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Research fellows – food chain policy and economics / consumer policy and markets / online privacy and consumer protection


Civic Consulting is an economic and public policy consultancy supporting European and international institutions as well as national governments through policy evaluation, economic and legal research, market studies, and impact assessment. We have special expertise in the areas of consumer policy and empowerment, financial services, food chain/animal health, and general issues of good governance (for more details, see project references).

We are currently offering the following positions:
Research fellows – food chain policy and economics / consumer policy and markets / online privacy and consumer protection 

If you are interested in analysing EU policy from a consumer perspective, and have a research interest in the fields of food chain policy and economics, or consumer policy and markets, or online privacy and consumer protection, and would like to be considered for one of several twelve-month research fellowships at Civic Consulting’s office in Berlin, then send in a 4-7 page article in line with academic standards on one of the following topics, in English, together with a CV and covering letter:
  • Food chain policy and economics: a) Good governance of food chain risks – has the EU learned the lessons from the BSE crisis? OR: b) What is the cost of animal welfare in food production, and how should EU consumers contribute?
  • Consumer policy and markets: a) Do market practices of gasoline retailers lead to consumer detriment at the pump, and what can EU policy makers do about it? OR: b) Unfair commercial practices in financial services - is the EU legal framework sufficient to protect consumers?
  • Online privacy and consumer protection: a) Is there a need for an EU privacy seal? OR: b) Online profiling – what should the EU do to protect consumers?
Winners of the fellowship will receive a compensation of 2,000 Euro/month to cover accommodation and other expenses. Fellows will contribute to ongoing EU studies. Fellows that have successfully contributed to our team will be preferably considered for permanent positions at Civic Consulting.

Applicants for the fellowship should have at least one to two years professional or academic experience after graduation in economics, political sciences, law or other relevant subjects. Previous work experience in a research institution, a consultancy or a European/international body would be an advantage, as well as extensive writing experience in an academic, research or consultancy context. We expect genuine and documented interest in economic and legal research at EU level and previous research experience in the relevant field (as documented e.g. through scientific articles, previous projects or volunteer work). Further requirements are: experience in design and use of quantitative and qualitative research tools (such as survey questionnaires, guidelines for expert interview), proficiency of Word, Excel and possibly SPSS, excellent knowledge of English at the level of a native speaker, and EU residency/work permit. Knowledge of German, French, Spanish or other EU languages are not required but would be an asset.

Applications should indicate the position for which you are applying in the subject line, and should be sent by e-mail only to fellowship@civic-consulting.de latest on 20 January 2013. Start of the fellowship is foreseen for February/March 2013.