Junior Economist – IM Research

The Junior Economist position offers an exciting opportunity for a motivated professional to make impact through collaborative investment research on economics and financial markets. In this role, you will be a key player in contributing to our internal center of expertise on these crucial topics, ensuring the delivery of meaningful and actionable research results and insights that inform the investment strategies of PGGM and PFZW.

You will join a dynamic and diverse team of young professionals and experienced researchers who are dedicated to exploring and implementing a variety of topics. We believe in the power of diverse perspectives and welcome your unique insights and contributions.

Your responsibilities will include working on multiple projects simultaneously, such as:

• Monitoring market practices, trends and best practices within the field of economic and financial markets, performing continuous peer analysis, and contributing to periodic reporting regarding the global economy and financial markets.
• Conducting ad hoc research to address inquiries related to economic and financial markets for the research agenda, and developing answers on ad hoc research questions, e.g., on topical issues related to GDP growth, inflation, geopolitics and country risk, and translating market trends into potential impact on pension fund investment portfolios.
• Engaging with external stakeholders, including academia, international organizations, and industry peers, to enhance our research ecosystem. You will have the opportunity to create and participate in peer networks and relevant initiatives to promote collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
• Assisting the Senior Economic & Financial Market Researchers in conducting recurrent analyses on macroeconomics and financial markets. For example, by collaborating with various teams (such as the Investment Strategy team) to create base case scenarios, including long-term interest rates, GDP growth, inflation rates, and climate scenarios, in order to support investment strategies and decision-making.

The Research department is a newly established department dedicated to exploring innovative developments regarding risks, returns, and sustainability in the investment domain. This includes investigating macro economy, financial markets, geopolitical developments and sustainable transitions to support the strategic 3D objectives of PGGM and PFZW. The department aims to create a comprehensive research ecosystem, from an external perspective and share insights primarily internally and occasionally externally. The team currently consists of 12 members, who will collaborate across PGGM’s Investment Management domain on various interdisciplinary topics.

The main activities of the department include:

Building a strong internal and external research ecosystem with effective stakeholder management

• Defining the research agenda to address both explorative and ad hoc research requests
• Conducting actionable research that aligns with the research agenda
• Performing recurring research, both forward-looking and retrospective, incorporating 3D thinking throughout

For this challenging role, we are looking for a candidate who identifies with the following attributes and qualifications:

• WO master’s degree, ideally in economics, finance, or a related field, with a solid foundation in financial markets
• Knowledge and interest in macroeconomic trends, financial markets, sustainable trends and their implications for investment strategies
• <3 years research experience in economic research, financial analysis, or a related field, assessing complex research findings and translating them into outcome
• Analytical skills, both qualitative and quantitative, with a goal-oriented mindset , quick learner (data science/programming is a plus)
• Proactive and collaborative mindset, attention to detail, ability to build coalitions and cooperate with internal teams, external stakeholders, academia, and peers
• Supportive attitude, enjoys helping others solve problems
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and in writing, with an open-minded and reflective approach to foster collaboration and convey information effectively
• Fluency in spoken and written English, Dutch is a plus
• Relevant work experience in economics, financial analysis, or a related field, demonstrating interest in sustainability in investments is preferred

At PGGM, we are proud of our core values: trust, teamwork, and innovation. These values grew out of the best stories from our colleagues—moments when they were at their best. We believe those moments arise when you can be 100% yourself. At PGGM, we value the unique combination of your personal and professional qualities. Because what truly matters at PGGM is people, one hundred percent! At PGGM, you can count on:

• A pleasant workplace at our office in Zeist, and from the end of 2027, in the heart of Utrecht.
• A gross monthly salary, in scale 15, between €5.221,- and €7.458,- based on 36 hours, depending on your knowledge and experience.
• A thirteenth month’s salary.
• A solid pension plan as a participant in the PFZW pension fund (71% paid by PGGM, 29% by the employee).
• An annual Fit for the Future budget of €300 net, which you can use to improve your mental, physical, or financial fitness.
• A generous training budget for internal and external courses or education.
• More than 27 vacation days (employees can choose to exchange up to two national Christian holidays for days that are important to them).
• Flexibility in working hours and remote working opportunities.
• A net internet allowance of €45 per month (€540 per year).
• Group discounts on supplementary health insurance (21% in 2024) and dental insurance (15% in 2024).
• A remote working policy with reimbursement of up to €900 including VAT to set up an ergonomically sound home office.
• More information about our employment conditions and salary scales can be found in onze CAO.

Junior Economist:

Do you, as Junior Economist, want to share responsibility with us for providing a good pension for more than 5.6 million participants? Then apply for this vacancy.

Do you have questions? Please contact recruiter Dennis Derks at dennis.derkss@pggm.nl.

Information about the application procedure can be found on our website.

PGGM and hybrid working

At PGGM, we have created a hybrid work environment that allows us to combine flexibility and collaboration. Our employees have the opportunity to work both at the office and remotely, depending on their personal preferences and the nature of their work. By offering hybrid working, we want to give our employees the freedom to develop their own working style while at the same time preserving the benefits of a shared workplace.

Application process

Once we receive your application, we will go through several steps to see whether you are a good fit for us and we for you. In the recruitment and selection procedure for new employees, PGGM collects and processes personal data. PGGM considers it important that this is done carefully, confidentially, transparently, and in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and related legislation. You can read in this document what happens to your personal data.

For intermediaries

We are aware that many parties are eager to help us search or offer their services for this vacancy, but at PGGM we handle our recruitment ourselves. We therefore do not appreciate acquisition for recruitment & selection assignments or unsolicited offers of CVs, and we will not process them. If we decide to seek external support, we will reach out to you.