploring hybrid models that could create meaningful upside for entrepreneurial leaders who help us scale.
The Joint Impact Model Foundation
The Joint Impact Model Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides credible oversight for the development of the Joint Impact Model (JIM). The JIM enables its 80+ members (primarily financial institutions – including development finance and commercial finance actors) to estimate the impact of their investments by tracing financial flows through the economy. This analysis captures the resulting economic (value added), social (employment), and environmental (greenhouse gas emissions) impacts.
Launched by FMO and other international finance institutions in 2021, the foundation works towards harmonization of key indicators to build accountability and steer financing in the US$140tn finance sector.
Key Responsibilities
The TD role encompasses the following areas. Specific priorities and scope will be defined collaboratively based on organizational needs.
Model Credibility & Governance
* Oversee model management, including documentation, version control, and audit trails to ensure JIM remains credible, auditable, and regulatory-ready.
* Conduct full model code reviews and enforce continuous review processes for changes.
* Maintain data governance, quality assurance, and privacy compliance for all datasets, and ensure alignment with member requirements and regulatory frameworks.
Technical Team Leadership
* Lead and develop the technical team (data scientists, developers, economic modelers).
* Provide mentorship, set technical standards, and ensure the team delivers high-quality work.
* Build a collaborative, learning-oriented technical culture suited to a distributed team.
Technical Roadmap & Innovation
* Develop and own the technical and methodological roadmap across emissions, jobs, and climate risk.
* Ensure the roadmap aligns with commercial priorities and organizational strategy set by the Executive Director.
* Drive continuous innovation in modeling approaches, data sources, and analytical capabilities to maintain JIM’s competitive position.
External Technical Representation
* Represent JIM Foundation at technical forums, conferences, and member engagements.
* Lead or support technical assistance to financial institutions implementing the Joint Impact Model.
* Support fundraising efforts by contributing expert credibility, technical content, and impact data to fundraising proposals and donor presentations.
* Support external model audits and validations.
Model Development & Documentation
* Review and continuously improve ex-ante methodology and model documentation.
* Ensure methodological transparency and reproducibility.
* Participate in or lead educational webinars for members on technical topics.
Requirements
Essential
* Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., finance, economics, econometrics, data science, business administration, sustainable finance, or related field), OR 8+ years of progressive experience in economic modeling with demonstrable expertise through, for example, publications, open-source contributions, or delivered projects.
* Strong conceptual understanding of input-output or CGE modeling frameworks.
* Python proficiency to: review code, guide architectural decisions, evaluate technical trade-offs, and mentor developers (you won’t write much production code, but must be technically fluent).
* Proven ability to lead and develop technical teams.
* Strong technical communication skills: translating complex methodological concepts for financial institutions, policymakers, and non-technical stakeholders.
* Experience managing multi-stakeholder projects and building consensus across diverse perspectives (e.g. academia, finance, and policy sectors).
* Entrepreneurial mindset with comfort navigating ambiguity in lean, fast-paced environments.
* Fluent in English; additional languages advantageous.
* Willingness to travel approximately six times per year.
Desirable
* Direct implementation experience building or extending IO and/or CGE models in Python or similar languages.
* Experience working with international economic and climate datasets (GTAP, WIOD, EXIOBASE, CEDA, Climate TRACE, EMBER, FAOStat, or similar).
* Experience in development economics, sustainable finance, ESG data products, or impact measurement frameworks.
* Experience in the financial services industry, particularly working with DFIs, impact investors, or commercial banks on impact measurement.
* Contributions to open-source projects, academic publications, or model transparency initiatives.
* Previous leadership roles in early-stage organizations.
Benefits
* A competitive salary based on skills and experience. Fractional / contract role for first 12 months (50-80% time, pro rated). Clear pathway to full-time based on mutual success.
* Reimbursement of your commute.
* A hybrid or remote working mode (with preference for CET+/-2hrs).
* Opportunities for international travel, professional development, and engagement with global partners.
* A chance to shape and represent a pioneering model in the field of impact measurement and sustainable finance.
* A dynamic, international team passionate about impact and innovation.