Economic Consultant

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
London - United Kingdom
S: Competitive

Role Overview

The Office of the Chief Economist ("OCE”) consists of a team of around 50 economists, economic analysts, and support staff. It contributes to the operational, policy and strategy work of the Bank and provides intellectual leadership on the development of well-functioning market economies in the EBRD's region of operation, which comprises all countries in Emerging Europe and Central Asia, Mongolia, and most recently Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia. OCE works closely with the Banking Department in structuring, appraising and monitoring investment projects that advance the transition to a market economy. OCE also initiates and participates in Bank policy initiatives, contributes to the development of country and sector strategies, and supports the Bank's operations by monitoring macroeconomic developments and risks. In addition, OCE undertakes economic research, and publishes the EBRD's Transition Report and other research-based papers and reports.

The Consultant will assist OCE in managing a number of activities. They will support cross-pillar work and technical cooperation projects, especially covering Southern and Eastern Mediterranean within the Country Strategy and Policy Pillar in OCE to enhance region-focused economic analysis and economic policy dialogue at the EBRD. The Consultant will work closely with the SEMED Regional Economist, and the Director for the CS&P pillar.

This position will be offered as 23-month consultancy contract.

Key Responsibilities and Deliverables

Monitor and undertake economic analysis in support of the EBRD technical cooperation projects related to the Growth Study for Egypt and the SME Transition Fund project;
Support and coordinate external consultants/technical advisors hired for studies under the technical cooperation projects;
Support the compilation and maintenance of relevant datasets;
Conduct economic research relevant to the structural change in the SEMED region;
Prepare presentations to be delivered in the Bank and to outside audiences;
Support the coordination activities and outreach efforts to public and private sector actors.
Draft briefings and report materials with the Regional Economist.
Assist with the organisation and management of conferences and seminars.
Monitor local media and commercial sources about related economic and policy developments in the region;
Coordinate between different teams in the EBRD with regard to the technical cooperation projects.
Ad hoc assignments as requested.

Essential Skills, Experience & Qualifications

A Master's degree in economics from a leading university; perhaps a Ph.D.
Strong analytical skills and quantitative skills, including excellent knowledge of spreadsheet and econometric or statistical software, such as Eviews and Stata;
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and French
3 to 5 years of relevant work experience on both macroeconomic policy and structural reform issues.
In-depth knowledge of the Middle East & North African region (in particular Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia).
French skills are essential and Arabic language skills would an asset.

Competencies & Personal Attributes

Good organisational and multi-tasking skills;
Willingness to travel to other countries in the region.
Ability to plan and work unsupervised.
Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
Excellent interpersonal and team working skills;
Ability to operate sensitively in multi-cultural environments and build effective working relations with clients and colleagues.

Job summary