Economist - Earth Observation

Vivid Economics
London - United Kingdom
S: £35,000 - £45,000 plus benef

Vivid Economics seeking to recruit an Economist with particular expertise in quantitative methods, and advanced skills in econometrics and spatial data. This is a role requiring excellent technical analysis, which will predominantly contribute to our Earth Observation practice.

About Vivid Economics
We are a leading strategic economics consultancy in the policy-commerce interface, where we advise on the most critical and complex policy and commercial questions facing clients around the world. In all our work, we put economics to good use.
The success we bring to our clients reflects a strong partnership culture, solid base of skills, and close cooperation with a large network of contacts. The foundations of our business are our values, mission-driven approach, and our commitment to developing and maintaining cutting-edge techniques. These are housed in an independent, highly-motivated, entrepreneurial, employee-owned business, based in London.

Description of the role
The interface between Earth Observation or remote sensing data and economics is a new and exciting field and is becoming an important part of Vivid Economics' business. We are now looking for an Economist with excellent technical skills to deliver analysis in this field.
The successful candidate will be handling a mixture of remote sensing and economic data for high public impact applications, often applied to developing economies. This requires the ability to analyse new and complex economic problems, design and apply advanced methods, and produce high quality end products.

The candidate will have most or all of the following capabilities. She or he will:
– have experience in econometrics and proficiency in one or more common statistical software packages, with a preference for R or Stata;
– have experience in handling spatial datasets and proficiency in one or more geographical information system software packages, with a preference for qGIS or ArcGIS;
– experience in handling large socio-economic datasets;
– be skilled in interpreting complex, multi-layered information;
– have high standards of accuracy in her or his work;
– be able to research and structure a problem;
– have an open manner when working in teams;
– be thorough and creative in solving analytical problems.

The position is based in London, with occasional travel to Africa and/or South America, and other destinations.

While the successful candidate is expected to focus on the role outlined above, they may also be required to contribute economic analysis to a range of other projects across the company's focal areas.

Primary day-to-day duties
– developing analytic methodologies for large research projects;
– structuring and managing the analysis across multiple analysts;
– contributing to analysis and research, particularly in complex components of the work
– testing and interpreting results;
– contributing to drafting of reports;
– developing client solutions, addressing client input, and designing materials that
effectively communicate recommendations;
– keeping updated with knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading
professional publications; participating in professional organisations; and
– participating in company improvements; potentially leading on internal change
initiatives.

Reporting and supervisory relationships
An Economist will lead key streams of analysis in projects. An Economist will either report to
an Engagement Manager, or in some cases directly to a Director or Principal.

Experience and qualifications
Candidates must have sufficient experience to demonstrate competency in the duties
described. As a guide, two or more years of experience tends to be required for an
Economist. Previous consultancy experience is not necessary but is preferred.
A first class or upper second class degree in economics or a closely related field and an
MSc/MA or Ph.D. in a relevant field is required. Fluency in English is essential. Working
knowledge of other languages, particularly Spanish or French, is an advantage but not a
requirement.

Location of work: London, UK
Vivid can sponsor candidates who do not have the right to work in the UK.

Compensation range:
– Salary of £35,000 - £45,000
– plus annual bonus and pension contribution matching
– plus employee share ownership scheme
– plus 43 days of paid holiday, including eight UK bank holidays

How to apply: please submit a CV and cover letter to recruitment@vivideconomics.com
with subject line: "Economist, Earth Observation”.

Job summary