Applied Economist

The Majan Council for Foresight, Strategic Affairs, and Energy (formerly the Majan Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, MCREEE) is Oman's first think tank, uniquely bridging cutting-edge applied research with practical decision-support and project implementation for policymakers and business leaders. Rooted in local expertise and identity, the Majan Council is a proud Omani enterprise based in Muscat, dedicated to leveraging local knowledge and collective decision-support to drive development, advancement, and innovation across the GCC.

As a think tank, the Majan Council implements both for-profit and not-for-profit research and advisory projects for Omani stakeholders, GCC stakeholders, global partners, and civil society. Its core areas span economy, public and foreign policy, and technology—especially energy. The Council also engages in national and international dialogues, contributes to the academic and scientific community, and delivers practical projects on the ground with various partners. In addition, it organises events and discussions for experts, decision-makers, and the broader public.

The selected candidate will contribute to a wide range of activities at the intersection of applied research, public-sector engagement, and institutional development. Responsibilities may include:

• Conducting original research on economic development, energy policy, and public-sector strategy in Oman and the GCC
• Supporting the Council's green economy and industrialisation research programme, including research, stakeholder dialogues, and agenda-setting
• Collaborating on consulting projects for government clients and state-owned enterprises, including sectoral analysis, FDI, labour market research, and energy-climate economics
• Preparing academic papers, policy briefs, presentations, and internal knowledge products
• Assisting in the preparation of tender documents and research grant submissions
• Contributing to the Council's institutional development and day-to-day research operations

If the candidate is interested, the position may allow to obtain to pursue a PhD in economics in collaboration with one of the Council's academic partners in Europe. However, it is also suitable for Postdoctoral researchers or master graduates without interest in obtaining a PhD.

This is a researcher-track position with exposure to high-level policy development, bridging academic, advisory, and institutional workstreams.

• Field of Study: MSc in Economics preferred; Political Science, Social Geography, or related fields also accepted. PhD or postdoctoral experience welcome but not required. Exceptional candidates with a Bachelor's degree may be considered.
• Experience: Minimum of 1 year, ideally 3+ years, in academic research, policy consulting, or public-sector work related to economics or development.
• Publication: At least one working paper, institutional report, or academic article.
• Languages: Fluent Arabic and excellent English, both spoken and written.
  • Core competencies:
  • Knowledge in at least one of: Climate and energy economics (externalities, regulation, renewables) OR Development economics in resource-rich contexts (structural change, industrial policy)
  • Familiarity with Oman's institutional and economic systems; awareness of GCC/global political economy
  • Strong skills in research, analytical thinking, and manuscript writing
  • Strong presentation skills for both academic and policy audiences
  • Basic data analysis (e.g. Excel, Stata, R) and standard office software
    • Additional assets: experience in foresight methods, think tanks, interdisciplinary research, or geopolitics/international relations
    Contract and Compensation
    • Initial contract: 12 months, including a 3-month trial period
    • Salary: 700–1,300 OMR per month, depending on experience
    • The position offers the opportunity to devote up to 20% of time to self-directed research
    • The Council is committed to supporting the academic growth of its researchers
    • Possibility to pursue a PhD in Applied Economics in cooperation with a German university, subject to mutual academic alignment
      
    Working Environment
    • Based in Muscat, Oman
    • Work is primarily on-site, with limited flexibility for remote work
    • The Council hosts a young and diverse team of social scientists and engineers, ranging from bachelor-level researchers to full professors
    • The workplace is collaborative, intellectually vibrant, and committed to regional relevance and scientific integrity
    • Opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange and regional impact
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