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Company: The Economist Group

Position: Econometrician, China Forecasting Service (Based: Beijing)

Summary purpose of job

To run econometric models on China and its provinces for the purpose of producing forecasts within a given product brief and generate bespoke forecasts for clients as required. To write up summary economic forecasts for each of the provinces. To build ongoing relationships with data suppliers to ensure the quality of the underlying data. Work with the editorial teams in Asia and in Europe to build a set of coherent and consistent forecasts across China and contribute directly to the China Forecasting Service.

Key accountabilities

* Forecasting

Run the models on a regular basis to meet publishing deadlines Assess, monitor and adjust the output from the models and check the plausibility and defensibility of the forecasts, as well as consistency with the written analysis. Recommend changes to the forecasting methodology to ensure the accuracy, reliability and consistency of the economic forecasts.

* Writing

Write up and update summary economic forecasts for each of the provinces. The forecast should be internally consistent and coherent making full use of all available information and taking into consideration the regional consensus view. Respond to all queries raised during the checking process.

* Econometric modeling

Support the technical framework and ensure that the output integrates with other editorial systems. Develop single-equation models to produce custom forecasts for clients.

* Economic data

Protect and enhance the quality of the economic data used within the models. Run regular checks on the data to maintain accuracy, reliability and consistency.

* Data suppliers

Work closely with data suppliers to make sure the economic data are updated accurately and in a timely fashion. Monitor changes in external data sources and work closely with suppliers to enhance the quality of EIU data.

* Team work

Work closely with the China editorial teams in Asia and in Europe to help them interpret and write up the forecasts. The forecasts will be sense-checked by editors within these teams and any issues raised during the sense check must be responded to.

Actively join in discussions on the implications of the EIU global assumptions and events impacting on the region. Participate in the development of consensus views for the region. Co-operate with colleagues covering China to ensure consistency between reports.

* Client relationships

Present the forecast results in non-technical language to clients and respond to client queries in relation to published data and bespoke forecasts undertaken for clients.

Skills and capabilities profile

Education and training

* Masters or PhD in Economics (with large weight in applied econometrics)

Previous work experience

* Proven ability to run structural economic models
* Must have produced industry-standard forecasts and be able to develop single-equation forecasting models from scratch
* Forecasting track record on China and its provinces

Knowledge

* Detailed knowledge of Chinese official data and statistical resources
* Detailed knowledge of applied econometric modeling
* Ability to run diagnostics and testing to ensure model properties
* Detailed knowledge of China and its regions

IT

* Knowledge of main econometric packages and model solution software
* Fluency in programming languages an advantage

Languages

* English, Chinese (both written and oral)

Personal attributes and skills

* Ability to take a project from conception through to implementation
* Good project management skills and ability to work to deadlines
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to express complex ideas using non-technical language
* A strong sense of client needs and the ability to deliver on these

If you would like to apply for this position, please email your CV and covering letter to chinarecruit@economist.com.

Closing date for applications is Thursday, May1, 2008.

The Economist Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer