The EIB, the European Union's bank, is seeking to recruit for its General Secretariat in the Economic Department at its headquarters in Luxembourg, a Head of Economic Studies Division. This is a full time position at grade 7.

The term of this contract will be 4 years.

The EIB offers fixed-term contracts of up to a maximum of 6 years, according to business needs, with a possibility to convert to a permanent contract subject to organisational requirements and individual performance.

Applicants will receive an initial feedback in September.

Purpose

The Economics Department provides impact-driven economic analysis to support the EIB in its operations, its global positioning and strategy and policy definition, both inside and outside the EU.

It comprises 3 Divisions - Economic Studies, Country and Financial Sector Analysis and Policy and Strategy. It is part of the EIB's Secretariat General, responsible for the EIB's overall strategy formulation.

The mission of the Department is to apply economic analysis and knowledge to derive and effectively communicate recommendations that help shape operations, strategic decision making of the EIB and external positioning, as well as policy formulation and dialogue. The Head of Economic Studies Division will lead the team, ensuring the production of well-targeted, high quality and scientifically respected economic research, primarily focusing on topics of direct relevance for the EIB. S/he will further cooperate with the Director and other Heads of Divisions to transform the research output into key policy messages.

Specific Post Environment

In coordination with the Director of the Economics Department, the Head of Division will be in charge to set up the working plan for the Division, leading, coordinating and guiding, a team of skilled economists. The tasks include the Department flagship annual report on Investment and Investment Finance, the annual survey on Investment in Europe, of 12,500 firms, as well as a number of regular economic publications and briefings on topics of interest for the EIB. The Department is also in charge of the Annual Economics Conference and national events to discuss the economic environment in Europe and countries of operations. The Head of the Economic Studies Division will contribute proactively to further strengthen those publications, activities and, more in general, the work of the Division. S/he will assure high standards of the research products, while also understanding that the ultimate objective of the research is to develop comprehensive and solid policy messages, useful for the EIB and its stakeholders.

S/he will lead a team of economists, assuring that they all accomplish to high quality and service model approach to delivery. S/he will be engaging in constructive collaboration with other services, to channel internal EIB Group knowledge into the research products. S/he will coordinate the work of the team, to maximise synergies and complementarities.

The Economics Department works with a matrix structure. Heads of Divisions coordinate projects on topics of their own competence, coordinating the work of staff across the Department. This means that Heads of Divisions have to strictly cooperate in terms of setting priorities and planning work for the staff. By being part of the managerial team of the Economics Department, the Head of Division will keep a proactive cooperative approach, working for the success of the overall Department, rather than for the success of her/his Division.

Operating Network

The Head of Division reports to the Director of the Economics Department. S/he will have her/his own network inside and outside the Bank. S/he will communicate directly with EIB management, front line operational staff, and external counterparts. S/he will keep a good entry into the economists ’community, as a trusted counterpart, directing the activities of the Division towards a policy driven work, on topics of interest for the EIB. It is expected that s/he will spend time with the team, conducting, reviewing and coordinating research, as well as building bridges with other areas of the Group. However, s/he will also help the Director to widen the network of the Department, in terms of inter-institutional and academic collaborations and reinforcing the link with key think-thanks.

Accountabilities

• Assure delivery of high quality economic research and analysis on EU and non –EU countries. Translate sound economic analysis into messages easy to read and be transmitted to non -technical counterparts. The research program of the division and the department can touch a multitude of topics, but a key area of research is on investment and investment finance, with all its breakdowns;
• Be a reference for the team in terms of economic thinking, economic and econometric methodologies and economic analysis design and planning. However, a very strong academic and research background is a necessary but not sufficient condition, as the ideal candidate should have a very clear and proactive policy focus, driving the research of the division towards the formulation of clear and actionable policy proposals;
• Contribute through relevant economic analysis to policy dialogues and to the drafting of key policy papers for senior management as well as for other internal and external stakeholders;
• Planning, organizing, managing and controlling the activities of the Division;
• Allocating responsibilities, setting objectives and evaluating the performance of the Division’s staff;
• Ensuring an effective cooperation among the team members and committing to the functioning of the matrix structure of the department. Committing to dissemination and cross fertilization of information inside and outside the division, as necessary;
• Representing the EIB and the Economics Department in relevant internal and external meetings, conferences, working groups.
• Tasks may be adjusted on the basis of organisational needs

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent degree in Economics and/or Finance. Exceptionally, candidates without a PhD might be considered, provided they have been maturing nevertheless outstanding research and academic records;
• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in economic research and applied economics, for example acquired in an international institution or in an EU institution, academia, economic consulting or research centre, think -tank, EU government or banking or International Financial Institution;
• Experience in managing and coaching people ideally in multicultural environments or international organizations would be considered as an advantage (e.g. contribution to: determining team resources and skills ; establishing objectives ; assessing performance; delegating and supervising tasks; guiding, motivating, coaching or providing feedback);
• Previous experience in leading impact driven research work, coordinating the work of various economists;
• Excellent mastering of econometrics, particularly firm level data. Broad knowledge ranging from structural economic issues to macroeconomics and microeconomics;
• Good understanding of the Bank ’s mission and operational activities;
• Capacity to develop her/his role to innovate, to adapt to rapidly evolving needs and to implement change;
• Excellent knowledge of English and a good knowledge of French (*). Knowledge of other EU language will be an advantage;
• The post requires availability to travel in both EU and non-EU countries.

Competencies
Find out more about EIB core and managerial competencies here

(*) There may be certain flexibility on this requirement, but limited to particularly suitable candidates who may not yet be proficient in French. If selected, such candidates will be hired on the condition that they build up rapidly knowledge of French and accept that their future career in the EIB may be subject to the attainment of sufficient proficiency in both of the Bank's working languages

We are an equal opportunity employer, who believes that diversity is good for our people and our business. As such, we promote the inclusion of suitably qualified and experienced staff without regard to their gender, age, racial or ethnic origin, religion or beliefs, sexual orientation/identity, or disability (**).

By applying for this position you acknowledge the importance of maintaining the security and integrity of the Information of the EIB Group. In case of selection for the position you agree to comply with all measures (policies, controls, document classification and management) implemented by the EIB Group to prevent unauthorized disclosure of any information or any damage to the EIB Group reputation.

Deadline for applications: 27th August 2021 

(**). We particularly welcome applications from women and persons with disabilities.