We are seeking motivated and capable Project Researcher to carry out economic policy research with the Socioeconomics and Statistics Programme. The Project Researcher should have an interest in Penang’s economic development as well as state, regional, and national policy analyses. The candidate should be outcome-oriented with excellent communication skills and motivation to learn new things. They should be able to work in a highly interactive and multidisciplinary team environment.
Responsibilities:
● Independently conduct research, including desk research, research design, research methodology, data analysis, and research deliverables
● Contribute policy analysis for economic development issues, including reporting, mentoring junior staff for assistance in research, participating in meetings and conferences in Penang and outside Penang
● Perform industry analysis periodically and stay up-to-date with industry knowledge
● Prepare written pieces in the form of policy briefs, reports, and presentations
● Contribute written pieces to Penang Monthly and Penang Monthly Statistics, especially in areas of the related expertise
● Take a leading role in undertaking issues-focused research assignments with minimal supervision
● Manage research projects by working closely with research partners, if any, including research framing, setting agendas, progress updates, and project outcomes
● Work well under pressure with discretion and mature judgment and meet multiple deadlines in a fast-paced work environment when necessary
● Work closely with government offices and agencies, industry associations, companies, education institutions, and civil society organizations to achieve the research goals and requirements
● Attend seminars and high-level meetings as necessary and requested
● Organize, coordinate, and facilitate meetings, conferences, and stakeholder engagements with local and international partners and policymakers
Qualifications and Experience:
● Master’s in Economics (preferably PhD) with a minimum CGPA of 3.5. Expertise in international economics, economic development, industrial organization, agriculture and environmental economics, or energy economics is required.
● A minimum of five years of relevant experience in public policy and economic research is required.
● Ability and interest in conducting empirical research, including qualitative and quantitative analytics, are strongly preferred.
● Proven record of publishing that demonstrates in-depth research, rigorous analysis, recognised excellence in the field, and policy relevance
● Good knowledge of developing and using statistical and mathematical tools to analyse economic issues and policy questions
● Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Bilingual or multilingual proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia and English is a plus.
● Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
● Able to work well independently and in a team setting that fosters a collaborative work culture
● Able to take ad-hoc tasks and meet multiple deadlines by independently adjusting them according to priorities
● Able to engage and interact diplomatically and professionally with project clients, research partners, and policymakers
● Proficiency in using statistical tools such as R will be an added advantage.
Job type: Full-time and contract
Please send in your application to application@penanginstitute.org. Kindly attach your Cover Letter, CV, and a research proposal of not more than two pages to process your application. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.