1.  Summary purpose of job  
To be responsible for the production and quality of part of the EIU's Middle East and North Africa’s product range, with the expertise to contribute to all areas of the region’s editorial output. Undertake economic and political forecasting and analysis for a selection of countries in Middle East and North Africa. To contribute to the regional team through a combination of outstanding editorial standards, intellectual leadership, analytical capability and/or external representation of the EIU.
2. Key accountabilities
  • Editing and writing 
    Ensure that the designated part of the Middle East and North Africa product range is written to a high standard, is in accordance with house style, and is directed at the needs of customers. Carry out a comprehensive first edit on contributors’ input, checking accuracy, ensuring all the relevant information is presented in accordance with EIU style guide and product guidelines.  Write and/or re-write material where a contributor’s original copy is sub-standard or incomplete.  Originate material not covered by contributors.  Ensure that there is no plagiarism of external sources. Assist in the editing of other editor/economist's work as requested by Regional Director and Regional Editors.
  • Research
    Conduct the degree of background research necessary to ensure the accuracy, currency and comprehensiveness of the information contained in the country workbooks and in all published products.  Be able to rapidly identify accurate and informative sources on events affecting the forecast as they happen. Build a network of sources in academia, business and government to draw on for research purposes. Further develop and keep up to date necessary skills and knowledge through training and other methods as needed.
  • Political, economic and industry analysis
    Interpret the events within specific countries and industries, with a particular focus on whether and how they might impact upon EIU forecasts.  Draw attention to the salient points and summarise the potential consequences in an objective and informative way.  Provide an opinion on behalf of the EIU which takes into account all the various known factors.  Produce arguments which are clear, concise, internally consistent and well informed.
  • Data and forecasting
    Understand how macroeconomic forecasts are generated and be able to critically evaluate your own and others' forecasts. Produce economic, political and industry forecasts for selected countries in Middle East and North Africa using EIU methodologies and make full use of all available information.  This will involve using the Excel country workbooks to monitor and adjust the key economic indicators and the links between them, building in the given global assumptions and interpreting political developments as well as taking the initiative to identify or construct new data sources.  Take responsibility for the quality and accuracy of the data included in the country workbooks.  Work closely with the Economics Unit and revise economic data as appropriate.
  • Intellectual leadership 
    Lead EIU thinking on countries and issues allocated as being your responsibility. Be proactive in proposing and implementing initiatives to improve the accuracy of forecasts and quality of editorial products. Play an active role in the origination of country and regional content work that elucidates and develops the EIU view on your region.
  • Team work 
    Initiate and actively participate in discussions on the implications of events in your area of responsibility, the EIU global assumptions and other events affecting the region.  Be cognizant of team and wider business goals. Participate in the development of consensus views for the region.  Contribute ideas for Country Analysis product development. You are also encouraged to contribute to other divisions within the Economist Group.
  • Commissioning and managing contributors
    Be responsible for finding and commissioning suitable external contributors to provide additional analysis of political and economic events within your countries of responsibility.  Provide a detailed brief to contributors to ensure the comprehensiveness and relevance of their input and subsequently manage its delivery and examination.  Give meaningful and constructive feedback to contributors.
  • External representation
    Represent the EIU at conferences and seminars, and make presentations to external audiences if required.  Give interviews to media bodies such as television, radio or newspapers on behalf of the EIU.  Participate in client sales calls if required.  Respond to customer queries, providing explanation and clarification regarding information contained in our products.
3. Decision rights
  • Determination of the content of the forecast for designated countries and industries.
  • Representation of the EIU at external events as required.
  • Commissioning contributors.
4. Performance measures
  • Achieve required norms of content generation in a timely fashion.
  • Quality of output – positive customer feedback, media comment, peer and management review.
  • Contribution to activities to assist the operations of the Middle East and Africa team.
  • Contribution to the development of Country Analysis products and services
Skills and capabilities profile
 Education and training
  • Relevant degree in Economics. Ideally Master’s degree.
Previous work experience
  • Writing political, economic and industry analysis. Experience and knowledge of Middle East and North Africa from either education or employment. Having worked or studied in Middle East and North Africa would be considered a plus.
Knowledge
  • Politics, economics and business covering part of Middle East and North Africa.
  • Knowledge of macroeconomics and forecasting.
  • Understanding of the external market demand for electronic delivery of economic and political research.
  • Understanding of our industry.
IT
  • Good/intermediate computer skills in Word, Excel and the Internet.
Languages
  • Fluency in English is necessary; other languages, including Arabic or French, would be advantageous.
Key skills
  • Analysis and forecasting of political, economic and industry trends in Middle East and North Africa.
  • Economist and/or regional expert.
  • Writing and editing.
  • Ability to respond quickly to major developments in Middle East and North Africa.
  • Ability to identify key drivers in a country’s economy.
  • Ability to attain a high level of competence within a short period of time. 
Personal attributes
  • Well organised.
  • Personal pride in producing output of high quality.
  • Self motivated and deadline driven.
  • Calm under pressure.
  • Independent and impartial.
Interpersonal skills
  • Communication skills to articulate persuasively and clearly about the region.
  • A good team player with a collaborative approach.