Principal Economist

Job Description

Objective:

• Provide domain expertise in official statistics, economic indicators, and statistical methodologies.
• Ensure the platform's data model, indicators, and reporting are aligned with UAE's national statistical priorities and international standards (e.g., UN SDGs, IMF SDDS, OECD, UNSD).
• Support scenario modelling, economic forecasting, and policy-relevant analytics.
• Embed quality assurance and validation frameworks into the platform's design.

Scope of Work:

• Define methodologies for calculating and maintaining key economic and social indicators.
• Advise on adoption of international statistical classifications (e.g., ISIC, HS, CPC).
• Ensure compliance with SDMX, DDI, and other statistical data exchange standards.

• Develop validation rules, sampling approaches, and outlier detection methods.
• Establish quality scoring metrics for datasets.
• Create documentation for statistical and economic methodologies.

• Support the design of forecasting models, trend analysis, and scenario simulations.
• Provide input on analytical dashboards, economic impact reports, and visualisation approaches.

• Participate in governance meetings (as part of Strategic or Operational Committees).
• Conduct training sessions for clients on statistical/economic analysis.
• Advise on sustainability of statistical processes post-project.

• Statistical & Economic Methodology Document (aligned to UAE and international standards).
• Data Validation & Quality Assurance Framework.
• Indicator Catalogue & Calculation Specifications.
• Economic Forecasting & Modelling Guidelines.
• Training Materials and Capacity Building Sessions.
• Quarterly Expert Review Reports on project outputs.

• At least 10 years experience in economic/statistical analysis at national or international level.
• Proven expertise in official statistics production and policy-relevant economic modelling.
• Familiarity with UAE data governance frameworks and regional economic context.
• Experience with international statistical standards (SDMX, DDI, ISO data formats).
• Strong communication skills and experience engaging with senior government stakeholders.