Principal Economist

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - GBP 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An international financial institution is seeking a Principal Economist to lead macroeconomic research and manage the workflow of economic publications. Ideal candidates will hold a PhD in economics, possess strong analytical skills, and have experience in economic policy issues. The role requires excellent communication skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks. The position is a two-year fixed-term contract based in London, offering a hybrid work environment with competitive benefits.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits

Hybrid workplace flexibility

Qualifications

• PhD degree in economics or equivalent from a leading university.
• Track record in economic analysis and research.
• Experience with economic datasets.
• Ability to provide inputs under tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead macroeconomic research and policy work.
• Draft external publications like Regional Economic Prospects.
• Monitor global economic developments impacting EBRD regions.
• Conduct economic research on macroeconomic issues.

Skills

Economic analysis

Empirical research

Communication skills in English

Multitasking

Familiarity with EBRD operations

Education

PhD in economics or equivalent

Tools

Mathematical and statistical software

Job description

Purpose of Job

The Principal Economist, Transition Impact and Global Economics, contributes to the analysis of economic trends and outlook for the EBRD regions as a whole, links between the region and the world economy, economic forecasting and the analysis of economic risks. The Principal Economist will project manage the work flow of the EBRD’s Regional Economic Prospects liaising with country economists and analysts in Vice-Presidency for Policy and Partnerships. The Principal Economist may co-author occasional external publications such as a blog on economic issues on ebrd.com or a chapter in a special economic policy report.

Background

OCE consists of a team of approximately 20 economists, analysts and assistants. It contributes to the operational, policy and strategy work of the Bank by providing intellectual leadership on economic and financial aspects of transition in the region. OCE is responsible for research on critical economic issues relevant to the transition region and EBRD operations, macroeconomic analysis in support of country work, and relations with academia. It also leads the design and implementation of large-scale surveys (such as the Business Environment and Enterprise Performance Surveys, Banking Environment and Performance Surveys and Life in Transition surveys); randomised impact studies; and the production of most major external publications produced by the OCE, including the annual Transition Report.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• The Principal Economist takes the lead in preparing macroeconomic research and macroeconomic policy work in OCE, in close coordination with the Director, Transition Impact and Global Economics and the Director of Research. The Principal Economist also interfaces with VP3, Communications, Banking and Risk Management on macroeconomic analysis and forecasting.
• The Principal Economist drafts sections of regular external publications of the Bank such as the Regional Economic Prospects.
• Monitoring developments in the world economy and global financial markets with a view to their impact on the EBRD regions; monitoring macroeconomic and financial developments in the EBRD countries of operations; maintaining and developing macroeconomic forecasting models that support EBRD forecasts.
• Undertaking economic research in areas relevant to the EBRD, particularly as pertains macroeconomic issues, macro-financial linkages, cross-border integration, trade policy and trade agreements, economic institutions and political economy.
• Project management of the Regional Economic Prospects and selected other economic policy reports; co-authorship of external publications of the EBRD, from blogs on key economic developments in the regions to boxes or chapters of the Transition Report
• Preparation of presentations for the Chief Economist and occasionally other senior managers.
• Participation in discussions of impact of the investments and TC initiatives considered by the EBRD, as delegated by the Director

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• PhD degree in economics or equivalent from a leading university, some work experience would be an advantage
• A track record in economic analysis and research (possibly as part of Ph.D. studies).
• Proven ability to undertake empirical analysis and relate economic research to policy issues.
• Ability to provide inputs under, at times, short deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and written, at the standard required for drafting chapters of publications, official documents and official representation.
• Ability to multitask and to deal with several client groups at the same time.
• Familiarity with the region of operations of the EBRD would be an advantage.
• Experience of work on the economies of Sub-Saharan Africa or Iraq would be an advantage
• Experience of working with economic datasets and knowledge of mathematical and statistical software packages would be an advantage

This position is advertised as a two-year fixed-term contract in first instance.

What is it like to work at the EBRD? / About EBRD

Our agile and innovative approach is what makes life at the EBRD a unique experience! You will be part of a pioneering and diverse international organisation, and use your talents to make a real difference to people\'s lives and help shape the future of the regions we invest in.

At EBRD, our Values – Inclusiveness, Innovation, Trust, and Responsibility – are at the heart of how we work. We bring these to life through our Workplace Behaviours: listening well and speaking up, collaborating smartly, acting decisively with full commitment, and simplifying to amplify our impact. These principles shape our culture and define our success. We seek individuals who not only share these values but are also committed to embedding them in their daily work, fostering a positive and high-performing environment.

The EBRD environment provides you with:

• Varied, stimulating and engaging work that gives you an opportunity to interact with a wide range of experts in the financial, political, public and private sectors across the regions we invest in.
• A working culture that embraces inclusion and celebrates diversity. Our workforce reflects a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, bringing fresh ideas, energy, and innovation and enhancing our ability to serve our clients, shareholders, and counterparties effectively.
• A hybrid workplace that offers flexibility to teams and individuals; that is based on trust, flexibility and connectedness.
• An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital transformation at the heart of what we do.
• A workplace that prioritises employee wellbeing and provides a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits.

Diversity is one of the Bank’s core values which are at the heart of everything it does. As such, the EBRD seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities and works in an inclusive environment. The EBRD encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of the EBRD member countries to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic background or disability.

Please note, that due to the high volume of applications received, we regret to inform you that we are unable to provide detailed feedback to candidates who have not been shortlisted (for further consideration).

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