Principal Economist

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 lia 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  or a chapter in a special economic policy report.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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