About the opportunity
The International Growth Centre (IGC) is recruiting for three positions across its country programmes: a Country Economist in Jordan, two Consultant Economists in South Africa, and a Research and Policy Officer in South Africa. The Country Economist in Amman leads in-country policy engagement, analytical work, and research translation. In South Africa, the Consultant Economists provide analytical and policy support on affordable housing and spatial reform under Operation Vulindlela Phase II, synthesizing evidence into policy briefs and options. The Research and Policy Officer coordinates research, evidence synthesis, stakeholder engagement, and operational workflows for the South Africa programme, liaising with government entities including the Presidency and National Treasury.
Salary and benefits
- Country Economist Jordan: Annual gross salary of at least £50,000 (commensurate with experience and pay equity), inclusive of allowances, plus a 10% retirement contribution supplement.
- Economist (consultant), South Africa: Daily remuneration between GBP 180 and GBP 220, depending on experience, for 40 to 60 days of work through March 2027.
- Research and Policy Officer, South Africa: Daily remuneration of GBP 110 for 220 days of work per year on a consultancy contract running until March 2028.
- Access to leading academic economists and direct collaboration with senior government policy counterparts.
Who can apply?
- Country Economist Jordan: Requires a post-graduate degree in economics, public policy, or a related discipline; strong quantitative economic analysis skills; sophisticated understanding of economic policy; collaborative work ethic; and fluency in Arabic.
- Economist (consultant), South Africa: Requires at least a master's degree in economics or a related discipline (PhD preferred); proven policy and literature synthesis abilities; experience writing for policy audiences; understanding of South Africa's economic challenges (especially affordable housing and spatial reform); and remote residence based in South Africa.
- Research and Policy Officer, South Africa: Requires at least an undergraduate degree in economics, public policy, development studies, or a related field (master's preferred); strong analytical, research, and project management capabilities; professional stakeholder communication skills; and remote residence based in South Africa.
Required documents
- Country Economist Jordan: Online application form submitted via the LSE recruitment system, including CV and candidate responses addressing the person specification.
- Economist (consultant), South Africa: A one-page CV in PDF format highlighting relevant qualifications, experience, and 1–2 named referees.
- Economist (consultant), South Africa: A cover letter of up to two pages in PDF format detailing suitability and specific experience in affordable housing policy.
- Economist (consultant), South Africa: A solo-authored writing sample (not co-authored) demonstrating ability to write clearly for non-academic policy audiences.
- Research and Policy Officer, South Africa: A one-page CV in PDF format highlighting relevant qualifications, experience, and 1–2 named referees.
- Research and Policy Officer, South Africa: A cover letter of up to two pages in PDF format demonstrating how criteria are met with concrete examples.
When to apply
- Application deadline for Economist (consultant), South Africa: Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 5:00 PM SAST.
- Application deadline for Research and Policy Officer, South Africa: Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 5:00 PM SAST.
- Application deadline for Country Economist Jordan: Friday, October 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM UK time.
- Late applications are not accepted for any post.
How to apply
- To apply for the Country Economist Jordan vacancy, submit an application online via the London School of Economics (LSE) jobs system at https://jobs.lse.ac.uk/Vacancies/W/1996/0/475539/15539/country-economist-jordan.
- To apply for the Economist (consultant) position in South Africa, email your one-page CV, cover letter, and solo-authored writing sample in PDF format to the address listed on the official careers page with the subject line 'South Africa Economist'.
- To apply for the Research and Policy Officer role in South Africa, email your one-page CV and cover letter in PDF format to the official submission email address with the subject line 'South Africa Research and Policy Officer'.
Additional information
- The South Africa positions are remote consultancy contracts that require the postholders to be based in South Africa.
- The Country Economist Jordan post is based on-site in Amman.
- The International Growth Centre promotes equal opportunities and values diversity across all organisational levels.
- Technical queries regarding the Jordan portal application must be submitted through the help links on the LSE Jobs portal.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Development economists and policy analysts with postgraduate degrees who excel at synthesizing empirical literature and communicating policy options directly to government officials.
- South Africa-based researchers with background in spatial transformation, public land release, or affordable housing frameworks linked to Operation Vulindlela Phase II.
- Arabic-fluent economists seeking an embedded, high-visibility role connecting international research expertise with national policymakers in Amman.
What should you think carefully about?
- The South Africa positions are structured as daily-rate consultancies with capped days (40–60 total days for Economists and 220 days annually for the Officer) rather than full-time permanent contracts.
- Location criteria are strict: the Jordan role requires living and working in Amman with full Arabic fluency, while the South Africa consultancies require being physically based in South Africa despite remote working.
- Application closing dates are staggered, with South Africa roles closing earlier on October 25, 2026, and the Jordan post closing on October 30, 2026.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
These roles offer valuable stepping stones for economists and policy practitioners seeking to bridge rigorous academic evidence and national development policy. The Country Economist Jordan role provides an established salaried post suited to professionals wanting comprehensive ownership of country-level research programming and stakeholder management. In contrast, the South Africa consultancy tracks offer focused, targeted engagements well matched to independent policy consultants or researchers looking to apply urban economic methods to major national reform initiatives.
Our take
Strongly consider applying if you are an economist or policy specialist based in Jordan or South Africa with strong analytical writing skills and a passion for evidence-based reform. These opportunities are less suitable for candidates looking for untethered international remote work from other regions or those needing permanent salaried employment in the South Africa roles.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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