Function

The EU Countries Division of the Directorate Economic Developments is seeking an Economist/Senior Economist. The main task of the Division is to contribute to the assessment of the economic situation and the outlook for the euro area by monitoring, forecasting and analysing macroeconomic developments in EU countries, and by assessing convergence, adjustment processes and structural issues, from both an individual country and a cross-country perspective. The Division is also responsible for preparing the Eurosystem’s views on these issues for external communication.

The holder of this position will be entrusted with the following main tasks and responsibilities commensurate with the level of an Economist/Senior Economist:

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  monitoring, analysing and forecasting economic developments in EU countries;
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  contributing to divisional/cross-divisional reports and briefings, as well as to ECB publications, speeches and presentations;
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  analysing and assessing intra-euro area imbalances, vulnerabilities and competitiveness developments;
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  playing a role in formulating country-specific policy recommendations to address existing problems in these areas, and in the development of relevant background studies;
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  representing the ECB externally in working groups, conferences and interaction on policy-sensitive issues with national authorities.

Qualifications and experience

The successful candidate must have the following knowledge and competencies:

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  an advanced university degree in economics, with a sound academic record, or a proven ability to perform the tasks required by the position, with a PhD in economics and a suitable publication record being an asset;
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  deep and comprehensive theoretical and practical knowledge of applied quantitative analysis, including macroeconomic modelling and conducting simulation exercises;
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  substantial experience in monitoring and analysing individual or cross-country developments, including forecasting macroeconomic developments and contributing to policy recommendations;
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  an ability to integrate macroeconomic, fiscal, financial and structural issues;
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  familiarity with the institutional framework within which the EU and euro area countries operate;
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  experience of intensive interaction with (including visits to) national authorities, e.g. central banks and finance ministries would also be an asset.
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  excellent command of English with very good drafting ability;
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  a working knowledge of at least one other official EU language.

Behaviour Competences

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  provides informed and balanced perspectives when forming policy judgements and defines policy issues/problems clearly, coming up with concise policy solutions;
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  identifies and addresses complex policy issues and presents analytical findings, including in non-technical terms;
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  establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with staff and management at all levels, both inside and outside the organisation;
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  can negotiate skilfully in difficult situations involving both internal and external parties and establish mutually agreeable solutions;
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  displays a conscientious attitude and an understanding of the wider context beyond their own area of expertise;
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  delivers results within tight timeframes and adapts flexibly to changing priorities in response to changing circumstances and work demands;
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  can handle multiple assignments and ensure progress on numerous processes simultaneously;
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  shares information and supports other team members in the attainment of common goals, while defining success in terms of the whole team.

Duration of contract / Closing date

Three years fixed-term contract, with conversion to a permanent contract subject to individual performance and organisational needs.

Closing date for applications: 26 January 2012

Further information

Applications are to be made in English and submitted using our online application form. An “Applicants' Guide” can be downloaded from the “FAQs & Help” page.

The recruitment process may include a written exercise, a presentation and a panel interview.

Further information on the ECB’s conditions of employment for fixed-term positions can be found at http://www.ecb.europa.eu/ecb/jobs/html/index.en.html

This position is allocated to the F/G salary band.