Purpose of Job

The Principal Economist (SEMED) is a key member of the Country Economics, Strategy and Policy (CESP) team within the Vice Presidency Policy & Partnerships. Under the guidance of the Lead Economist (SEMED), the Principal Economist will lead on macroeconomic and structural reform analysis and policy advice for the SEMED (Southern and Eastern Mediterranean) region.

Given the exceptionally high degree of focus on the regions in which this role is based, and the regular demands from senior management, he or she is expected to show strong initiative and to take the lead on macroeconomic monitoring, briefings and other requests, and represent EBRD externally. The Principal Economist contributes to the joint CESP/OCE forecasts, as well as knowledge and experience documentation and sharing within the CESP pillar. The Principal Economist is based in Cairo/Egypt and is expected to perform travel to other countries in the region in support of economic and project analysis there.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

As Principal Economist, in CESP, your responsibilities will include:

• Show strong initiative in developing and drafting position papers, policy notes and briefings, and develop the team’s role on coordinating and monitoring EBRD’s policy engagements across the region;
• Monitor and analyse macroeconomic performance and risks, and assess structural reform progress in the countries of the particular region in order to provide input into key CESP and Bank products;
• Maintain department’s databases on the region and monitor local media and commercial sources about economic and policy developments in the region so as to provide up-to-date briefings to management;
• Maintain dialogue with the IMF, World Bank, other international financial institutions and donor agencies, local think tanks and rating agencies on economic developments in the region;
• Draft contributions for the department’s regular publications, including the Regional Economic Prospects and the annual Transition Report, the flagship annual publication of EBRD;
• Perform ad hoc assignments, including background research on macroeconomic, sectoral and other policy developments, drafting of briefings, presentations, and short analyses/focus pieces;
• Prepare regular growth forecasts and long-term macroeconomic scenarios to be used in the financial models by the Banking department;
• Prepare draft of presentations to be delivered in the Bank and to outside audiences;
• Support monitoring donor coordination and mapping landscape and, as requested, participate in donor coordination meetings;
• As requested, represent the Bank at policy and research forums;
• Conduct theoretical and / or empirical research on economic issues of interest.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• A postgraduate (Master’s or PhD) degree in economics or a related field from a university. Given the seniority of this role, relevant experience in the region and the ability to show initiative and take the lead on certain tasks are essential;
• Several years work experience in a similar or related role, e.g. in a government institution, consultancy, think tank, international organisation or academia;
• Fluency in Arabic and/or French is a strong asset;
• Experience working with international financial institutions or similar organisations is a plus;
• Strong analytical background in economic programming and policies;
• Research or work experience in an area of interest to the Bank, including political economy, economics of development, financial economics, international economics and macroeconomics;
• Excellent oral and written communications skills in English; fluency in one or more of the official language of countries in the particular region;
• Experience of working with economic datasets and knowledge of statistical software packages;
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, including knowledge of Excel. Facility with other database/analytic software (e.g. Stata);
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in teams;
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines;
• Ability to operate sensitively and effectively in a multicultural environment;
• Willingness to travel to the EBRD’s countries of operation;
• Familiarity with the EBRD region of operations and work or study experience.

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.