Principal Economist

Job Description

Principal Economist Ofcom is the regulator for the communications services that we use and rely on each day.We make sure people get the best from their broadband, home phone and mobile services, as well as keeping an eye on TV and radio.We also oversee the universal postal service, look after the airwaves used by wireless devices, and also help to make sure people dont get scammed and are protected from bad practices.We have recently taken on the regulation of video-sharing platforms, and we are preparing for a role in protecting people from online harms.Protecting consumers is at the heart of what we do.Our culture is clear - we live by our values: Empowerment; Excellence; Collaboration; Agility and Respect. These define how we work to deliver our purpose, now and in the future. The behaviours which support these values set the path for a fully inclusiveand innovative culture at Ofcom.We focus not only on what we do, but how we do it. We pride ourselves on being an organisation of people who genuinely care about helping others.Purpose of the RoleThe Economics GroupWe provide the economic 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 to be thought leaders in how weapply 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.Please Note: This role could be based in either London, Edinburgh or Manchester.Requirements of the Role

• As a Principal, and senior member within the team, youll lead teams of economists that are integral to Ofcom projects. Some Principals are technical specialists.
• Youll provide high-quality economic analysis, including anticipating and considering counter-arguments or different points of view and providing the overall direction for analysis and the strategic approach on projects.
• Youll be confident in managing other economists, a number of projects, workstreams and resources concurrently.
• Youll potentially be exposed to large data sets, spreadsheets, econometric models and be able to interpret these accordingly.
• Youll produce clear, well-reasoned drafts of documents, including those that will be published.
• Youll communicate economic issues convincingly when attending team meetings, governance meetings and meetings with our stakeholders.
• Youll be integral to the leadership, motivation and development of the Economics Team, together with your fellow Principals and Directors.

Skills, knowledge and experience

• Youll have a strong grounding in microeconomics and, typically, youd have training in one or more of the following: industrial organisation, public economics, behavioural economics, econometrics or financial economics.
• Youll have significant experience of applying competition and regulatory economics and we welcome candidates with an academic and/or working background in microeconomics, competition economics, regulatory economics, behavioural economics, economics ofonline platforms, or auction design.
• Youll be able be demonstrate that you have an ability to apply economic concepts to real world situations. This could have been gained through working at a consultancy, another regulator, competition authority or government agency/department, or a regulatedcompany.
• Youll be a great communicator and have the ability to work collaboratively within a team environment. Youll be able to apply economic concepts to unfamiliar situations and youll be capable of communicating and simplifying these concepts effectively,both orally and in writing.
• Youll be well adept with project management and be able to effectively plan and organise economics analysis, including identifying work streams and coordinating resources efficiently. Youll use thought leadership and be able to use new and creative approachesand frameworks.
• Youll have experience of, or demonstrate the aptitude for, coaching and mentoring less senior colleagues to get the best out of your team.
• Youll have good quantitative skills and be able to interpret information, with good attention to detail. Experience in econometrics and machine learning is desirable, but not essential.

Qualifications

• A degree in economics and/or a post-graduate qualification (MSc or a PhD).