Head of Economic Policy

Employment Type: Permanent
Contract Duration:
About the team you are joining

The core objectives of IATA’s Sustainability and Economics (S&E) Division are to contribute to airlines’ financial sustainability and advance the industry towards the goal of net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. In this capacity, we provide our airline members with sustainability and economic analyses, tools, and support that allows them to meet present and future obligations, measure themselves against the overall industry’s performance, and that advances their advocacy efforts. Our division aims to be the leading research body in terms of air transportation, and we have a central role in helping to shape the thinking of the industry.

Reporting to the Director of Policy and Standards, you will be responsible for developing and delivering the research agenda for the Economic Policy workstream in coordination with the SVP Sustainability and Chief Economist, the Policy Director, other workstream Heads, as well as internal and external stakeholders. This agenda will be fully integrated with the work of the whole division, coordinating and collaborating wherever possible, aiming for holistic and multifaceted analyses.

What your day would be like

You will develop and organize work according to a multi-year plan, in line with IATA’s priorities, to build a body of research that addresses and anticipates advocacy engagements and provides a holistic structure for analysis and advocacy across a wide range of policy issues.

To assess policy impacts across the sector, the successful applicant must have a firm grasp of the aviation industry value chain and airline operations. The Head of Economic Policy will draw upon work produced across the team and coordinate with the other workstreams, combining specific expertise with a systems approach.

As an experienced economist and manager, you will both oversee and undertake research and analysis, and the production of various outputs. You will interact with stakeholders at the highest level and will represent IATA in various fora, requiring tact and diplomacy as well as outstanding interpersonal and presentation skills. The Head of Economic Policy will prepare and deliver presentations in support of IATA’s internal and external stakeholders, particularly as it pertains to the organization’s advocacy priorities.

You will also:

- Develop and maintain key relationships internally and externally to promote IATA’s economic analysis.
- Manage, on a day-to-day basis, and in conjunction with the Policy Director, a small team to deliver the agreed work agenda, and with due regard to their ongoing professional development.
- Initiate new and innovative approaches to addressing problems and issues relevant to our members and stakeholders.

We would love to hear from you if

Strong analytical skills and demonstrated experience in policy development processes and assessment frameworks. Direct experience advising, influencing, and engaging with policy makers and experts in government, international organizations, and industry associations including in aviation would be a plus.
A deep understanding of airlines and the aviation value chain, including airports, slots, infrastructure and ANSPs would be highly regarded, as would experience in analyzing tax policies, and their effects across the economy.
Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, including in an advocacy context to inform policy processes and outcomes. Demonstrated experience in managing complex projects and agile teams, delivering consistently high-quality output, on-time and within budget.
Excellent command of English, with an ability to deliver robust analyses in a clear and simple manner respecting tight deadlines. Hence, a background in a dynamic organization or industry would be a strong advantage.

Travel Required: Yes: 10%

**Diversity and Inclusion are one of our key priorities and we want to role model it. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills in which you can contribute at your best and be who you are. The more inclusive we are, the better we will be able to thrive to represent, lead and service the airline industry. If there is anything we can do to create a more comfortable interview experience for you, please let us know.**

***Learn more about IATA’s role in the industry, our benefits, and the team at**iata/careers/**. We are looking forward to hearing from you