Introduction

The Economist Group is the leading source of analysis on international business and world affairs. We deliver our information through a range of formats, from newspapers and magazines to conferences and electronic services. What ties us together is the objectivity of our opinion, the originality of our insight and our advocacy of economic and political freedom around the world.

The Economist Group\xe2\x80\x99s Public Policy and Thought Leadership division specialises in delivering bespoke research, thought leadership and consulting that leverage both The Economist and The Economist Intelligence Unit\xe2\x80\x99s expertise and reach. We deliver research and engagement programmes that use evidence and data to drive change on the critical economic and public policy issues facing our world. Our clients include government bodies, international organisations and corporations, and we provide evidence, insights and advice to shape their policies and programmes.

The Client Solutions division is looking for a Dubai-based Manager to oversee sponsored research projects, ensuring the highest standards of research and editorial quality and client service throughout.

You will have a strong commercial aptitude, with the ability to delight clients and deepen client relationships. You will focus on new trends and emerging issues that the EIU can provide analytic insight on topics including sustainability, technology and finance, and you will work with the Sales team to convert that into new clients and programmes. This is a key client-facing role on an entrepreneurial, high-growth, global team. You will have a keen interest in global public policy issues and a natural intellectual curiosity.

Accountabilities

How you will contribute:

Project execution

• Develop quantitative and qualitative methodologies and research techniques appropriate to ensure client goals are met.
• Acts as project leader for multiple client engagements simultaneously.
• Responsible for final results, quality of the project and overall client satisfaction.
• Effectively manages project team members, including performance management.
• Present interim project and final project deliverables to clients.

Business development

• Serve as a consultant and commercial liaison, working to deepen client relationships, and collaborate closely with representatives of other Economist Group businesses in EMEA.
• Serve as a client contact for key regional accounts \xe2\x80\x93 use influence and position to renew and grow these accounts, deepening the relationships with these clients; build and maintain relationships with key clients to ensure business is renewed and expanded. Responsible for the business development process from initial outreach to contract drafting, and contributing to team revenue targets.
• Actively support regional business development activities through the generation of compelling proposals for new business development.

Capacity building

• Coach, train and mentor other team members in matters of career and personal development.
• Develop methods and approaches for research/services that will help to scale up the EIU Public Policy and Thought Leadership business and to ensure consistent quality of output.
• Work with other parts of the Economist Intelligence Unit, including Media Businesses, to secure valuable input to Public Policy and Thought Leadership projects.

Management

• Manage regional Senior Analysts and Analysts, including planning and overseeing the project resourcing and career development of team member(s);
• Support Regional Director & Team Lead(s) in regional resource (staff) assignments for both business development and project delivery.

Experience, skills and professional attributes

The desirable skills for this role include:

• Five years or more of consulting experience with at least one year in a Managerial position
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated ability to translate complex research and analysis into clear and jargon-free prose highlighting key findings and policy analysis
• Strong data and policy analysis skills with experience with an emphasis on quantitative research methodologies; ability resolve complex and unfamiliar problems in a timely manner
• Client management experience; comfortable with client interaction and interest in building relationships
• Strong interpersonal skills to create easy working relationships with clients, partners and the internal team
• Proven ability to motivate and lead project teams and meet deadlines under pressure
• Ability to develop business from new and / or existing client accounts
• Energy and desire to grow as part of a highly entrepreneurial team

What we offer

• A highly collaborative and entrepreneurial organization with the ability to make an impact on day one
• Engagement with complex and stimulating projects and various technical/service areas across our different offices and regions, and across a diverse client mix
• A talented, diverse, and passionate team that we are proud to call friends
• Hands-on mentorship from senior leaders in the organization
• Diverse knowledge base and client networks to explore and engage as you build your platform

The Economist Group