Senior Economist, Knowledge and Innovation will play a key role in delivering the organization’s innovation strategy through fostering a culture of innovation across departments. The selected candidate will act as a catalyst and advisor to promote innovative thinking, identify opportunities for process improvement, and design mechanisms that enable staff and management to co-create and pilot innovative Proof of Concepts and solutions aligned with the institution’s strategic objectives. The position requires close collaboration with departments, senior management, and external partners to ensure that innovation becomes an embedded, sustainable, and measurable part of the organization’s DNA.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the implementation of the institution’s innovation strategy, ensuring alignment with core priorities and strategic vision.
- Support senior management and thematic teams in integrating innovation considerations into policies, programs, and operations.
- Design, coordinate, and monitor innovation initiatives, pilot projects, and proof-of-concept activities across departments.
- Advise teams on innovation methodologies such as design thinking, agile experimentation, and data-driven innovation.
- Develop and manage innovation toolkits, frameworks, and training materials to strengthen internal capacities.
- Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration and knowledge exchange to promote an innovation-oriented culture.
- Identify and assess emerging technologies, processes, and partnerships that enhance institutional efficiency and impact.
- Liaise with external innovation ecosystems including international organizations, research centers, universities, and private-sector partners to benchmark and share best practices.
- Support innovation governance structures and monitor KPIs related to innovation performance and impact.
- Build reporting mechanisms to track innovation outcomes and institutional progress.
- Prepare analytical reports, presentations, and communication materials to highlight innovation impact, outcomes, and lessons learned.
- Engage with country authorities and promote cross-country knowledge exchange and peer learning initiatives.
- Demonstrate strong strategic and analytical thinking with the ability to translate ideas into actionable plans.
- Apply excellent facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills across diverse technical and cultural environments.
- Deliver strong written and verbal communication and presentation outputs.
- Contribute creative problem-solving approaches with sound judgment and pragmatism.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines effectively.
- Work collaboratively with a high degree of adaptability and team spirit.
- Demonstrate proficiency in Arabic and English (required); knowledge of French is an asset.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in innovation strategy, organizational transformation, or related fields.
- Experience within international organizations, governmental entities, or large institutional environments is preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in Innovation, Change Management, or a related field.
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in:
- Innovation Management
- Public Policy
- Business Administration
- Technology Management
- or a related discipline.