Principal, Research Economist

Purpose of Job:

The Office of the Chief Economist (OCE) at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is seeking to recruit a Research Economist. Applications are welcome from candidates at all career stages, including PhD candidates, post-docs, and current tenure-track or tenured faculty members. OCE conducts policy-relevant research on economic development and structural transformation in EBRD’s countries of operation, as well as other low- and middle-income countries.

The Research Economist will conduct and publish high-quality, policy-relevant economic research and provide intellectual leadership within their area of expertise to EBRD management and other departments. Responsibilities also include contributing to the preparation of flagship EBRD publications, such as the annual Transition Report, and potentially managing large-scale firm or household surveys.

The successful candidate will manage an independent research agenda, present their work at relevant conferences, publish in reputable academic journals, and engage with academia. In addition, the Research Economist will mentor analysts and interns, while reporting directly to the Director of Research.

Background:

OCE consists of a team of 18 research economists and analysts. It contributes to the operational, policy and strategy work of the Bank and provides intellectual leadership on the economic and structural transformation of the countries in which the EBRD invests. OCE is responsible for research on critical issues relevant to economic development, macroeconomic analysis in support of the Bank’s 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 Survey, BEEPS; the Banking Environment and Performance Survey, BEPS; and the Life in Transition Survey, LiTS); rigorous impact studies; and the production of major external publications, including the annual Transition Report.

Facts/Scale:

• The Research Economist is a Principal with a specific area or areas of expertise. She or he works on multiple projects individually or as part of teams that typically consist of 1-2 economists and an analyst or intern from Research (OCE).
• The Research Economist independently interfaces with a strong network of outside academics (e.g., as a co-author) and cooperates well with EBRD staff in OCE and other departments, such as the Gender and Inclusion Team, the Legal Transition Team, and the Impact Evaluation Department.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities:

• Undertake, present, and publish high-quality academic research.
• Provide intellectual leadership both inside and outside the Bank on relevant research issues, including through the organisation of and attendance at seminars, lectures, and conferences.
• Provide guidance and leadership to analysts and interns as needed.
• Establish and maintain strong links with outside academics and policy makers.
• Contribute to, and if necessary, take the main responsibility, for the generation of key research outputs, such as chapters in the Transition Report.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or Ph.D. candidate in Economics or Finance from a leading university.
• A track record of research in fields relevant to EBRD, in the form of a very strong thesis, draft thesis chapters, and/or academic publications in areas such as applied micro, development economics, finance, industrial organisation, economic growth, labour economics, international trade, environmental economics, or corporate finance.
• Proven ability to independently undertake empirical analysis. In-depth experience with Stata, R, Python or similar programs or programming languages.
• An ability to relate research to policy issues and operational issues pertinent to the Bank.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and written, at the standard required for professional publication, official documents, and official representation.

Submission materials required

Curriculum vitae

Cover letter

What is it like to work at the EBRD?

Our agile and innovative approach is what makes life at the EBRD a unique experience! You will be part of a pioneering and diverse international organisation, and use your talents to make a real difference to people's lives and help shape the future of the regions we invest in. 

The EBRD environment provides you with:

• Varied, stimulating and engaging work that gives you an opportunity to interact with a wide range of experts in the financial, political, public and private sectors across the regions we invest in;
• A working culture that embraces inclusion and celebrates diversity;
• An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital  transformation at the heart of what we do.

Diversity is one of the Bank’s core values which are at the heart of everything it does.  A diverse workforce with the right knowledge and skills enables connection with our clients, brings pioneering ideas, energy and innovation. The EBRD staff is characterised by its rich diversity of nationalities, cultures and opinions and we aim to sustain and build on this strength. As such, the EBRD seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities and works in an inclusive environment. The EBRD encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of the EBRD member countries to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities.  As an inclusive employer, we promote flexible working and expecting our employee to attend the office 50% of their working time.

Please note, that due to the high volume of applications received, we regret to inform you that we are unable to provide detailed feedback to candidates who have not been shortlisted (for further consideration).