Independent Economic Analysis Board (IEAB) Job Description
IEAB members will participate in an advisory capacity to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council on economic assessment of fish recovery actions and other issues within the Council’s authority. The IEAB may review potentially applicable studies, be assigned new studies or questions to address, and recommend ways in which economic analysis could contribute to improved decision making in the Council’s areas of responsibility.
IEAB members are available to perform specific research tasks as assigned by the Council. In addition, the IEAB meets about once per month either in person or by teleconference. Members are reimbursed for their time and travel expenses in accordance with Council policy. Key areas of economic expertise are natural resources, energy, cost-effectiveness analysis, and markets for environmental qualities.
IEAB meetings typically would be held for the following purposes:
- To develop consistent analytical guidelines and general approaches to be followed in all analysis;
- To scope Council analysis requests, advise the Council on the appropriate analytical approach to a request, and assign specific board members to accomplish the research tasks. The board may also recommend the use of contractors for specific tasks, or portions of tasks;
- To evaluate and provide peer review of analytical results;
- To refine draft written reports on IEAB analysis tasks.
The Council will make specific requests of the IEAB to answer questions, review studies, perform analyses, or accomplish other tasks. Examples of the IEAB analyses and reports can be found on the Council’s website at http://www.nwcouncil.org/fw/ieab/Default.htm
Selection criteria for IEAB members:
- Qualifications and experience in areas of economic analysis relating to natural resources, fish and wildlife policies, energy, and the potential effects of policies on other sectors of the economy;
- Ability to provide credible advice and analysis that is objective and independent, and widely perceived to be so;
- Familiarity with Pacific Northwest salmon policy issues;
- Contribution to a diversity of relevant expertise on the IEAB.