Executive Director - Transportation & Infrastructure

JOB DESCRIPTION 

The Program Director manages the Transport & Infrastructure Department within the Knowledge & Analysis division. The role combines thought leadership in research activities with senior management responsibilities. The Program Director leads a team of approximately 10 researchers and experts, primarily in the field of transportation economics, modeling, and policy. Research topics cover land, shipping, and maritime passenger and freight transportation in Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world. A significant portion of the research focuses on how demand for transportation services, transport policies, and infrastructure affect energy consumption in the Kingdom. The Transport & Infrastructure Department’s staff is also involved in advisory projects for external entities.

We are looking for:
•    Strategic thinker and researcher with expertise in transportation economics, policy, and modeling.
•    Management experience demonstrating the ability to lead a team of more than 10 experts.
•    Strong writing and communication skills.
•    Active participation in the energy and transportation policy community.

Responsibilities:

•    Management of progress and planning for the department’s research portfolio.
•    Identify relevant research questions and appropriate methodologies.
•    Work with senior research leadership to meet the organization’s expectations.
•    Design the department’s research strategy in coordination with the VP of Knowledge & Analysis.
•    Provide thought leadership and supervision to ensure the success and impact of research projects.
•    Contribute to ongoing projects.
•    Administer the department.
•    Assess experts’ annual performance.
•    Establish a training plan for the department’s staff.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in transportation economics, energy economics, or a related field (a master’s degree is also acceptable, provided that empirical research experience is sufficient to satisfy the aforementioned requirements).

• Experience in transportation research or consulting in Saudi Arabia is a plus.

• Minimum of 12 years of experience in the development of quantitative models, data analysis techniques, economic analysis, and/or other quantitative policy analysis specific to the transportation and energy sector.
• Solid track record of research publications in the field of transportation economics and policy.
• Strong experience working in evidence-based public policymaking.