Economist
About Positive Money:
Positive Money is a fast-growing organisation that combines the activities of a think-tank, pressure group, and international movement. Our mission is to restore democratic control and transparency over the creation of money. Current monetary policy and the money system cause a wide range of economic, social and environmental problems; most notably house price bubbles, high levels of debt, and rising inequality. Our vision is a money and banking system that supports and contributes to a fair, democratic, and sustainable economy.
About the role:
Our ideas on reform of the banking system have been advocated by the Financial Times’ chief economics commentator, Martin Wolf, and cited by influential economists including former Bank of England governor, Mervyn King and former Financial Services Authority chairman Adair Turner. Our team has developed a significant body of work looking at the nature of the current monetary and banking system, its consequences for various social, economic, and environmental goals, and the potential for progressive reform. Positive Money is a thought leader on money and banking reform. As a member of the research team, the economist would contribute to an ambitious research agenda with a significant impact on economic policymaking. The economist will help to identify how to broaden Positive Money’s analysis of the dysfunctional money and banking system, and of the role of central banking in developed economies following the financial crash.
About you:
You’ll have a strong economics / research background. Ideally you would have published work demonstrating research and writing ability. You are a clear, analytical thinker with developed influencing skills, who can build relationships with and influence key players across academia and the private and public sectors. You have some experience in public speaking, and would be comfortable explaining complex economic concepts to a range of audiences. You are able to work in an open-minded way, understanding the complexity of the money and finance system and remaining open to criticisms of Positive Money’s research. You are able to help the organisation’s thinking evolve and build on criticisms.
You are innovative and able to think outside of the box to help Positive Money keep ahead of the curve. You are able to learn quickly and understand the core issues behind a range of economic and monetary debates. Ideally you would have some knowledge or be keen to learn in the areas of sustainable finance, shadow banking, or public banking. You also have a good knowledge of macroeconomics.
You enjoy working in a collaborative and dynamic environment where team members bounce ideas off each other. You want your research to have impact and are able to work with others to make that happen. You are happy to take advice and direction from the influencing and supporter network programmes in order to see how your work can contribute to our policy and campaigning work.
Terms and conditions
Contract: The role is for an initial fixed term of 1 year with a 6-month probationary period. After a year if the contract is extended, a permanent contract will be offered.
Salary: Depending on experience £26,000 – 34,000 pro rata + 8% pension contribution
Reporting to: Executive Director, Positive Money
Hours: 35 hours per week with some flexibility; the post holder would be expected to work the occasional evening or weekend for time off in lieu. 2 – 4 weekends a year may be affected.
Holiday: 25 days per year in addition to statutory holidays.
Location: The role is based at 303 Davina House, 137-149 Goswell Road, London, EC1V 7ET with occasional work away from the office and outside normal office hours.
How to Apply
Please download and fill out the APPLICATION FORM in full. Please also download the full JOB DESCRIPTION for further details on the role and its responsibilities and a person specification. Click on the buttons at the bottom of this page for links to both documents.
Please email your completed application form to: recruitment@positivemoney.org
In the ‘SECTION 4: PERSONAL STATEMENT’ section of the application form please ensure you answer the questions below:
- Why do you want this role, and why do you want to work for Positive Money?
- What skills and experience do you have that make you suitable to apply for this role? (please pay particular attention to the essential skills and experience listed in the job description)
- How does this job fit with your career aspirations?
Please note that due to our recruitment practices we cannot accept CVs, or applications received after the deadline.
Closing date for applications: 8am Monday 6th May
Interview dates: Monday 13th & Tuesday 14th May
Positive Money is committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of their background. We welcome applications from everyone irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, disability and ethnicity but, as women and Black, Asian and minority ethnic people are currently under-represented within the Positive Money network, we would encourage applications from members of these groups. If you have any queries about the role and would like to have an informal chat – we would love to talk to you. Please contact Positive Money’s Fran Boait, fran.boait@positivemoney.org.uk, 020 7253 3235.
Please note that Positive Money can only accept applications from individuals with the right to work in the UK