Economic Specialist

American Embassy Brussels

Position description

Job holder monitors and reports on EU developments regarding sanctions, anti-money laundering/counter-terrorism finance, the EU’s budget, and other financial and macroeconomic issues.  The position also monitors China’s economic activities in the EU and the EU’s policies and actions vis-a-vis China.  The job holder drafts written reports and provides oral briefings on developments within the portfolio, assists in arranging visits for senior U.S. government visitors, advises on strategies for advancing U.S. interests and areas for cooperation.  Job holder needs knowledge of EU institutions, including the Commission, European Parliament, and European Court of Justice.

Requirements:

EXPERIENCE: Minimum five years working for an EU institution, or at an organization or institution, including Member State national government, think tank, or business or non-governmental organization, that deals with EU economic, business, and regulatory policy issues.

JOB KNOWLEDGE: Thorough knowledge of EU structure and decision-making process.  Thorough knowledge of modern economic principles and theory, especially macroeconomics.  Thorough knowledge and understanding of the European economy, economic and regulatory structure and institutions, both political and economic.  Thorough grasp of EU relations with the United States and China. Background in a number of issues covered by the Economic Section, either from academic study or professional experience.

EDUCATION: Master’s degree in economics, finance, business, or political economy.

LANGUAGE:  Fluency in English, good working knowledge in French OR Dutch OR German. This may be tested.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Ability to carry out independent research and analysis based on public sources of EU and other data in sectors covered above.  Ability to independently plan, organize and execute research projects on policy topics as directed by supervisor; to draft in clear English and to communicate effectively orally in English, French, and Dutch.  Ability to deal tactfully and independently with a wide range of European contacts at the working level of EU institutions or private sector, non-governmental organizations and international economic institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and think tanks.  Ability to inter-relate developments in the economic field to the broader political and economic focus and factors at work in the EU.  Ability to use computer-oriented tools, such as economic databases, internet search.  Must be comfortable using Microsoft Outlook and Word.  Ability to work as part of a team with Americans and colleagues who from other countries, and with individuals who are employed by other U.S. government agencies.  Must demonstrate resourcefulness, initiative and analytical ability.

Application instructions