Research and Studies Expert

Purpose of Job

Jobholders at this level are responsible for leading work activities and working autonomously with minor direction towards predetermined long-term objectives.

Jobholders might act as internal consultants and facilitators through providing guidance to deliver and perform operational activities.

Their main operational role includes developing tax research and studies’ agenda, guidelines, and data collection model; in addition to providing recommendations to enhance research outputs and perform various complex analyses.

Job Responsibilities

Customs Research and Studies Planning    

•    Identify customs research and studies’ priorities in line with ZATCA overall strategy and objectives and accordingly develop related agenda and schedule to guide implementation  
•    Develop guidelines on methods for selection, preparation and evaluation of customs research and studies to guarantee consistency in methodology
•    Identify type of data needed and required data collection model and sources to satisfy objectives and goals of customs research and studies 
•    Develop data collection tools to optimize research and studies efficiency
•    Develop and update repositories to store and disseminate inputs and insights 
•    Establish and maintain effective relationships with government and non-government entities to enhance knowledge sharing and develop insights on customs policies

Customs Research and Studies Implementation    

•    Research and study economics topics with national importance
•    Ensure that the sourced data and information is valid and reliable
•    Examine implications of existing and proposed customs policies and operations
•    Conduct sensitivity and scenario analyses to study and assess impact on new initiatives and policies
•    Conduct fact-based customs studies to support top management with topics related to customs policy operations
•    Use statistical tools and data models to support analytical outputs
•    Study implications of Board decisions on customs policies and operations 
•    Coordinate with ZATCA functions to validate customs research and studies’ inputs, methodologies, and outcomes
•    Communicate developed customs studies to enable the development of customs policies

Organization and Operations    

•    Follow all relevant policies, processes and standard operating procedures so that work is carried out in a controlled and consistent manner
•    Help in solving escalated problems and provide needed support for junior team to ensure work is carried out in an efficient manner
•    Escalate complex problems to the relevant person to ensure cases/issues are closed properly
•    Perform other duties as requested

People Management    

•    Train junior staff on the different job activities to ensure transfer of know-how, when applicable
•    Provide clear direction, prioritize tasks, assign and delegate responsibility, and monitor the workflow of subordinates/ junior staff
•    Support junior staff or direct reports in order to execute their duties according to set policies and processes

Education

•  Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Statistics, Business Administration, or equivalent is required 
•  Master’s degree in related field is preferred

Experience

A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience 

Competencies