Researcher

Positive Money Europe

Brussels, Belgium

About the role

We are recruiting a researcher to integrate our Brussels-based EU team, on a full or part-time basis (80%). The role will focus on producing proactive and reactive research, both in-house and through collaboration with external partners.

Our current research areas cover the development of a green monetary policy to support a just and sustainable transition (including supporting energy efficient home renovations and the deployment of renewable energy); the role of the European Central Bank, the European Investment Bank and national central banks in the EU in such transition; the coordination between monetary and fiscal policy to maintain price stability and increase green investments; the promotion of a universally accessible and safe digital euro for all citizens; the effects of monetary policy on income and wealth inequalities; the systemic risks of real estate holdings in the financial sectors, etc.

On the one hand, the researcher produces long pieces and research reports on our areas of expertise, alone or in collaboration with other internal or external researchers. On the other hand, they support our advocacy and communications work on a daily-basis with various tasks ranging from writing and reviewing policy briefings, providing the policy and communication teams with accurate facts and evidence – making sure our campaign messaging and proposals are rooted in rigorous analysis, reacting to news events and media requests (including appearances on podcasts and press), etc.

As a full member of our team, you will also contribute to the overall development of the organisation and be involved in fundraising (e.g. writing grant proposals and reports, networking, etc.). You will report to the Head of Research.

About You

This is an exceptional opportunity for a researcher passionate about new economic thinking and committed to our values. You have strong quantitative and analytical skills and are able to quickly absorb, organise, and concisely convey new information about often complex issues. You are happy to juggle between different tasks, to actively contribute to our advocacy and communications work, whilst being able to independently organise your long-term research work. You share our commitment to an inclusive and diverse team, and our culture of being open-minded, ambitious, respectful and self-aware. Then see below the detailed role description and process to apply!

Responsibilities include

Strategy

• Support the Head of Research in designing the research programme strategy and the wider organisational strategy;
• Develop research projects based on our organisational strategy, the research programme strategy and the requirements from our funders.

Delivery

• Work with the Head of Research on delivering the research programme strategy;
• Be accountable for the management and/or delivery of certain research projects from start to finish, including with external consultants or partners;
• Perform research and write research reports and briefings, blog posts on a range of money and banking reform topics, as well as other research outputs;
• Support Positive Money Europe’s advocacy and communication teams by providing research-based evidence and quick analysis reacting to current news events, EU policy files and media requests;
• Monitor developments in EU institutions, banking industry and in Eurozone monetary policy and key Eurozone statistics;
• Develop and maintain project management documentation such as project descriptions, project plans, budgets and ensure regular evaluations are carried out;
• Contribute to the overall development of the organisation, and its fundraising efforts in particular (e.g. writing funding applications, grants reporting, researching new leads, etc.).

People and culture

• Communicate with self-awareness, respect and transparency, actively contributing to a work environment where other team members feel safe and heard, and collaborate with an open mind;
• Communicate clearly and constructively with external partners to ensure a smooth running of the projects;
• Role model our values and principles of work within and outside the organisation;
• Implement strategies and practices to dismantle oppression within the research programme, and embed anti-oppression thinking in our research projects.

External

• Represent Positive Money Europe externally to a range of different audiences and stakeholders such as civil society, policy makers, media and academia;
• Build relationships with funders, policymakers and other researchers (including academics, central bankers, regulators and experts within the financial sector).

Person specification

Skills & Experience

• Experience as a researcher in an academic, think tank or non-profit environment, including written publications in English (e.g. published articles, research or policy reports, blogs, press or social media interventions, etc.);
• A Masters degree in social sciences with focus on economics, finance, banking or environmental studies. Holding a PhD is a plus. Familiarity with heterodox economic theories, gender studies, and/or global studies is a plus;
• Knowledge of current Eurozone economic policies, EU institutional functioning and current political developments. Expertise with one of our research areas is a strong advantage (monetary policy, digital currencies, just transition, green finance, etc.);
• Excellent written and oral communications skills in English for different audiences – being capable of writing research papers, policy reports, op-eds and other outputs for a wide range of expert and non-expert audiences;
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills;
• Willingness and ability to provide commentary and analysis on current policy developments, often under tight deadlines;
• Ability to manage projects and meet deadlines. Any experience with project management tools and/or multi-stakeholders project management is a plus;
• Proficiency in any other EU language is a plus.

Values & Behaviours

• Passionate about our mission of reforming money and banking to build a fair, democratic and sustainable economy;
• A problem solver, willing to dive into uncertain or complex new areas of work;
• High degree of initiative and attention to detail;
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills;
• A commitment to continued learning on anti-oppression concepts;
• High level of self-awareness. Skilled in reflecting on your own behaviours and practices and working to change them where necessary;
• Commitment to demonstrating our values and principles of work in your work.

Deadline 28 September