Executive Director - Energy Macro & Microeconomics

JOB DESCRIPTION 

The Energy Macro & Microeconomics Program analyzes the interactions between energy and economic policies in the context of the global and domestic energy transitions. The Program’s projects tackle policy questions using innovative methods and rigorous economic reasoning, focusing on the Saudi and global economies.

The successful candidate will manage a team of 15 experts specialized in energy economics, applied macroeconomics, and economic modeling, who are engaged in both research and advisory projects. He/She will provide thought leadership and supervision to ensure that research projects result in high-quality and actionable policy options. Ideally, he/she will be a subject-matter expert in both energy economics and macroeconomics, and knowledgeable in topics such as macro-econometric or general equilibrium modeling. He/She will be a member of the Knowledge and Analysis Leadership Team and will contribute to setting a tone of collegiality, intellectual risk-taking, and institutional collaboration.

Responsibilities:

• Define strategic research directions for the Energy Macro & Microeconomics Program
• Propose and design research projects for the Program
• Identify relevant research questions and appropriate methodologies
• Provide thought leadership, guidance, and supervision to ensure that projects result in quality, actionable policy options
• Manage and develop a team of around fifteen experts
• Ensure the impactful dissemination of the Program’s research insights through the relevant channels, including journal publications
• Contribute directly to research projects and serve as a subject matter expert for KAPSARC’s advisory function
• Produce impactful evidence-based policy papers
• Deliver presentations at conferences and workshops
• Monitor the Program’s budget
• Maximize the team’s output and allocate resources to fulfill research and advisory objectives

Competencies:

• Thorough knowledge in energy economics and macroeconomics
• Understanding of economic modeling
• Strong research skills
• Solid leadership and management skills
• Ability to develop and mentor junior staff
• Ability to draft and publish analytical and evidence-based policy-relevant papers
• Ability to address both technical and non-technical audiences
• Good communication skills and an enthusiastic team player

Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in economics, operations research, public policy, or a related field. 
• A minimum of 15 years of experience working on economic and policy analysis
• A track record of academic and professional publications in topics relevant to the Program
• Experience in team management and mentoring
• Excellent command of the English language