Principal Economist, Europe

Who we are

Since 1843, The Economist Group has championed independence, excellence and openness, helping people understand and tackle the critical challenges shaping the world. Today, we are building on that legacy as a global media and information-services company powered by digital innovation, analytical rigour and evidence-based insight.

Across our three businesses - The Economist, Economist Enterprise and Economist Education - we deliver trusted analysis and insights to individuals and organisations in more than 170 countries. United by a shared purpose to drive progress, we empower decision-makers to make sense of change and chart a course through an increasingly complex world.

As a colleague, you will be part of a culture that values ideas, encourages ownership and holds itself to high standards. We invest in people who are curious, thoughtful and adaptable, whether they are launching new products, reporting on global events or harnessing emerging technologies such as AI to improve how we work. Here, fresh thinking is taken seriously, ambition is matched by integrity, and great work is recognised. Working across disciplines, geographies and perspectives, we are united by a commitment to innovation, excellence and creating meaningful impact.

As the research and analysis division of the Economist Group, The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) helps leaders prepare for opportunity, empowering them to act with confidence when making strategic decisions. The EIU is the global standard in providing high quality, actionable intelligence to the public and private sector, assessing issues that impact the businesses in more than two hundred countries.

Provide thought leadership and guidance:

Be an intellectual leader within the EIU Research & Analytics team, providing timely, market leading analysis and insight on Europe to a global and regional audience

Drive the EIU view for Europe, by providing forecast guidance to analysts on economic and policy developments, and offering constructive feedback

Be a central point of contact for the region both within EIU and externally with clients and the media

Produce and lead high-quality forecasts and analysis:

Personally contribute and ensure the team produces high-quality economic and policy forecasts for European economies, incorporating trends into EIU's global forecast

Write data- and graphic-rich research notes and analysis that identify important trends and developments in European economics and policy, and highlight implications for EIU clients

Show a strong sense of editorial judgement and ensure adherence to editorial guidelines, including independence, objectivity and quality

Manage and develop a team of analysts:

Directly manage around 3-4 analysts and research analysts working on Europe and influence the wider team, helping to engender an environment of intellectual challenge and creativity

Help design effective recruitment processes and implement training and onboarding strategies to enhance analytical skills across the team

Work with analysts to mentor them and ensure they have a continuous programme of development

Provide oversight of external contributors:

Ensure the Europe team has access to a strong database of external freelance contributors, and that their skills and experience mesh with EIU requirements

Build a network of sources in academia, business and government to draw on for research purposes

Support promotion of views externally:

Promote our work on Europe within The Economist Group and externally, and liaise directly with external clients and media organisations

Conduct Speaker Bureau briefing engagements to clients on the region

Work collaboratively with EIU sales colleagues to support new business development

The ideal skills for this role are:

In-depth knowledge of economics and policy in Europe (specialist understanding of a major regional economy, or cross-cutting topics such as geopolitics, risk or EU affairs, is a strong plus)

Developed team or project management skills and an ability to mentor and guide an intellectually-driven team

Strong analytical and forecasting skills, and deep understanding of macroeconomic data series and models used in forecasting

An ability to spot and articulate trends in economics, politics and policy

Exceptional writing and editing skills, and an ability to write well under time pressure

Strong presentation skills, and comfort in maintaining a public profile

An ability to work collaboratively with other senior stakeholders and balance their competing requirements

Fluent written and oral communication skills in English (fluency in relevant languages is a strong plus)

Strong knowledge in MS Office, especially Excel and Powerpoint; experience with data terminals and econometric and data science software and platforms is desirable

You will be able to demonstrate:

A track record in delivering top-level insight on economics, business and geopolitics in Europe

Strong team management skills and leadership potential

Comfort in presenting to senior audiences on economic and political themes

#LI-Hybrid

Working Arrangements

The majority of our roles operate on a hybrid working pattern, with 3+ days office attendance required.

AI usage for your application

We are an innovative organisation that encourages the use of technology. We recognise that candidates may utilise AI tools to support with their job application process. However, it is essential that all information you provide truthfully and accurately reflects your own experience, skills, and qualifications.

What we offer

Our benefits package is designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and work-life balance. It includes a highly competitive pension or 401(k) plan, private health insurance, and 24/7 access to counselling and wellbeing resources through our Employee Assistance Program.

We also offer a range of lifestyle benefits, including our Work From Anywhere program, which allows you to work from any location where you have the legal right to do so for up to 25 days per year. In addition, we provide generous annual and parental leave, as well as dedicated days off for volunteering and even for moving home.

You will also be given free access to all The Economist content, including an online subscription, our range of apps, podcasts and more.