Director, Planning and Research at the Abia State Transport Authority (ABTA) - H.Pierson Associates Limited

H.Pierson Associates Limited - Our client, The Abia State Transport Authority (ABTA), soon to be established, is a fully autonomous government corporation, created by the State Legislature to serve as the primary strategic planner, regulator, and coordinator of roads within the State and its metropolitan area.

The Transport Authority's mandate is to create a world-class, integrated, efficient, and sustainable public transportation system that supports the State's economic growth and enhances the quality of life for all residents.

They are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Director, Planning and Research

Location: Umuahia, Abia

Job Summary

• The Director, Planning & Research is responsible for leading the strategic planning, data analysis, research, and technical feasibility studies that form the foundation of the Authority's policy and investment decisions.
• This role drives the data-driven transformation of the State's transport sector, ensuring that all regulatory interventions, infrastructure projects, and operational decisions are based on rigorous analysis, best practices, and long-term sustainability models.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Planning and Policy Development:

• Plan, coordinate, and implement the Authority research projects.
• Design and execute surveys and research projects that will provide information about the users of public transport in Abia for administrative decision-making, institutional reporting, and possible publications.
• Initiate and direct research necessary for the formulation of evidence-based policies on critical areas such as transport franchising, fare tariffs, urban road user charges, and public transport subsidies.

Data and Research Management:

• Designs, maintains, manipulates, and queries specialized databases and information systems for research, planning, and accountability.
• Maintains research data warehouse system and an indexed archive of information and reports suitable for responding to surveys, questionnaires, and federal and state data collection or accountability requirements.
• Applies appropriate quantitative and qualitative research design and statistical techniques to collect, prepare, and maintain data in the preparation of periodic reports related to transit operations in the state.
• Develop, review, and update Abia State Comprehensive Transport Master Plans (CTMP).
• Ensures that meaningful, appropriate, and accurate data and supporting documentation are provided as needed to meet the decision-making needs of ABSTA.

Economic and Financial Analysis:

• Develop sophisticated financial models to assess the viability of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects, ensuring risks are appropriately allocated, and conduct rigorous economic analysis to support the determination of fair and sustainable fare structures and regulatory fees.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics related to transport efficiency, emissions reduction, safety, and financial sustainability across the entire regulated transport sector.

Collaboration and Partnership:

• Collaborate closely with relevant State agencies (e.g., Physical Planning, Lands Bureau), Federal agencies, academic institutions, and international development partners (DFIs, World Bank) to leverage expertise and data for planning purposes.
• Supervises state-wide planning, assessment, and continuous quality improvement.
• Analyze all trends and identify and resolve all users' trends.
• Coordinate with various teams to prepare all proposals for various functional project teams.

Team Leadership & Organizational Development:

• Promote a high-performance culture focused on transparency, accountability, professionalism, and innovation.
• Mentor other members of the leadership team, contributing to their professional development and growth.
• Any other duties as assigned by His Excellency, the Governor of Abia State.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Social Sciences, Psychology, or a related discipline, with a minimum of 10 years of research experience.
• Chartered membership with a relevant professional body (e.g., COREN, Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria – CITA).
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent; additional certifications in Data Analysis and Modeling, Cost–Benefit Analysis (CBA), or related areas are an advantage.
• Proven progressive experience in strategic planning, economic analysis, or research, including at least 8 years in a senior leadership or director-level role within the transport sector, urban planning, infrastructure, or public policy environments.
• Strong, demonstrable understanding of Nigerian and global urban transport systems, regulatory frameworks, and best practices in sustainable mobility.
• Minimum of 7 years industry experience.
• At least 5 years of experience at the senior management level.

Key Skills & Competences:

• Demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse socioeconomic environment.
• Understanding of computer software associated with research, such as spreadsheets, statistical software, data warehousing, databases, and the integration of the above.
• Accreditation standards as they pertain to planning, research, and data to support the process.
• Research theory and methodology; advanced applied statistics; report writing; survey design.
• Knowledge and experience in leading comprehensive master planning, annual planning, and program review.
• Proven competence in developing and managing complex, multi-modal urban transport master plans.
• Experience in formulating, reviewing, and evaluating public policy, particularly in regulated infrastructure sectors.
• Expertise in conducting Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA), project appraisal, and financial feasibility studies for major public works/PPP projects.
• Proven ability to leverage data analytics, GIS, and modern planning technology to solve complex urban mobility challenges.
• High capacity for complex analytical thought, statistical interpretation, and evidence-based decision-making.
• Ability to translate abstract planning concepts into concrete, long-term policy and investment strategies.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

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