View Vacancy – Economic Officer (ITA21.239) – Maternity Leave Cover

The British Embassy in Rome is part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is now looking for an Economic Officer for a maternity leave cover.

The successful candidate will support the UK’s economic and financial relationship with one of its main European partners. Providing expert, high quality analysis, advice, and reporting to UK government stakeholders on Italian economic developments and Italy’s position on key European and international agendas. Promoting UK economic interests by organising and participating-in meetings and events between influencers and policy makers, and engaging directly with Italian stakeholders.  

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Provide expert, high quality analysis, advice, reporting to London stakeholders on Italian economic, macro-financial developments, and Italy’s position on key EU and international economic policy issues;

• Promote UK’s EU economic aims and support UK prosperity objectives;

• Monitor, analyse and report on Italian reforms and economic policy developments;

• Produce weekly economic report and frequent ad hoc reports on topical elements of government economic policy (e.g. structural reforms, taxation and spending) and wider developments;

• Respond by deadlines to UK government enquiries, providing accurate data and high quality responses;

• Monitor and report developments on Italian EU economic views with specific attention to Covid-related support and recovery plans, and related structural reforms;

• Contribute to the planning and delivery of events and webinars to promote UK economic and financial policy interests;

• Contribute analysis and provide support for wider UK commercial aims in Italy through working with UK Trade and Investment colleagues in Milan and Prosperity and Financial Sector colleagues in Rome;

• Enhance the Embassy’s network, outreach and public profile on all issues, particularly with think tanks, political foundations and NGOs, including the organisation of events to promote UK aims;

• Corporate – contribute to cross-cutting Embassy activities. Actively engage in corporate activities and initiatives in the Italy Network.

• Graduate-level qualification and detailed understanding of current economic trends and issues (a qualification in economics or a related discipline would be highly desirable);

• Excellent analytical and communication skills, especially written to be able to produce rapid, succinct and insightful reports and analysis of Italian economic developments and positions of key Italian players;

• Excellent command (both oral and written) of English and Italian, Common European Framework level/equivalent C1 or above*;

• Strong networking and relationship management skills. The successful candidate will need to develop and extend existing contacts, and maintain a wide network in Rome. The jobholder will need to build relationships across a range of London stakeholders: our Prime Minister’s Office; HM Treasury; Business Ministry; the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Bank of England. THe jobholder will also need to work closely with colleagues in the Italy network, especially the EU and Economic Team in Rome and the Trade and Investment Team in Milan;

• Flexible approach, strong initiative and adaptability to changing UK priorities. This will require juggling short-term priorities while making progress on longer-term goals.