Economic Researcher

Economic Researcher

About the Role

GREAT Institute is seeking an Economic Researcher to support its research, policy analysis, and public communication activities.

This position combines in-depth economic research with rapid analysis of current policy developments. The successful candidate will work in a dynamic policy environment that is closely engaged with Indonesia’s national development agenda, strategic economic issues, and ongoing government policy priorities.

Candidates are expected to review GREAT Institute’s website, recent publications, media coverage, and public activities before submitting their application.

Job Responsibilities

• Conduct policy-oriented research on macroeconomics, development economics, labour markets, trade, industry, public finance, energy, and other strategic issues relevant to Indonesia.

• Monitor and analyse economic indicators, government policies, regulatory developments, and global economic trends to identify emerging risks and policy implications.

• Produce high-quality research outputs, including policy briefs, research reports, economic outlooks, working papers, academic articles, op-eds, and public-facing explainers.

• Prepare rapid-response materials on emerging economic issues, including briefing notes, press releases, media responses, talking points, presentation decks, and executive summaries.

• Collect, clean, process, and analyse data from official and credible sources such as BPS, Bank Indonesia, ministries, international organisations, and academic databases.

• Apply quantitative and qualitative research methods to evaluate economic conditions, public policies, and development programmes.

• Translate complex economic evidence into clear, concise, and actionable insights for policymakers, the media, businesses, and the general public.

• Present research findings in internal meetings, public discussions, media interviews, stakeholder consultations, and other institutional forums.

• Contribute to the development of the institute’s research agenda by proposing relevant topics, research questions, analytical frameworks, and policy recommendations.

• Collaborate with other researchers, external experts, government institutions, universities, media organisations, and relevant stakeholders.

• Manage research assignments independently, including setting work plans, meeting deadlines, maintaining data accuracy, and ensuring the quality of written outputs.

Requirements

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Development Economics, Public Policy, or another closely related field. Master's degree is strongly preferred.

• Strong understanding of economic theory, public policy, and the Indonesian economy.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct quantitative and qualitative research.

• Proficiency in statistical or data-analysis software such as Stata, R, Python, or other relevant tools.

• Strong ability to interpret economic data, evaluate evidence, and formulate defensible policy recommendations.

• Excellent writing skills, with the ability to produce both rigorous research publications and concise public-facing materials.

• Professional proficiency in written and spoken English and Bahasa Indonesia.

• Ability to manage multiple research assignments, respond to fast-moving policy developments, and meet tight deadlines without compromising accuracy.

• Willingness to work flexible hours on an occasional basis when urgent policy developments, institutional events, or media requests require a rapid response.

• Strong attention to detail, intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and commitment to research integrity.

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a research team.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for a researcher who combines analytical rigor with strong policy communication.

The ideal candidate is comfortable working with data and academic literature, but is also capable of explaining why an economic development matters, who will be affected, and what policymakers should do about it.

This position is suitable for someone who enjoys both in-depth research and rapid analysis of current economic issues.

Application Requirements

Applicants should submit:

• an updated curriculum vitae;

• one combined PDF containing:

  • a cover letter explaining their interest in GREAT Institute, relevant experience, understanding of our work, and how they can contribute to the institute; and

  • relevant writing or research samples, such as policy briefs, academic papers, research reports, theses, opinion articles, presentations, data analysis, or other analytical work.

Before applying, candidates should familiarise themselves with GREAT Institute’s institutional orientation, publications, and recent activities through our official website and public channels.