Behavioural Economist at Policy Innovation Centre (PIC)

The Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) is the first national institutionalised behavioural initiative in Africa supporting government and stakeholders to make behaviourally informed decisions and generate evidence for impact driven interventions in critical thematic areas (Governance, Health, Gender & Social Inclusion, Education, Digital & Financial Inclusion). The PIC is positioned to support the delivery of better policies and innovative solutions for high impact interventions across Africa. The PIC is an initiative of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), a leading think tank in Africa redefining evidence based policy advocacy.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Behavioural Economist

Location: Abuja (FCT)
Employment Type: Contract

Job Description

The Behavioural Economist will apply behavioural science principles to inform policy design, program implementation, and decision-making processes. He will conduct research, analyse data, and develop behaviourally informed interventions that improve governance, service delivery, and development outcomes.

The role also supports capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge sharing to strengthen the integration of behavioural insights across organisational and partner initiatives.

Job Responsibilities

• Design and conduct behavioural research to understand factors influencing decision-making in development and governance contexts.
• Apply behavioural insights to identify barriers and opportunities that affect policy outcomes and program effectiveness.
• Develop hypotheses, research instruments, and experimental designs for field and lab studies.
• Collect, analyse, and interpret quantitative and qualitative data using behavioural and econometric methods.
• Translate data findings into actionable insights and policy recommendations.
• Use statistical software and data science tools to validate behavioural models and interventions.
• Design, pilot, and evaluate behaviourally informed interventions aimed at improving service delivery, governance, or citizen engagement.
• Collaborate with program teams to integrate behavioural approaches into project design and implementation.
• Document results and lessons learned to guide future behavioural innovations.
• Provide technical input on incorporating behavioural insights into public policy and program development.
• Support government partners, NGOs, and development agencies in adapting behavioural science frameworks to local contexts.
• Contribute to the preparation of policy briefs, reports, and evidence summaries for stakeholder engagement.
• Facilitate workshops, trainings, and seminars to build internal and partner capacity in behavioural science applications.
• Contribute to the development of knowledge products, toolkits, and learning materials.
• Promote understanding of behavioural insights within the organisation and among partners.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams including economists, researchers, policy analysts, and communications experts.
• Represent the organisation in behavioural science networks, conferences, and collaborative platforms.

Qualifications/Job Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Behavioural Economics, Economics, Psychology, Public Policy, or a related social science field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience applying behavioural science or behavioural economics in policy, research, or development programs.
• Strong understanding of behavioural theories, experimental design, and evidence-based policy approaches.
• Proven experience designing and evaluating behaviourally informed interventions in governance, health, education, or related sectors.
• Proficiency in statistical and data analysis software.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex behavioural research into actionable policy insights.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage technical and non-technical audiences.
• High professional integrity, adaptability, and commitment to promoting evidence-based decision-making.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Professional development opportunities.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.

Application Closing Date
24th November, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Application Instruction
Candidates should please send their CV on no more than 2 A4 pages (Minimum font size 10) AND an accompanying covering letter of no more than 2 pages (Minimum font size 10) answering the following questions to the link above

• What is your motivation for wanting to join the PIC?
• What are the top three key attributes you would bring to the PIC?

Note

• Only qualified candidates will be contacted.
• PIC may be unable to notify every applicant of the result of their application. If you have therefore not been contacted within 8 weeks of the closing date, then you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful. However, we may retain your data and contact you for future openings that match your skills and competencies.
• Equal employment opportunity statement: PIC is an equal employment employer. We do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, colour, religion, gender, disability, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable laws.