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Senior Labour Market Policy Economist

This role is ideal for a motivated specialist that will help position the CBI at the forefront of the debate on labour markets.
The post-holder will be responsible for evolving the CBI’s labour market narrative and a number of specific policy areas, including CBI policy work on unemployment, youth unemployment, welfare and pay. The post holder will be expected to develop business-friendly policy solutions in their own policy areas, as well as support colleagues across the CBI policy floor in developing rigorous, evidence based policy solutions, which may include contributions to cross-CBI projects.
As part of this the post-holder will be expected to engage with senior business representatives and government officials and through their work contribute to the CBI’s income.
Key responsibilities:
Responsible for evolving the CBI’s understanding of the UK labour market and strengthening the organisation’s role as labour market commentator in the media, working closely with the CBI’s economics and press team.
This will include analysing relevant national and international labour market data, producing monthly labour market updates and working with the CBI’s press team
Lead the CBI’s work on pay, unemployment and welfare reform. This will include data analysis, research, organising senior level events, writing reports (e.g. the CBI’s submission to the LPC), drafting press releases or blogs
Support colleagues in the Directorate and beyond to develop policy proposals based on sound economic justification and make a significant contribution to the CBI’s work on rigour. This may include supporting cross-CBI projects
Work effectively with colleagues across the business and CBI members, including effective member involvement in policy formation. This will include keeping members up-to-date, helping secure funding for projects and working with membership to secure new members and help retain existing ones
Build and develop good external contacts with relevant officials, business people and other stakeholders. This will include preparing and delivering presentations to senior level stakeholders Keeping the team and management team informed on key issues.
Knowledge & Experience
Possess a strong interest in both the labour market and the application of economics to policy-making. Educated to at least degree level in economics and relevant work experience Skills Proactive/can-do/results focused approach to work, Resilience and ability to work in a fast-paced, pressurised environment.  Effective planning, organisational and time management skills.Analytical rigour and excellent economic analysis skills, excellent written communication skills, including ability to pull out the key narrative, clear oral communication and presentation skills, political acumen, tact/diplomacy, customer focus, networking and influencing skills, ability to work well with others and experience of managing information/ IT literacy (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, Haver)
We are looking for candidates with a keen interest in policy-orientated economics, good technical data analysis skills and the ability to apply economic principles rigorously. Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential for interaction with a wide non-economics audience. Applicants should preferably have experience of working in an economic research and analysis function in the private or public sector.
To apply, please print off application forms from the website (http://www.cbi.org.uk/), complete quoting ref EC13 and send to Sarah Phillip-Sewell, HR Department, CBI, Centre Point, 103 New Oxford Street, London WC1A 1DU.
Alternatively, write to the above for the application pack.  Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.
Completed applications should be returned no later than 6 December 2013.