Head of Economic Policy

Employment Type: Permanent
Contract Duration: 

Why you will love working here

At IATA, we represent over 350 airlines worldwide, striving to make aviation safer, smarter, more sustainable, and inclusive.

• Our Values are not just words on a page - they are the energy behind everything we do: ONE IATA - We collaborate across teams, TRUSTED - We do the right thing, INNOVATIVE - We make tomorrow better, INCLUSIVE - We embrace diverse perspectives.
• With over 30,000 courses available, we believe in continuous learning and support your growth in an ever-changing industry.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion are our priorities. We are certified by the Equal Salary Foundation, offering equal pay and family-friendly policies.
• We encourage community involvement through volunteering and strive to make tomorrow better for aviation and our communities. We offer time off so you can support causes important to you.
• We promote work-life balance with flexible work options, including remote and hybrid work, a generous 'work from abroad' policy, and you get your birthday off!

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 in line with IATA’s priorities, and build a body of research that advances our understanding of  economics and public policy, notably as it pertains to air transportation. This research underpins and anticipates advocacy engagements and helps drive policy recommendations across a wide range of policy issues.

In the domain of public policy, you will develop the framework for understanding notably tax policy and its applications to air transportation. This will also include frameworks or tools for designing and assessing policy measures with an emphasis on tax policies, but also competition and climate policy . You may be required to contribute your economic expertise more broadly to issues including sustainability, airport charges and slots, airspace, airline operations and infrastructure. In addition, the role requires that ad-hoc requests are appropriately prioritized and addressed in a manner consistent with IATA’s overall advocacy stance.

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

• Postgraduate studies in economics, business, finance, or a related field with significant experience (8+ years) as an Economist applying robust analysis to economic policy issues with an emphasis on tax policy.
• 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.
• Experience in the air transport industry and in relevant policy-making institutions would be an advantage.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, including in an advocacy context to inform policy processes and outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience in managing research professionals, 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 .

Travel Required: y: 2%