Economic Advisor

Job Description

Team OverviewOfcom exists to make communications work for everyone. We regulate the TV, radio and video-on-demand sectors, fixed and mobile telecoms, postal services, plus the airwaves over which wireless devices operate. We have been appointed as the new regulator tokeep people safe when they are online. This means we will help shape the future of online regulation and economists will play a key role in this area.Our culture is shaped by five corporate values: excellence, agility, collaboration, empowerment and respect.The Economics GroupWe provide the economic analysis and quantitative analysis that underpins everything Ofcom does to improve communications services for people and businesses. We help shape policy based on insights from economic theory and empirical research and strive tobe thought leaders in how we apply economics to benefit UK consumers and citizens in communication matters.We work across a wide range of challenging questions, and the fast-paced nature of the markets we oversee means our role is ever-changing. Ofcom has one of the largest competition and regulatory economics and finance teams in the UK, with more than 80 colleaguesworking on issues across the sectors we regulate. Our team is growing as we prepare to take on our new role as the regulator to keep people safe when they are online.Applying quantitative techniques is increasingly important for Ofcoms work, especially in the context of regulating online safety. This requires innovative conceptual thinking and the application of a wide range of quantitative methods.The Economics Group is further developing its skills to use quantitative techniques, including econometrics and machine learning, to extract meaningful information from large, complex datasets. This is part of a wider initiative to develop a series focusedon publishing research using novel conceptual or empirical approaches to communications markets. Examples of this work include using topic modelling to understand which topic false information relates to or using Natural Language Processing to inform our workon online harms.Purpose of the RoleThe purpose of the role is to provide high quality quantitative and economic analysis to support our work across economic regulation, competition policy, online safety and consumer issues. This may include developing theoretical insights to inform policydesign, as well as econometric modelling, use of Machine Learning or other data analysis.Key responsibilitiesYou will:

• Identify and analyse economic and policy issues, and consider what analysis and evidence is needed to reach robust decisions
• Using a range of techniques such as econometric modelling, data visualisation or Machine Learning
• Provide clear, well-reasoned drafting, including for documents that will be published
• Communicate the findings and issues convincingly when attending team meetings, governance meetings and meetings with stakeholders

Skills, Knowledge, ExperienceWe are looking for high calibre quantitative economists, econometricians or data analysts:

• You will be able to apply a broad range of econometric techniques (for example policy evaluation approaches (e.g. DiD or RDD) or structural modelling), potentially with an interest in Machine Learning.
• You will be proficient in the use of at least one analytical software (Stata, R or Python)
• You will have experience in the development and timely delivery of quantitative analysis.
• Youll be a great communicator and have the ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Youll be capable of explaining analysis clearly, concisely and credibly to impact the thinking of economists, policy or legal colleagues.
• A good understanding of industrial organisation, competition economics, regulatory economics or the economics of online platforms is an advantage.

QualificationsAt a minimum, an undergraduate degree and/or a post-graduate qualification (MSc or a PhD) in a relevant field (e.g. economics or econometrics).To apply, please submit both your CV and a cover letter. We will screen CVs and interview shortlisted candidates regularly. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.Also, please note that this role can be based in either our London, Manchester or Edinburgh office.

Keyskills :
CollaborationConsumersEconomicsMachine LearningWireless