Lead Economist - Climate Consulting

Oxford Economics, a leading global economic research and consultancy firm, is looking for a Lead Economist to join our expanding Climate Modelling and Scenarios team in Oxford and London.

The team deals with a wide range of climate related macroeconomic issues raised by our clients. This includes, for example, the macroeconomic impact of climate and adaptation policies (e.g. carbon prices, energy efficiency, infrastructure investment), as well as the economic and social costs of further global warming and natural disasters. It is responsible for bespoke consultancy projects which usually run between one and six months and end with a report, forecasts and/or presentation for our clients. As well as responsibility for the Global Climate Service (GCS) which is a subscriptions product that produces regular research briefings and pre-defined climate scenarios using Oxford Economics’ Global Economic Model (GEM).

About the Role

The role of the Lead Economist is project management of macroeconomic and climate related consultancy projects. They will develop the methodology and project offering, conduct the analysis and present the results to our clients. Project teams usually also include one or two economists and/or senior economists which the Lead Economist will oversee.

A significant part of the role involves digesting the latest academic literature to answer interesting client questions in the macroeconomic and climate space. As well as the implementation of quantitative models such as econometric analysis or scenario analysis using the GEM. Examples of recent projects include: 1) The effects of the EU's climate policy on Finland's macroeconomics for Akava Works and 2) Understanding the importance of a rapid action plan to fight climate change in Italy for ASviS. The position holder will report to the Director for Climate Modelling and Scenarios.

Key Responsibilities

• Project management and supervision of a number of research studies (between 1 and 3 projects at a time, depending on the scope and complexity);
• Ensuring sound and well-founded economic analyses when carrying out consulting projects;
• Apply quantitative analytical techniques to datasets using software such as Excel, EViews, R and Python;
• Support and expansion of existing customers and potential new customers;
• Write research proposals, reports and presentations;
• Plan and structure projects and coordinate the contributions of junior team members and ensure sufficient time for quality assurance;
• Entrepreneurial and proactive action in identifying and pursuing new business opportunities;

Skills and Experience

This exciting role is suitable for someone who has at least five years of professional experience in a comparable position. The successful candidate should be conscientious, adaptable and creative in finding solutions to challenging economic issues. Lead Economists should also possess the following characteristics.

Essential:

• Strong academic education with a BA/ BSc in economics;
• Excellent written English and strong communication skills, including the ability to explain economic concepts and quantitative results, as well as their implications, to non-specialists;
• An intuitive understanding of macroeconomics, and a keen personal interest in climate issues;
• Substantial experience of quantitative economic analysis and report-writing;
• Attention to detail and a commitment to produce rigorous, accurate work, within the constraints of the time and resources available;
• Experience working with clients and the ability to build business relationships with potential clients;
• Good written and oral communication skills, including the ability to explain economic concepts and quantitative results and their implications, clearly and concisely.

Desirable:

• A postgraduate degree in economics or climate related discipline would be considered a plus;
• Experience in the management and development of employees;
• Experience with quantitative analysis software, such as Stata, R or Python;
• Experience using applied macroeconomics models for forecasting and/or scenario analysis.

Oxford Economics is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

About Oxford Economics

Oxford Economics was founded in 1981 as a commercial venture with Oxford University’s business college to provide economic forecasting and modelling to UK companies and financial institutions expanding abroad. Since then, we have become one of the world’s foremost independent global advisory firms, providing reports, forecasts and analytical tools on more than 200 countries, 250 industrial sectors, and 7,000 cities and regions. Our best-of-class global economic and industry models and analytical tools give us an unparalleled ability to forecast external market trends and assess their economic, social and business impact.

Headquartered in Oxford, England, with regional centres in London, New York, and Singapore, Oxford Economics has offices across the globe in more than 15 cities. We employ more than 400 professional economists, industry experts and business editors—one of the largest teams of macroeconomists and thought leadership specialists. Our global team is highly skilled in a full range of research techniques and thought leadership capabilities, from econometric modelling, scenario framing, and economic impact analysis to market surveys, case studies, expert panels, and web analytics.