Economic Advisor / Economic Modelling Advisor

Ofcom
London - United Kingdom
S: Competitive

Ofcom is the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications sectors and we are globally respected for the work we do. We regulate the TV and radio sectors, fixed line and mobile telecoms, postal services, plus the airwaves over which wireless devices operate, always with the aim of furthering the interests of UK citizens and consumers. As part of Ofcom, the Competition Group is focused on identifying and responding to competition issues in all these sectors. We prefer to allow markets and competitive forces to determine outcomes and only intervene with regulation if this is unsuccessful.
 
As part of the economics team within Ofcom's Competition Group, you will help ensure our policies have a sound economic foundation and deliver a real, long term impact in what is an increasingly important and dynamic sector for consumers and companies. You will work collaboratively with other economists, as well as lawyers, technical experts, accountants and policy specialists. You will have the opportunity to work across all the communication markets we regulate and further develop your economic expertise through working on a wide range of challenging issues.
 
The qualities we are looking for;
 
You must be able to show a good understanding of microeconomics and have experience in applying it. Ofcom offers a supportive environment where you can consider issues with colleagues and develop proposals. As your team's proposals develop, you will also need to be comfortable having your team's solutions constructively reviewed, challenging you to explain with clarity the logic and evidence that supports your team's recommendations.
 
Excellent knowledge of microeconomics: Ofcom is an economic regulator and our policies are based on solid economic foundations. You will therefore need to have a good grounding in microeconomics, with training in one or more of industrial organisation, public economics or financial economics desirable. Typically this will be through a degree in economics or, preferably, a post-graduate qualification (such as an MSc or a PhD with relevant specialisms).
 
Ability to apply economic concepts: You will need to be able to apply your knowledge of microeconomics to new situations. Communications markets are dynamic, and we face problems that are novel and complex. You need to be able to identify the key economic issues and the best framework for considering them. Working with the rest of your project team, you will define workable solutions, which will often require new and creative approaches.
 
Communication skills: Written documents are the norm and to be successful in the Competition Group the ability to communicate written arguments effectively is vital. Beyond capturing insights in writing there is a strong culture of group discussion. We contribute to others' ideas and are open to others contributing to ours, so good verbal and listening skills are vital. 
 
Quantitatively strong: Quantitative analysis supports most of our decisions, so you need to be experienced in interpreting information, and have good attention to detail. Experience of using or developing spreadsheet models is desirable but not essential for Economic Advisor candidates; essential for Economic Modelling Advisor candidates.
 
Experience: You will need to demonstrate that you have past experience of applying economics, preferably in regulation or competition policy. This will typically have been gained through working at a consultancy, at another regulator or competition authority, or even at a regulated company. While not essential, it would be useful if you are familiar with the communications industry.
 
If you are interested in the role, we invite you to submit a CV and short covering letter. Please also ensure you have submitted your CV along with current salary details and any other information you think we should have (for example, if you want to only work part time).

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