Principal Economist

The role 

As a Principal Economist, you’ll play a leading role in building Alma’s capacity for delivering high-quality and impactful work.  

A key part of your responsibilities will include the direct management of a talented team of economists and other researchers. This involves overseeing their work, providing thought leadership and guidance, and supporting them to enhance and develop their professional skills.  

Along with your team, you’ll work across our diverse portfolio of projects, leading on the design and application of innovative analytical approaches and communicating sound recommendations on some of the most important issues affecting our society.  

You’ll also identify business development and marketing opportunities and lead on the preparation of bid materials and business proposals to help grow our company’s capabilities, build client relationships, and expand our business.  

Who we want to work with 

You are an experienced leader and enjoy working with others. You take active steps to develop, support and inspire your colleagues.  

Your technical economics abilities are exceptional. You can explain complex ideas clearly. 

You have strong project and stakeholder management skills.  

You always operate with integrity.  

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Manage a team of senior economists and researchers 

  • Oversee and manage a portfolio of projects, ensuring all deliverables meet or exceed company standards 

  • Formulate strategies with senior staff for project delivery, business development and resource allocation  

  • Develop research techniques and methodologies  

  • Actively pursue new business opportunities and help shape the company’s strategic direction 

  • Serve as primary contact to stakeholders and clients 

  • Provide thought leadership and direction to colleagues 

  • Foster teamwork and lead staff development 

  • Reinforce company culture and values 

Requirements: 

  • University-level degree in Economics, Econometrics or a related discipline (MSc or PhD would be a significant advantage, though not necessary; candidates’ economics knowledge and ability to do applied work will be tested during the interview process) 

  • Experience in leadership positions in government, academia, consulting, or the voluntary sector  

  • Experience in one or more of the key policy areas we cover 

Working arrangements

Alma Economics is a friendly and informal place, and our offices are designed for both work and play. We enjoy working from the office as we foster a strong culture within modern and fun spaces, allowing for casual catch ups, mentoring, brainstorming and teambuilding.

We do not have a one-size-fits-all WfH policy. Most staff members work from home for one or two days during a typical week, while it is also possible to arrange to WfH for more extended periods (e.g., 2-4 weeks) to visit family or travel.

While most staff work 5-day weeks, for most full-time positions we also offer the option of a 4-day working week, either from day one or as an arrangement employees can transition into later in their Alma career.

Our offices are disabled-accessible, and we are committed to providing all necessary support to colleagues that require it, but we are also happy to consider remote working arrangements for applicants with disabilities or health conditions that prevent them from working on-site.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and ensure that no one receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or physical condition, marital status, race, or religion.

Check out more employment opportunities at Alma Economics and our tips for applicants here: www.almaeconomics.com/tips-for-applicants