Job descriptions

Econometrist-statistician

What do econometrist-statisticians do?
Econometrist-statisticians are experts in the science of economics who apply mathematical and statistical methods to economic data. Their aim is to provide their employers with reliable quantified elements upon which to base decisions that will impact market choices or inward investment, for example, or the design of economic policies.
They use mathematics and statistics to simulate processes, create modelling tools, predict, identify and plan trends and future fluctuations with a view to implementing economic and financial applications in both national and international settings.

What types of organisation might recruit an econometrist-statistician?
Consulting firms, research centres (such as INRA and CNRS in France), statistics institutes (such as INSEE in France), major companies, national public bodies (research or statistics institutes, public investment banks, and ministries) and international bodies (the UN, the World Bank, the OECD, the Central European Bank, the European Commission, etc.). Private sector: banking, insurance, health, social enterprises etc.

What skills are required?
Econometrist-statisticians have high-level scientific skills. They are experts in mathematics and statistics, have a sound foundation in economics, and cutting-edge knowledge of the sector in which they work. They are meticulous, love figures and have great oral and written communication skills, listening skills, and the ability to explain complex issues. They are curious, intuitive and highly persuasive.

How much does an econometrist-statistician earn?
Between €1,800 and €2,500 a month (starting salary).

Public policy officer

What do public policy officers do?
Working in government ministries and administrations, and consulting with a wide range of interlocutors and institutions (ministers, members of parliament, professional organisations, local authority representatives, etc.), they help draft public policies and coordinate government action in conjunction with local and regional authorities.
They design the guidelines and strategic objectives of government programmes. They define the aims and means of government programmes and negotiate their funding. They adapt such programmes to the various sub-national levels and liaise with public agencies. They monitor and evaluate the implementation and application of government decisions (through surveys, audits and working groups). They assess outcomes and propose corrective measures and areas for improvement. They coordinate the different departments within a ministry or administration and allocate tasks between the various heads of department.

What types of organisations or sectors might recruit a public policy officer?
Government departments and administrations.
In France, civil service positions are accessed either through competitive entrance exams, with a master’s degree being a requirement, or without a competitive exam, on a contractual basis.

What skills are required?
Public policy officers have skills in conflict prevention and management, constitutional law, administrative law, public finance, office software, employment legislation, communication, project management, and budget management, and are able to manage a team. Their specific areas of expertise include national administration/government, external policy, public policies, national defence, economic development, and regional planning.

How much does a public policy officer earn?
Between €1,800 and €2,500 a month (starting salary).

Market analyst

What do market analysts do?
Market analysts collect, analyse and process data (using databases, statistics software and strategic monitoring tools) to enable companies to plan their sales strategies and conduct successful marketing campaigns. They collect statistical data and analyse sector-related research to identify market trends and new sales targets. They monitor competitors’ activity and strategies to produce benchmarks for the sector. They draft reports and write presentations. They are tasked with providing information and data that companies can use to draft effective strategic plans.

What types of organisation might recruit a market analyst?
Consulting firms, the marketing departments of medium-sized and large firms in the industrial or service sector.

What skills are required?
Market analysts master techniques around data collection and research methods (questionnaires and surveys), database creation and statistical analysis. They are able to use statistics software, as well as tools for analysing and presenting data and information. They have analytical and strategic planning skills, are able to work to targets and work in a team. They have excellent communication and organisational skills and adopt a proactive approach to problem-solving.

How much does a market analyst earn?
€2,500 a month (starting salary).

Financial analyst

What do financial analysts do?
Financial analysts monitor the health and growth of listed companies with a view to advising traders, portfolio managers and financial product developers. They analyse annual company reports and financial statements and study the specialised press. Then they compare the information gathered on these companies with their share price on the stock exchange. They write summary reports and make recommendations regarding the sale or purchase of shares. They forecast company results.

What types of organisations or sectors might recruit a financial analyst?
Banks, financial institutions, investment companies, insurance companies, major industrial and service sector firms.

What skills are required?
Financial analysts have advanced analytical and summarisation skills. They are able to identify key information and consequences to provide appropriate advice. They have a sound knowledge of finance and can read and understand financial statements, balance sheets, financial and accounting documents. They have an awareness of accounting standards and corporate legal issues and a sound foundation in economics with cutting-edge knowledge of the sector in which they are specialised. They are able to forecast developments in the market in which they work and can take on a heavy workload and work well under pressure. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential.

How much does a financial analyst earn?
€2,500 a month (starting salary).

Economic developer

What do economic developers do?
Economic developers encourage the creation of new economic activities in an urban or rural area. After carrying out a SWOT analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the local economy, they develop a strategy and create partnerships. Economic developers encourage inward investment and strive to boost local small businesses and commerce. Their aim is to support any economic activity that creates jobs. They know the local businesses, elected officials and administrative procedures and have specialist knowledge and skills in management, law and territorial marketing. Good negotiating skills are necessary when engaging with political stakeholders. They also manage teams and lead projects.

What types of organisation might recruit an economic developer?
Local or regional authorities, government bodies or agencies, economic development agencies, consulting firms, organisations, public bodies to promote co-operation between municipalities, town councils, industry or employer organisations and chambers of commerce. In France, civil service positions are accessed either through a competitive entrance exam, with a master’s degree being a requirement, or on a contractual basis.

What skills are required?
Economic developers have the ability to analyse the economic environment and labour market, gather and provide information on services for businesses, conduct needs analyses for businesses, produce detailed arguments enabling decision-makers to make choices, and warn about risks. They provide advice to start-ups and help them define their projects. They are able to communicate on the characteristics of the area and the various aids for businesses and can foster partnerships with local stakeholders. A sound knowledge of the functioning of local and regional authorities, businesses, and economic and technological institutions is also required, as are project management and negotiating skills.

How much does an economic developer earn?
Between €1,700 and €1,900 a month (starting salary).

Local and regional authority officer

What do local and regional authority officers do?
Local and regional authority officers play a managerial role in local or regional authorities (town, city, district or region). They help to draft, implement, assess, update and promote public policies in areas such as education, culture, social services, economic development and planning. They participate in strategic and organisational decision-making regarding aspects such as the budget and human resources. They spend a lot of time out of the office, meeting with local partners.

What types of organisation might recruit a local or regional authority officer?
Local and regional authorities, town, city and district councils, local planning agencies and other local and regional public bodies. In France, civil service positions are accessed either through a competitive entrance exam, with a master’s degree being a requirement, or on a contractual basis.

What skills are required?
Local and regional authority officers have budget and HR management skills, the ability to represent the authority, and analytical, decision-making and management skills.

How much does a local or regional authority officer earn?
€2,160 a month (starting salary).

Innovation project manager

What do innovation project managers do?
The main role of an innovation project manager is to invent new products that meet consumers’ needs. This is an essential role within a business, since successful projects will increase the company’s profitability. Innovation project managers are constantly monitoring new technologies, collecting a maximum amount of information from the media and attending conferences and seminars. They are involved in all stages of a project. They seek solutions to any technical problems that may arise. They establish the timeline and funding required for projects. To carry out their role successfully, they need to be tenacious and determined.

What types of organisations or sectors might recruit an innovation project manager?
Businesses, local and regional authorities and professional organisations in a variety of sectors including IT and digital, HR, the environment, mobility, health, urban planning, banking and insurance.

What skills are required?
Project management and knowledge management skills are key competences for a good innovation project manager. They also have a detailed knowledge of data protection and intellectual property provisions and the ability to produce original ideas, and show curiosity and ingenuity. They have a keen interest in new technologies, are open-minded and are able to argue a point convincingly. They are rigorous in their analyses and decision-making and are tenacious by nature.

How much does an innovation project manager earn?
€2,900 a month (starting salary).

Business intelligence consultant

What do business intelligence consultants do?
Business intelligence consultants are experts in the optimisation of data collection procedures and decisional support systems. Their role is to analyse how collected data is used and to assess whether the company is using the data optimally. They produce illustrated reports showing how the company can better respond to its customers’ needs. They design databases in line with decisions taken regarding the company’s strategy.

What types of organisation might recruit a business intelligence consultant?
Large companies, SMEs, and consulting firms. Business intelligence consultants can also operate on a freelance basis.

What skills are required?
Business intelligence consultants require an excellent knowledge of SQL, databases and internet technologies. They have strong analytical skills and pay meticulous attention to detail so as to be able to instantly spot errors in the way data is being used. They have effective diagnostic skills and can work independently, with an innovative mindset. They have the ability to produce innovative ideas and are able to argue a point convincingly. They have the skills required to give expert advice.

How much does a business intelligence consultant earn?
€2,500 a month (starting salary).

Data scientist

What do data scientists do?
Data scientists are experts in extrapolating and applying data. They collect and analyse data to propose solutions that present the greatest opportunities for the company or organisation. They translate business issues into mathematical and statistical problems and produce reports upon which management can base their decisions to improve the company’s or organisation’s performance and strategies.

What types of organisation might recruit a data scientist?
Large public and private companies and organisations in a variety of sectors including banking, insurance, e-commerce and the automotive industry. For example Safran, Servier, BPI France, Accenture France, Orange, Siderlog, Expleo, Airbnb, AXA, BNP, Dailymotion. Consulting firms.

What skills are required?
Data analysts must have sound IT and programming skills and a knowledge of statistical techniques and methods, machine learning, data mining, data typology and life cycles, and data visualisation tools and techniques. A good knowledge of economics, business organisation and project management tools is essential, as well as expert knowledge of the sector in which they are working (marketing, finance, etc.).

How much does a data scientist earn?
€3,500 a month (starting salary).