Job title:
Principal, Earth Observation
Company:
Vivid Economics
Closing date: January 15th 2017, with interviews on a rolling basis
Vivid Economics is seeking to recruit a Principal to be Practice lead, manage existing
projects, and further develop its new Earth Observation practice.
The role of Principal at Vivid Economics is a senior role with responsibility for excellent
project delivery and economic analysis, and significant client and business development
responsibilities.
About Vivid Economics
We are a leading strategic economics consultancy in the policy-commerce interface, where
we advise on the most critical and complex policy and commercial questions facing clients
around the world. In all our work, we put economics to good use.
The success we bring to our clients reflects a strong partnership culture, solid base of skills,
and close cooperation with a large network of contacts. The foundations of our business are
our values, mission-driven approach, and our commitment to developing and maintaining
cutting-edge techniques. These are housed in an independent, highly-motivated,
entrepreneurial, employee-owned business, based in London.
Description of the role
The interface between Earth Observation or remote sensing data and economics is a new
and exciting field and is becoming an important part of Vivid Economics’ business. We are
now looking for someone to join our management team to lead our work in this field.
The candidate will have a professional background in economics, including a strong grasp of
quantitative methods. Experience using large spatially disaggregated data, and spatial
mapping tools is an advantage. Candidates will have a postgraduate degree, together with
professional fluency in English and French and/or Spanish.
The candidate will have most or all of the following capabilities. She or he will:
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be an excellent communicator and strategic thinker, effective in planning their and
other people’s work and a good judge of when to test evidence at a detailed level;
be a leader of small teams whose staff enjoy working with her or him and develop
quickly under her or his guidance;
feel comfortable supervising staff with advanced technical skills in spatial data
handling and econometrics;
have skills to ensure that work is delivered on time and risks are managed across
consortia;
understand the needs and capabilities of partner organisations and clients, both large
and small and in developed and developing countries; and
be entrepreneurial, and effective in expanding the activities of the practice.
The position is based in London, with an expectation of at least two weeks travel per Quarter
to Africa, Latin America and other destinations.
Primary day-to-day duties of the role
– be responsible for developing our new Earth Observation practice area and its team;
– generate new work through strengthening existing and building new client
relationships;
– ensure that project planning and quality assurance processes are followed;
– be accountable within projects for method selection and development;
– supporting the development of junior staff through regular feedback and mentorship;
– enhance company reputation by establishing oneself as a recognised authority in the
field, and representing the company at external events;
– provide quality assurance and peer review of the work of others;
– participate in company management.
Reporting and supervisory relationships
A Principal will either be the primary lead on a project or provide quality assurance and
expert review for an Engagement Manager. They will supervise up to seven people. A
Principal will report to a Director but with substantial day-to-day autonomy. Principals also
report to the Directors regarding non-project work, such as client development and
operational responsibilities.
Experience and qualifications
Candidates must have sufficient experience to demonstrate competency in the duties
described. As a guide, eight or more years of experience tends to be required for a Principal,
with the majority related to economic analysis. Previous consultancy experience is required.
A first class or upper second class degree in economics or a closely related field and an
MSc/MA or Ph.D. in a relevant field is required. Fluency in French and/or Spanish is a very
strong advantage – only exceptional candidates without multiple language skills will be
considered.
Location of work: London, UK
Vivid Economics can sponsor candidates who do not have the right to work in the UK.
Compensation range:
– Salary of £75,000 - £100,000
– plus annual bonus and pension contribution matching
– plus employee share ownership scheme
– plus 43 days of paid holiday, including eight UK bank holidays
How to apply: please submit a CV and cover letter to [email protected]
with subject line: “Principal, Earth Observation”.
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If you would like to discuss this position before applying, please write to Robin Smale,
[email protected].
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