Director - Research and Publications

Central Bank of The UAE; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 750,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) invites applications for a leadership role in the Research and Economic Analysis Department to advance the bank’s research agenda and provide rigorous, data-driven analysis to support senior management.

The role leads forecasting frameworks, high-frequency monitoring, and macroeconomic studies of the UAE and global economy, mentoring economists and delivering policy papers and flagship publications.

Qualifications

• PhD in macroeconomics, monetary economics, financial economics or a related field.
• 12+ years of relevant professional experience in a central bank, ministry of finance, international financial institution, or similar function.
• Strong publication record in peer‑reviewed economics and finance journals.
• Demonstrated proficiency in quantitative modelling and econometrics to support analysis and policy recommendations.
• Strong expertise in statistical software packages (e.g., Python, R, Stata, Matlab).
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Carry out research that informs CBUAE economic policy and publications of international standard.
• Contribute to policy issues by providing analysis, programme design, and capacity development.
• Examine macro-financial linkages and provide information to the Chief Economist and READ.
• Contribute to developing and implementing CBUAE’s research strategy with rigorous, impactful programmes.
• Mentor direct reports to build robust analysis and modelling capabilities.
• Support policy development with rigorous research aligned to evolving economic thinking.
• Use econometric techniques to analyse and forecast indicators and develop policy guidance.
• Lead a team to forecast UAE GDP, trade, and inflation using robust methodologies.
• Produce analyses of international trade and finance with UAE implications.
• Coordinate with external institutions to collect data for five-year forecasts.
• Build collaborations across CBUAE and GCC to address regional economic challenges.
• Prepare briefings and speeches for external functions and events.
• Maintain knowledge of best practices in economics and research to meet objectives.

Skills

Econometrics

Quantitative modelling

Python

R

Stata

Matlab

Communication

Education

PhD in macroeconomics or related field

Tools

Python

R

Stata

Matlab

Job description

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) is the supervisory and regulatory authority of the banking and insurance sector in the United Arab Emirates. The CBUAE is responsible for promoting monetary and financial stability and protecting consumers through effective supervision of licensed financial institutions, prudent management of reserves, robust financial infrastructure, and the adoption of digital technologies.

The Central Bank of the UAE is seeking to hire an individual who will be responsible for supporting the Chief Economist and Head of the Research and Economic Analysis Department (READ), in leading the CBUAE’s research agenda, providing rigorous, data-driven analysis to support strategic decisions of senior management. The role oversees forecasting frameworks, high-frequency monitoring, and structural studies on the UAE and global economy, while managing and mentoring a team of economists to deliver high-quality policy papers, briefing notes, and flagship publications in line with international best practices. The role holder will monitor, analyse and report to the Chief Economist on the relevant Economic policies and trends, and advise on key economic development, issues and polices.

Key responsibilities include:

• Carry out research that results in meaningful and impactful reports that inform CBUAE economic policy and are of a standard suitable for publication in leading economics and finance journals.
• Contribute to a wide range of policy issues spanning different branches of economics by providing analysis, policy and programme design, and capacity development to support the CBUAE and the UAE government.
• Examine macro-financial linkages in an increasingly globalised world and provide information and advice to the Chief Economist and Head of READ.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of CBUAE’s research strategy, ensuring that individual programmes and projects are aligned with CBUAE’s overall strategy, are creative and rigorous and have tangible impact and influence.
• Build CBUAE’s capacity to conduct robust analysis and develop modelling capabilities, through the mentoring and support of direct reports.
• Support policy development at CBUAE and ensure that research and analysis are underpinned by a rigorous approach consistent with evolving economic thinking.
• Use advanced econometric techniques to analyse and forecast economic indicators and apply the results to develop policy guidance for the UAE leadership.
• Lead a team to conduct detailed economic analysis and forecasting on UAE GDP, trade relations, and inflation using robust methodologies to assess pricing and cost impacts and develop research-based recommendations.
• Provide a detailed analysis of international trade and finance, developing reports that identify potential implications for the UAE.
• Coordinate with external institutions to collect economic data that can be used to forecast UAE inflation and growth prospects over a five-year horizon.
• Build collaborative relationships with colleagues across the CBUAE, as well as with key institutions, authorities and leaders across the GCC, to develop creative solutions to evolving regional economic challenges.
• Support CBUAE managers by preparing briefings and speeches for external functions and events.
• Maintain an understanding of relevant best practices in economics and research and, accordingly, guide READ in meet organizational objectives.
• Perform any other duties outside the scope of the role, as and when required.

Position Specifications:

• PhD in macroeconomics, monetary economics, financial economics or a related field.
• Relevant professional certifications, where applicable.
• 12+ years of relevant professional experience in a central bank, Ministry of Finance, in international financial institution, or a similar function.
• Experience in a research institute or academia is also acceptable.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed economics and finance journals.
• Demonstrated proficiency in quantitative modelling and econometrics to support analysis and policy recommendations.
• Strong expertise in statistical software packages (e.g., Python, R, Stata, Matlab) and data analysis techniques.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and writing skills.

The CBUAE offers you the opportunity to join an interdisciplinary and multinational team from diverse backgrounds and experiences. You will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment alongside some of the leading financial and regulatory experts.

This role is onsite and based in Abu Dhabi.