Gas Market Economist

EBRD
London - United Kingdom
S: Competitive

Role Overview

The Office of the Chief Economist (OCE) consists of a team of around 45 economists, analysts and support staff. It contributes to the operational, policy and strategy work of the Bank and provides intellectual leadership on the economic aspects of transition in the region.

OCE works 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 writes the EBRD's Transition Report.

The Office is divided into three main pillars, each headed by a Director, with responsibilities for Project and Sector Assessment (2 Directors), Country Strategy and Policy and Research. The Project and Sector Assessment (PSA) pillar works closely with the Banking department and is primarily responsible for ensuring a strong transition impact of the Bank's operations and policy dialogue on sector reforms.

The PSA pillar wishes to strengthen its capacity in project and sector assessment and related policy work in its energy team, which covers gas, power, oil & mining and climate change related issues. A regular appointment at the Economist level for a gas market expert is sought in this context. They will work in a small team under the supervision of the Lead Energy Economist and report to the Director for Project and Sector Assessment - Infrastructure and Energy.

Key Responsibilities and Deliverables

Designing and appraising projects, principally in the gas and oil & mining sector, that advance the transition to well-structured energy markets and associated institutional and regulatory frameworks;
Helping to drive forward the energy security and gas market reform agenda in the EBRD countries of operation, through contributions to country and sector strategies, the design of Integrated Approaches (a combination of projects, technical assistance and policy dialogue) and by conducting policy dialogue with countries' authorities, energy companies and regulators;
Assessing structural reform progress in the EBRD countries of operation, with a focus on the gas markets, natural resources' management, revenue transparency, licensing and regulatory issues, sector restructuring and the commercialisation of energy companies;
Monitoring energy and natural resources projects in the EBRD portfolio;
Coordinating with regional economists and researchers in OCE to improve impact of energy sector interventions in the EBRD countries of operation;
Ad hoc assignments as requested, including drafting of briefings, presentations, and speeches by the President or other members of senior management.

Essential Skills, Experience & Qualifications

A postgraduate degree in economics or related field from a leading university; a PhD in the field of energy economics would be an advantage;
Relevant professional work experience and/or research related to the functioning and regulation of domestic and international gas markets and network economics in an economic policy-oriented setting that may include international financial institutions, economic consultancy, national governments, regulatory bodies and academic institutions;
Demonstrated ability to apply economic and policy analysis to operational strategy and economic policy making, including policy dialogue with senior officials;
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

Competencies & Personal Attributes

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in teams as well as independently;
Good people's skills: Ability to operate in a multicultural environment and build effective working relationships with internal/external clients and colleagues.
Good organisational and multi-tasking skills;
Ability to plan and organise work unsupervised;
Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines;
Proven ability to mentor junior analysts and economists.
Familiarity with the region of operations of the EBRD, and/or its languages, would be an advantage.

Job summary