Senior Specialist – Economic Analysis, Feasibility and Forecasting

The Senior Specialist provides high-quality economic analysis, feasibility assessments, and forecasting to support evidence-based decision-making at senior leadership level. The role has two connected parts. The first is fast-turnaround analytical support on urgent priorities and emerging issues. The second is forward-looking work, including economic forecasting, scenario planning, and horizon scanning, that helps leadership anticipate risks and opportunities rather than react to them. The Senior Specialist turns complex data and analysis into clear, practical recommendations for decisionmakers.

Key Responsibilities

Analytical and Decision Support

• Conduct in-depth analyses on priority topics, identifying the root causes of issues and obstacles and recommending practical solutions.

• Respond to urgent analytical requests with fast turnaround while maintaining high quality and accuracy.

• Prepare policy briefs, decision memos, and executive summaries that present findings and options clearly to senior leadership.

• Provide data-driven insights to support the prioritization and design of strategic initiatives.

Feasibility and Viability Assessment

• Conduct feasibility and viability studies for proposed projects, programs, and initiatives, covering economic, financial, operational, and risk dimensions.

• Carry out cost-benefit analysis, economic impact assessments, and return-on-investment analysis.

• Assess the long-term sustainability of initiatives and identify the conditions needed for their success.

• Review feasibility studies and proposals prepared by third parties and provide independent assessments.

Economic Forecasting and Strategic Foresight

• Develop and maintain economic forecasts and projections using sound modeling and econometric methods.

• Conduct horizon scanning to identify emerging trends, weak signals, and potential disruptions across economic, social, technological, environmental, and regulatory areas.

• Build and test future scenarios and stress-test strategic plans and assumptions against them.

• Identify emerging risks and opportunities and report on them regularly with clear recommendations.

• Apply internationally recognized forecasting and foresight standards and good practice.

Data, Research and Quality

• Collect, clean, and analyze quantitative and qualitative data from official statistics, research institutions, and other credible sources.

• Build and maintain analytical models, dashboards, and data tools that support repeatable analysis.

• Make sure all outputs are accurate, well documented, and based on transparent methods and assumptions.

Stakeholder Engagement and Knowledge Sharing

• Work with internal teams, subject matter experts, consultants, and external partners on joint analytical work.

• Facilitate workshops on scenario development, risk assessment, and strategic planning.

• Present findings to senior leadership and non-technical audiences in a clear and engaging way.

• Support knowledge transfer from external experts and partners, and mentor junior analysts.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree in economics, Public Policy, Finance, Data Science, Business Analytics, or a related field is preferred; a Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in economic analysis, forecasting, feasibility studies, strategic analysis, management consulting, or policy research.

• Proven track record of producing time-sensitive, high-quality analysis that informed senior decision-making.

• Experience with feasibility studies, cost-benefit analysis, and economic impact assessment.

• Experience with scenario planning, horizon scanning, or strategic foresight is a strong advantage.

Skills and Competencies

• Fluency in Kurdish and Arabic, written and spoken, is required; strong English is highly preferred.

• Strong quantitative skills, including economic modeling, forecasting, and statistical analysis.

• Proficiency in Excel and at least one analytical or statistical tool, such as R, Python, Stata, EViews, or Power BI.

• Excellent analytical thinking, with the ability to turn complex information into clear recommendations under time pressure.

• Excellent report writing and presentation skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Strong stakeholder management skills, including working with senior leaders and external partners.

• Ability to manage several priorities at once and work well in a fast-paced environment.

• Integrity, sound judgment, and discretion in handling confidential information.