Economic Analyst - Labour Market Modeller

The mission of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) is to provide independent, evidence-based knowledge and science, supporting EU policies to positively impact society. The JRC is located in 5 Member States (Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain). Further information is available at https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/index_en

The current vacancy is in the Fiscal Policy Analysis Unit of Directorate B for Fair and Sustainable Economy.  The mission of Directorate B is to provide first-class analysis and data to support the EU’s aim for today’s and tomorrow’s Europeans to enjoy fair and sustainable prosperity. It takes a systemic view of the relationships between economic activities, the environmental impacts of human activities and the societal needs of the EU’s citizens. Directorate B develops and carries out economic analysis and supports policy making with its unique analytical and modelling tools. It boosts EU innovation-driven competitiveness in the global context, turning territorial diversity and urban-rural interactions into value. It drives European markets, industry and services, including construction and the built environment, towards environmental sustainability.

The Unit “Fiscal Policy Analysis” provides modelling support and research in the area of taxation and social benefits. Its aim is to contribute to evidence-based fiscal policies that enable the attainment of the social, economic and environmental objectives of the EU. To fulfil its mission, the Unit maintains, updates and develops state-of-the art tools for the analyses of fiscal policies of the EU and its Member States, and, using those analytical tools, provides evidence for policy making in the area of taxation and social protection in the EU, in alignment with the European Commission priorities.

The main purpose of this job is to carry out economic modelling and research to analyse the interaction between fiscal and social policies and labour markets in the EU. The outputs will include cross-country analysis as well as country-specific, tailored to policy recommendations to help EU Member States to create more and better jobs.

What the job entails

The work involves a mix of analytical/modelling work and policy-oriented research, providing a unique opportunity to support EU policies. 
The main tasks include:

•    contributing to the development of analytical tools for economic analysis, mainly in the area of labour market impacts of policies (e.g. behavioural labour supply-demand microsimulation model);

•    using databases and modelling tools for quantitative analysis of policy-relevant issues in this context and with the purpose of supporting EU relevant policies;

•    drafting reports and publications in collaboration with colleagues and external experts;

•    preparing policy briefs and presentations to summarise the conclusions for non-technical audiences;

•    developing new lines of work, notably, but not only, in relation to the links between fiscal/social policies and labour markets, including in the context of the green transition;

•    assist the JRC in discussions with other services, as well as at seminars, conferences and vis-à-vis stakeholders like academics or other international institutions

What we offer

The job environment is dynamic and multicultural, with highly qualified teams of experienced economic modellers and analysts in several areas of tax and social policies and developing/using different tools for the analysis of fiscal policies (including microsimulation and general equilibrium models). The JRC encourages interactions with policy makers, academics and other leading stakeholders active in the field, including participation in (international) conferences and workshops.

What we are looking for

The candidates should have an academic/professional background in economics, with a strong foundation in quantitative analysis and labour economics. In particular, candidates should have a PhD (doctoral diploma) or, alternatively, a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience after university studies of at least 3 years (attested by a diploma).

The successful candidate will be expected to have experience in managing large micro-datasets (such as household surveys or administrative microdata) and statistics, as well as experience in applied micro-econometrics and/ or microsimulation modelling. 

Further, a solid background in applied research and policy analysis in the areas of labour market and/or social and tax policies, acquired in a national administration, international organisation, university or research centre/think tank are additional assets. A track record of research and publications is welcome.

Additional assets of the sought candidate:
•    Knowledge and experience in the use of statistical and econometric software (e.g. Stata, R) and scientific programming (e.g. Python).
•    Ability to formulate clear policy conclusions based on solid analytical work and proven ability to draft
•    Knowledge and practice of discrete choice modelling techniques would represent a distinctive asset.
•    Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with teams and integrate ideas from diverse sources.

As English is the main working language, the candidate should have a very good level and be able to speak, read and write in this language.

Indicative duration and salary

36-months initial contract with possible renewals up to maximum 6 years. Salary will be calculated according to the Staff regulation conditions for Contract Agent Function Group IV. The  approximate basic gross monthly salary varies from 3877,47 - 5616,29 € € (applicable as of 1st of July 2022). For more detailed information please consult: Communication-on-Conditions-of-employment_Contractual-Agents-3b.pdf (europa.eu)

Rules & Eligibility

If you are already on a valid CAST FG IV reserve list, or you have already applied to one of the calls below, you can directly submit your application at http://recruitment.jrc.ec.europa.eu/?type=AX.

If not, before applying to this position, you must register for one of the two following:
•    the Call for Expressions of Interest | EU Careers (europa.eu) (CAST Permanent FG IV), which is used by a wide range of organisations (institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the European Union), or
•    the specialised call for researchers  (JRC Call COM/1/2015/GFIV – Research), which is mainly used by the JRC.

Note that each of the calls above has different minimum eligibility requirements and different selection tests.

The JRC cultivates a workplace based on respect for other people and the environment, and embraces non-discriminatory practices and equality of opportunity. In case of equal merit, preference will be given to the gender in minority.

APPLICATION and full details on the open call are available at:
http://recruitment.jrc.ec.europa.eu/?site=SVQ

Deadline:  30/09/2023
Position reference: 2023-SVQ-B2-FGIV-023696