Nathaniel Mason
About Nathaniel Mason
Nathaniel Mason is a Research Associate known for his contributions to climate and sustainability research, particularly in water resources management. He has advised UNICEF and led significant projects related to water, sanitation, and hygiene, as well as climate finance.
Work at ODI
Nathaniel Mason serves as a Senior Research Associate at the Overseas Development Institute (ODI). In this role, he engages in climate and sustainability research, contributing to efforts aimed at promoting climate-compatible development. His work focuses on sustainable stewardship of natural resources, aligning with ODI's mission to influence policy and practice through high-quality research.
Advisory Role with UNICEF
Mason advised UNICEF on strategies to engage the private sector as part of its Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Strategy for 2016 to 2030. His insights aimed to enhance collaboration between public and private entities to improve water and sanitation services, thereby supporting UNICEF's broader goals in child welfare and health.
Research Contributions to Climate and Water Policy
Mason played a significant role in developing the water chapter for the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate’s 2018 report. This chapter identified seven key water policy actions relevant to global efforts against climate change. Additionally, he was the lead author for a global assessment of climate finance flows for water, commissioned by WaterAid.
Project Management and Fund Coordination
He coordinated the commissioning of a £2.5 million research fund for the Climate and Development Knowledge Network. Furthermore, Mason designed and managed the global monitoring, evaluation, and learning framework for Oxfam’s largest water and sanitation programme, which had a budget of £28 million and operated on a payment-by-results basis.
Global Studies and Initiatives
Mason was the lead author for a comprehensive study across 15 countries aimed at identifying entry points for enhancing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) through water resources management. This study included countries such as Bangladesh, Cameroon, and Chile. He also originated the concept for WASH4Work, a global public-private platform designed to accelerate universal access to WASH in workplace settings.