Lead Economist

Labour Economics  |  Development Economics  |  Political Economy

360 Consulting is preparing a competitive bid for an applied economic research study examining the implications of evolving population movements between Lebanon and Syria for Lebanon’s economy. The study will explore changes in labour markets and production, consumer demand and local businesses, local services and public finances, and investment and economic adjustment. It combines secondary data analysis with key informant interviews, focus groups and sector deep-dives. We seek an experienced Lead Economist to join the proposed multidisciplinary research team, subject to successful contract award.

INDICATIVE SCOPE OF WORK

• Co-develop the analytical framework, research questions and feasible economic methodology, drawing on labour/development economics and political economy.
•  Lead the review and analysis of available labour-market, enterprise, demographic and macro-/subnational economic data (e.g. labour force surveys, VASyR, market monitoring data); assess data quality and analytical limitations.
• Examine potential effects on employment, wages, labour substitution, productivity, consumption, services, public expenditure and business/investment responses.
• Guide sector deep-dives (agriculture and construction expected) and geographic comparisons; lead key informant interviews (20+) and focus groups with employers, municipalities, ministries and communities; test alternative explanations and triangulate findings.
• Contribute to the inception report, research tools, presentation of emerging findings, country report and policy inputs; ensure quality assurance and collaborate closely with the Team Leader and field researchers.

REQUIRED PROFILE

• Advanced degree in economics, development economics, labour economics, political economy or a closely related field (PhD an advantage).
• At least 7 years of relevant applied economic research, preferably in Lebanon and/or the wider Levant, including leading mixed-methods studies.
• Strong experience analysing labour markets, enterprise dynamics, displacement/migration or economic recovery, including quantitative and mixed-methods research.
• Proven command of economic datasets and appropriate statistical/econometric methods, with sound judgement about causal inference and data constraints.
• Sound knowledge of Lebanon’s economy and labour market, including the regulatory framework for Syrian employment and informal labour; established networks with employers, municipalities and ministries.
• Excellent analytical writing in English with a record of policy-relevant publications; fluency in Arabic is required.
• Solid grasp of research ethics, data protection and conflict-sensitive practice. Experience with sub-national analysis, employer surveys or remote-sensing data is an asset.

Please submit (i) a current CV; (ii) a brief note on relevant experience and confirmed availability from mid-November 2026; (iii) up to two research publications or work samples; and (iv) an indicative daily rate.