Economist, Frontier Research

JOB PURPOSE

The Economist is responsible for evaluating the impact of emerging economic and non-economic policy issues affecting Arab economies, which include climate change, green finance, energy security, the digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), cybersecurity, and public e-services. The Economist advances a forward-looking research agenda, producing high-impact publications and data-driven insights to inform policymaking and collaborate with internal and external partners, leverage innovative tools such as AI and data analytics, and contribute to capacity-building activities. This role plays a key part in supporting member countries to address complex challenges and promote sustainable economic growth.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBLITIES

Key Accountabilities

• Conduct applied and exploratory research on frontier economic topics, integrating innovative methodologies, 
  artificial intelligence, and machine learning to analyze digital transformation, climate change, energy transition, and 
  inclusive growth. 
• Analyze economic, financial, and sectoral data using advanced tools to identify emerging trends, risks, and 
  opportunities, with a focus on digital economy solutions, energy security, and climate-related financial impacts. 
• Prepare research papers, analytical studies, and policy notes to inform strategic decision-making, publishing 
  findings in reputable outlets and developing thematic studies on pressing regional issues. 
• Develop evidence-based policy insights and recommendations on frontier areas such as AI governance, circular 
  carbon economy, and green finance, aligned with international best practices and regional priorities. 
• Assess the effectiveness of innovative policies and reform initiatives in areas like digital identification and energy 
  transition, identifying lessons learned and areas for enhancement. 
• Support the design and delivery of tailored technical assistance, capacity development programs, and thematic 
  trust funds related to frontier policy issues and digital economy initiatives. 
• Participate in and organize workshops, seminars, and field missions to provide expert research input, share 
  findings, and enhance the policy debate through collaborative dialogue. 
• Monitor project timelines and milestones for research and capacity-building initiatives, ensuring timely delivery of 
  outputs and alignment with operational needs.. 
• Ensure all activities, including resource allocation for urgent challenges, comply with AMF’s governance standards, 
  policies, and procedures. 
• Identify opportunities to improve research methodologies, knowledge management, and workflows by staying 
  abreast of the latest technological trends and best practices. 
• Contribute to the continuous enhancement of systems, tools, and training curriculums supporting research 
  productivity, institutional learning, and effective policy design. 
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with regulators, policymakers, and a network of experts to foster 
  cross-divisional collaboration and strategic partnerships. 
• Collaborate closely with internal departments and external partners to align frontier research and digital economy initiatives with AMF’s strategic objectives and capacity development priorities. 

JOB QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge and Experience:

• A minimum of 4 years of relevant experience for a PhD holder, or 5-6 years for a Master’s degree holder, in economic research, policy analysis, or financial sector development is required. This experience is preferably gained within international financial institutions, 
  central banks, Ministries of Economy or Finance, research centers, or think tanks. 
• A strong track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals, experience in delivering training courses and managing research projects, complemented by quantitative and analytical expertise—including proficiency in AI and data analytics tools (e.g., Python, 
  R)—and demonstrated exposure to innovation-related topics, policy research, or applied economic analysis is preferred. 

Education:

• Master’s degree in Economics (PhD is an advantage), Macroeconomics, Public Finance, Development Economics, or a related field.

Certifications:

• Additional certifications or training in financial innovation, digital finance, risk analysis, or policy design—such as Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR) by GARP, Certified Energy Manager (CEM) by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), or Data Science and Machine Learning Certifications by AWS—are an advantage. 

Competencies