Associate Economist

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Economist/Associate Economist

The (associate) economist will work in the Economics Strategy and Finance Centre of The Conference Board Europe, to conduct research in the forms of building and maintaining datasets, contributing to the monthly global macroeconomic forecasting exercise, cooperating with the global economics teams (US, Asia), contributing to the regular Conference Board publications, writing original analytical pieces and helping form the research agenda for the year. 

Responsibilities include gathering information; collecting, cleaning, and analysing economic data; producing charts and graphs for publication and presentations; reviewing relevant academic literature and ongoing policy debates, supporting project work; writing insights for our members and for other stakeholders, including contributing to public debates.

The (associate) economist will have the opportunity to co-author publications, and contribute their own ideas and initiatives to workstreams. S/he is expected to be autonomous while being a team player, and have a keen interest in learning what the Conference Board does. The successful candidate will follow European economic policy debates. Knowledge and experience in energy and climate policy debates will be an asset.

The position will require regular presentations to stakeholders and while the successful candidate is not expected to have press exposure, s/he may build an outreach strategy over time, together with the Comms team.

We offer a full-time contract. 

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Skills
All applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in Economics (or related fields) should possess a solid understanding of economics, demonstrate very strong technical skills in quantitative economics methods/econometrics and demonstrate a strong interest in policy issues that are of relevance in the EU and globally.

Proficiency in Python, R or Matlab (at least in one of the three), as well as in Excel, is required. Data cleaning, visualisation and scraping skills (using e.g. Python or JavaScript, Tableau) would be useful, and at the very least a desire to learn such skills is required.

Applicants must be fluent in English, both written and spoken. 

To apply, candidates must hold a valid work permit or be authorized to work in Belgium

Applicants are expected to be able to confidently, autonomously and professionally communicate with colleagues, and while representing The Conference Board at public or private events. Versatility, attention to detail and the ability to work as a team-player with short deadlines are essential. Experience with writing is an asset. The Conference board is a global institution with offices in New York, Brussels, Singapore and Beijing.

Demonstrated ability to comprehensively digest complex information and communicate it in a coherent manner, such as through writing literature review is desirable. Applicants are expected to possess a strong ability to work autonomously, and bring their own ideas to the table, whilst under the guidance of Center’s leader/chief economist.

To apply, please submit your application to humanresourceseurope@conference-board.org  with the subject line: “Economist/ Associate Economist opening at the Economics, Strategy and Finance Centre in Europe”. Your application must be submitted by 15th of January at 12:00 P.M.

The email must contain: CV, Cover letter, Writing Sample (such as Master’s thesis but preferably policy pieces), University Transcripts in one single PDF document (merged).

Applications with missing documents and/or that do not meet the above-mentioned requirements will NOT be considered.

Experience 
Besides a Master’s degree – or equivalent – in Economics, candidates for this specific (associate) economist position should possess at least 2 years and between 2-5 years of professional experience in junior economist positions (research/economist assistants) in for example, international organizations, central banks, think-tanks and universities.