View Vacancy - Economist

The British Embassy in Baghdad is seeking an individual for the position of Economist, Grade – C4 (L).

Objective: 

The British Embassy in Baghdad is looking for an experienced economist to join our development team.    The post holder will provide economic analysis. This is a key role within the Embassy and will put you at the heart of decision making.  You will be an expert on economic and financial issues in Iraq, providing in-depth knowledge, analysis and reporting on macroeconomic fundamentals and public policies.

The development team is the part of the British Embassy that provides core analysis to inform the UK’s development and economic work in Iraq.  The UK’s objective in Baghdad is to help strengthen Iraq’s security, stability and economic sustainability.

Main Duties and Responsibilities: 

This role will support the British Embassy’s work on economic growth in Iraq by:

Economic Analysis:  Closely following economic issues in Iraq, working independently to provide fast, insightful and concise analysis. There will be a focus on fiscal and monetary policy; economic reform implementation; and public-private sector dialogue (working with the UK’s trade team where relevant). You will work closely with the British Consulate General Erbil to oversee economic issues in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Networking:  Engage, form and manage relationships with relevant ministries and actors (including the Finance and Planning Ministries, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Central Bank of Iraq, the World Bank, the Development Fund for Iraq) to complement and build on existing embassy relationships making introductions enabling the UK to better understand economic policy and activity.

Policy development: Contribute to the development of UK policy to support Iraq’s economy, including support to the Iraq Economic Contact Group, the UK funded World Bank Trust Fund, demographic transition and technical assistance.

Reporting: Regular oral and written reports to update the UK Embassy and Ambassador, as well as teams in London, on key issues in relation to the economy. 

Key Competencies: 

• Leading and Communicating - Effectiveness in this area is about leading from the front and communicating with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm. It’s about supporting principles of fairness of opportunity for all and a dedication to a diverse range of citizens.
• Seeing the Big Picture - Seeing the big picture is about having an in-depth understanding and knowledge of how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives and the wider public needs.
• Collaborating and Partnering - People skilled in this area create and maintain positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the Civil Service to help get business done. At all levels, it requires working collaboratively, sharing information and building supportive, responsive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, whilst having the confidence to challenge assumptions.
• Making Effective Decisions - Effectiveness in this area is about using sound judgement, evidence and knowledge to provide accurate, expert and professional advice.  It means showing clarity of thought, setting priorities, analysing and using evidence to evaluate options before arriving at well-reasoned justifiable decisions.

Essential:

• Fluent communication skills in English and Arabic language (both spoken and written).
• Bachelor’s degree in Economics or related subject.
• Minimum three years’ work experience in a similar role.
• Experience in providing technical and strategic input into policy development.
• Strong understanding of Iraq’s economic situation.
• Strong team-working skills.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, high profile environments, and deliver to deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programmes.