Analyst

The Behavioral Science Group (BSG) is seeking an Analyst to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will apply behavioral science to address a wide range of policy challenges across areas such as health, education, sustainability, cultural values, and international development. Working closely with government departments and institutions, you will help develop innovative solutions that drive positive social impact in the UAE and beyond.

About the Behavioral Science Group 

The Behavioral Science Group (BSG) is a specialized unit within the Office of Development Affairs, a strategic unit at the heart of the UAE government. Our mission is to support policymakers in achieving their objectives by applying behavioral science as a fresh perspective for innovative solutions.

To accomplish this, BSG combines behavioral science expertise with a deep understanding of local policy objectives and context. By integrating international expertise with national talent, we provide government partners with a unique offering. This blend allows us to design and test practical, innovative solutions tailored to a variety of local challenges.

Our strength lies in rigorous, pragmatic research that designs and evaluates effective solutions. We merge advanced data analytics with mixed-methods social research to uncover drivers of positive, lasting behavior change. With a focus on timely, actionable insights, our approach ensures that our findings are relevant and impactful for real-world decision-making.

We offer five key services to tackle complex policy challenges:

• Advisory: We identify how behavioral science can be applied in an organization or policy area and provide expert counsel.
• Behavioral Diagnostic: We identify specific behaviors relating to a policy objective and diagnose why people act the way that they do.
• Behavioral Solution: We develop and help implement solutions to drive behavior change.
• Testing: We assess the effectiveness of a specific program or policy.
• Capacity Building: We help government sector clients learn more about behavioral science and how to apply it.

We are a growing team of dedicated behavioral scientists and policy researchers based in Abu Dhabi. Our team also collaborates closely with regional and global behavioral science partners, including nudge units and academic institutions.

As an Analyst in the BSG, you will work with the team to understand government stakeholders’ needs and assess how behavioral science can best support them.

In this role, you will support and contribute to the development of proposals and projects for prospective partners, outlining how behavioral science can address key policy challenges. For example:

• What are the drivers of obesity, and how can behavioral science help create policies to improve the food environment?
• How can we design more effective communication strategies to increase physical activity?
• How can we use social norms to reduce energy overconsumption among UAE residents?
• How might behavioral science help businesses reduce food waste?

You will apply strategic thinking and creative problem-solving to develop and lead components of a research agenda, focusing on behavior-led solutions to policy issues. You will also prepare high-quality project deliverables, such as interview guides, topic models, evidence summaries, reports, and presentations, and communicate key findings to senior audiences.

We are looking for candidates with the following skills and expertise:

Behavioral science expertise: You have a background in behavioral science or a related discipline such as psychology, economics or behavioral economics. You can effectively explain the practical implications of theoretical concepts like defaults, loss aversion, and social norms.

Experience in applying various research methods. You have experience applying a range of research methods and understand the strengths and limitations of different quantitative and qualitative approaches. You are skilled in literature reviews, survey design and implementation, interviews, focus groups, and developing topic guides, and can effectively communicate research findings to high-level audiences. A basic understanding of key statistical concepts, along with experience in evaluation methods and field trials, would be desirable

Public policy design: You have a strong interest in public policy, particularly in areas such as health, education, and sustainability. You have a solid understanding of economic and policy issues in the UAE and are eager to learn how behavioral science can be applied to improve people’s lives on a large scale. You think critically, can evaluate both sides of an argument, and have the ability to discern what makes some policies effective and others impractical.

Clear and convincing communications:. You can explain complex topics in simple terms. You have good presentation skills, can lead workshops and can write clearly and concisely. You are able to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders and adapt style and tone to their needs.

Managing projects and clients: You are organized, able to manage your time effectively to produce high-quality work across multiple projects. While you will be supported by a wider team and guided by Senior Advisors, you are expected to work independently, showing initiative with the ability to manage your own tasks and some research projects.

Teamwork skills: You are a collaborative team player with strong communication skills. You can effectively manage senior expectations while maintaining clear, open communication and fostering collaboration within the team.

Arabic speakers encouraged to apply

To apply, please email your CV to clare.roche@bsg.ae. Deadline for applications Thursday, 5th December.