Manager, Policy and Economic Research

Grab; Petaling Jaya; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Term Life Insurance

Medical Insurance

FlexWork arrangements

LASA volunteering leave

Grabber Assistance Programme

Job summary

Grab is seeking a seasoned Public Affairs data & research professional to sit at the intersection of policy research, data, and communications. You will build data foundations, generate evidence-based insights, and translate complex information into government-ready narratives to advance Grab's policy interests and positions.

You will report to the Head of Regional Public Affairs (Policy) and collaborate across teams to drive data-driven government engagement across Southeast Asia.

Qualifications

• At least 6 years of experience in public policy, public affairs, policy research or economics.
• Frame and interpret quantitative and qualitative research for practical recommendations.
• Experience producing government-facing or executive-level reports and infographics.

Responsibilities

• Establish and steward a Public Affairs data view across Grab's data environment.
• Align internal stakeholders on policy-relevant measures and definitions.
• Build a bank of validated statistics and evidence for government engagement.
• Translate research and data into concise reports and narratives for policy advocates.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration across Grab teams and external partners.
• Use AI tools to accelerate research synthesis with human review.

Skills

Public policy

Data analytics

Policy research

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Economics / Public Policy

Tools

SQL

BI tools

Job description

About Grab and Our Workplace

Grab is Southeast Asia's leading superapp. From getting your favourite meals delivered to helping you manage your finances and getting around town hassle-free, we've got your back with everything. In Grab, purpose gives us joy and habits build excellence, while harnessing the power of Technology and AI to deliver the mission of driving Southeast Asia forward by economically empowering everyone, with heart, hunger, honour, and humility.

Company Description

About Grab and Our Workplace

Grab is Southeast Asia's leading superapp. From getting your favourite meals delivered to helping you manage your finances and getting around town hassle-free, we've got your back with everything. In Grab, purpose gives us joy and habits build excellence, while harnessing the power of Technology and AI to deliver the mission of driving Southeast Asia forward by economically empowering everyone, with heart, hunger, honour, and humility.

Job Description

Get to Know the Team

The Regional Public Affairs team leads high-impact projects that align commercial and regulatory goals. The team partners with business teams and public sector stakeholders to drive initiatives that leverage technology for societal impact. You will provide direct exposure to senior leaders and an opportunity to work across diverse business areas to drive strategy.

Get to Know the Role

You will sit at the intersection of policy research, data, and communications. You will focus on building the data and research-related systems and foundations that the wider Public Affairs teams can leverage, to generate and bring data-driven evidence and insights to government as part of their broader policy advocacy campaigns. In support of this, your role will also involve translating research and data into compelling, government-ready insights and narratives that advance Grab's policy interests and positions.

You will report to the Head, Regional Public Affairs (Policy) and work across teams to generate, systemize and turn complex information into credible evidence that helps governments better understand Grab's role and impact on the economies and societies in which we operate. This is a unique opportunity to shape how data and research influence policy conversations across the region.

The Critical Tasks You Will Perform

• Establish and steward a Public Affairs data view across Grab's data environment, defining the data, metrics, and metadata required to support policy objectives.


• Align internal stakeholders on shared definitions for policy-relevant measures, such as earnings, economic contribution, livelihoods, and platform activity.


• Build and maintain a trusted bank of validated statistics and evidence for government engagement, including clear processes for external data sharing and Legal review.


• Identify evidence gaps, define scope of research and manage research projects to deliver high quality, rigourous, and relevant quantitative and qualitative work that addresses these gaps.


• Translate complex research and data into concise reports, policy briefs, infographics, presentations, and narratives tailored to government priorities.


• Partner closely across functions at Grab - e.g. with Country Public Affairs, business, data analytics, marketplace economics, finance technology teams, and also with external parties e.g. research institutions, think-tanks to deliver projects in line with the above objectives


• Lead evidence work across four Public Affairs priorities: demonstrating Grab's contribution, anticipating policy developments, shaping emerging policy discussions, and quantifying the impact of regulation on Grab and its stakeholders.


• Use generative AI and emerging tools to accelerate research synthesis, data analysis, ideation, and content development, applying appropriate human review and quality controls.

Qualifications

What Essential Skills You Will Need

• At least 6 years of experience in public policy, public affairs, policy research / economics, economic or social impact, strategic insights, data analytics, or a related field.


• Frame and interpret quantitative and qualitative research, assess methodological quality, and translate findings into practical recommendations and insights that support business or policy decisions.


• Experience producing government-facing or executive-level reports, policy briefs, presentations, infographics, or similar evidence-based communications.


• Experience successfully managing cross-functional projects involving teams such as Analytics, Finance, Legal, Technology, or external research partners.


• Explain complex data and policy issues clearly to audiences with different levels of technical knowledge.


• Experience engaging with AI tools and emerging technologies to enhance productivity, improve workflows, and contribute new ideas.

Good to Have

• Experience working with governments, regulators, public policy institutions, think tanks, or research organisations.


• Experience in Southeast Asian markets or in sectors such as the platform economy, mobility, deliveries, digital financial services, or artificial intelligence.


• Familiarity with SQL, business intelligence tools, data visualisation, or modern data warehouse environments.

A degree in economics, public policy, social sciences, statistics, communications, or a related discipline.

Additional Information

Life at Grab

We care about your well-being at Grab, here are some of the global benefits we offer:

• We have your back with Term Life Insurance and comprehensive Medical Insurance.


• With GrabFlex, create a benefits package that suits your needs and aspirations.


• Celebrate moments that matter in life with loved ones through Parental and Birthday leave, and give back to your communities through Love-all-Serve-all (LASA) volunteering leave


• We have a confidential Grabber Assistance Programme to guide and uplift you and your loved ones through life's challenges.


• Balancing personal commitments and life's demands are made easier with our FlexWork arrangements such as differentiated hours

What We Stand For At Grab

We are committed to building an inclusive and equitable workplace that enables diverse Grabbers to grow and perform at their best. As an equal opportunity employer, we consider all candidates fairly and equally regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religion, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, family commitments, physical and mental impairments or disabilities, and other attributes that make them unique.