Role purpose

The EIB, the European Union's bank, is seeking to recruit for its Secretariat General Directorate (SG), Economics Department (ECON), at its headquarters in Luxembourg, the Group Chief Economist*.

*Internal benchmark Department Head

The Group Chief Economist will head an experienced team of economists, combining thought leadership with high-level internal advisory responsibility support and external representation at EU and international level.

By delivering high-quality, policy-relevant economic analysis, the Group Chief Economist will support the EIB Group’s strategic objectives and operational priorities. In this role, he or she is expected to set direction, assure analytical excellence as well as effective communication and deliver tangible impact on the Group’s strategy, operations and policy engagement.

Under the overall guidance of the Management Committee of the EIB and the responsibility of the Deputy Secretary General, the Group Chief Economist will work in close integration with Group Strategy and the Permanent Representation of the EIB Group to the EU in Brussels, as well as with the Communication directorate.

The Group Chief Economist will play an active role in EIB Group governance, by participating in governing bodies (e.g. Management Committee and Board of Directors) and engaging closely with the senior management of EIB and EIF, and external counterparts (EU institutions, International Financial Institutions and Multilateral Development Banks, central banks, think tanks, academia and media).

The Group Chief Economist will lead the Group’s flagship annual Investment Report and thematic economic publications. These support European policy discussions and assess macroeconomic, financial, and sectoral developments relevant to EIB Group financing activities.

As the EIB Group’s lead economic spokesperson, the EIB Group Chief Economist will contribute to strengthening the Group’s visibility with EU institutions, Member States, markets and stakeholders.

The Economics Department comprises a team of approximately 50 professionals. Its exact remit is currently under review and may therefore evolve over time, reflecting the Bank’s ongoing efforts to ensure that the function remains aligned with institutional priorities and strategic needs.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Economic leadership & analytical excellence

• Define and steer the EIB Group’s economic work programme, ensuring relevance to business priorities and EU policy objectives.
• Provide authoritative economic analysis on investments by the EIB Group.
• Ensure consistent, high-quality economic inputs into EIB Group strategic documents, flagship products and operational priorities.

High-level advisory support to senior leadership and operations

• Serve as a trusted adviser to senior management on economic developments, investment, policy priorities and implications for EIB Group activity.
• Provide analysis and briefings for senior leadership, including for high-level meetings and key decision points.
• Embed economic analysis into strategic choices, in close collaboration with Group Strategy and the Permanent Representation of the EIB Group to the EU in Brussels.

External representation

• Act as the EIB Group’s lead expert economic spokesperson, representing the EIB Group at conferences, policy dialogues, and high-level events.
• Develop and maintain a strong network with European institutions, the financial sector, think tanks, academia, International and multilateral institutions and relevant policy fora.
• Contribute to shaping EU policy debates with rigorous analysis and practical evidence, from the perspective of the EIB Group.

People leadership, talent development & organisational effectiveness

• Lead and develop a high-performing, diverse team of economists and other experts, fostering excellence, collaboration and professional growth.
• Promote a culture of impact, linking analytical work to operational relevance, strategic influence and communication effectiveness.
• Manage resources responsibly and ensure efficient delivery.
• Be a team player, keen to work across different functional areas, actively fostering cross-fertilisation and avoiding silo approaches.

Profile

• University degree (minimum an equivalent to a Master and ideally a PhD) preferably in economics or equivalent.
• Minimum 15 years of relevant professional experience, including leading economic departments in a government, international institution, multilateral development bank, public or private bank or investment company, research institute, or equivalent environment with ideally 10 years of managerial experience.
• Be a recognised thought leader with intellectual leadership, evidenced by a strong publication record and proven record of delivering policy-relevant analytical work with demonstrable impact on strategy, operations, or policy debates.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and coaching staff, ideally in multicultural environments or international organisations (e.g. contribution to: determining team resources and skills; establishing objectives; assessing performance; delegating and supervising tasks; guiding, motivating, coaching and providing feedback).
• Ability to reinforce the EIB Group analytical and publication framework, including strong leadership in change management and development of the function across institutional boundaries.
• Strong understanding of the EU policy ecosystem and the investment policy agenda; familiarity with investment banking is an advantage.
• Ability to communicate in a clear, impactful and inspiring manner as the face of the EIB Group on the European and global economic scene, and established credibility in external engagement, including with senior policymakers and stakeholders.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across the EIB group with multiple stakeholders (e.g., the EIB and EIF Boards, Management Committee, other departments and directorates), building internal relationships to align the activities of the Economics Department with the EIB Group strategic objectives and fostering cooperative and efficient decision-making.
• Outstanding leadership skills and demonstrated ability to think strategically, translate priorities into effective plans, champion innovation and change, and build/strengthen institutional capacity.
• Strong track record in organising, delegating, and managing staff, complemented by excellent interpersonal, negotiating, influencing, and communication skills.

Competencies

Find out more about EIB core behavioural skills and managerial competencies here.

To find out more about our eligibility criteria click here.

Terms of Appointment

The appointment is for a term of up to five years.

The successful candidate will be offered a definitive duration contract (CDD) of 5 years which may be renewed or converted in accordance with applicable policies and rules.

We hire and value talent with unique characteristics, creating a work environment where they can be themselves. We believe that Diversity, Equity and Inclusion makes us a performing and innovative organisation. We encourage all suitably qualified and eligible candidates to apply regardless of their gender identity/expression, age, racial, ethnic and cultural background, religion and beliefs, sexual orientation, disability or neurodiversity.

If you require reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process due to a disability, neurodivergence, or a chronic health condition, please contact the EIB Recruitment team [email protected] who will manage your request appropriately.

By applying for this position, you acknowledge the importance of maintaining the security and integrity of the Information of the EIB Group. In case of selection for the position you agree to comply with all measures (policies, controls, document classification and management) implemented by the EIB Group to prevent unauthorised disclosure of any information or any damage to the EIB Group reputation.

Role Location

This position is based at our Luxembourg headquarters and requires regular office presence. The EIB offers you the opportunity to live and work in a truly international and multi-cultural environment. We also offer relocation support.

How to Apply

Important: If you have already submitted an application for this position through the European Investment Bank (EIB) careers portal, please do not apply again via this advert. Your application has already been received and will be considered through the EIB's recruitment process. 

To apply for this position, please ensure you complete the Application Form provided below by 24 July 2026 (23:59 hrs, GMT +2). It is essential that you submit your CV in English, specifically in Microsoft Word format (.doc/.docx), not exceeding 10MB.

Applications in other languages or formats will not be considered.

Rest assured, all information will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

SRI Executive is exclusively retained by the European Investment Bank (EIB) to undertake this assignment.