Associate Director Economic Advisory

Associate Director Economic Advisory at Jacobs

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your Impact

We are seeking an Associate Director – Economic Advisory to join our Dublin-based Programmes & Advisory team. This leadership role combines strategic delivery, client engagement, and business growth. You will lead high-profile projects, influence policy decisions, and help shape the future of Ireland’s transport and infrastructure landscape.

As part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team, you will work on projects addressing critical issues such as sustainable transport, economic development, and investment planning. You will also mentor talent, drive innovation, and contribute to Jacobs’ thought leadership in the Irish market.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across multiple projects in transport, utilities, and infrastructure sectors
• Oversee development of complex business cases, economic appraisals, and policy evaluations aligned with Irish and international standards
• Represent Jacobs in senior stakeholder engagements, influencing decisions at national and regional levels
• Drive business development identify opportunities, lead proposals, and shape market positioning
• Manage and mentor a team of consultants, fostering collaboration and technical excellence
• Ensure quality, compliance, and impact across all deliverables
• Contribute to thought leadership through publications, presentations, and industry forums

Here's what you'll need

• 10+ years’ experience in economic advisory, infrastructure consulting, or public policy
• Advanced degree in economics, finance, or related discipline
• Proven leadership in delivering complex, multi-stakeholder projects
• Strong commercial acumen and experience in business development
• Deep understanding of Irish infrastructure policy and appraisal frameworks
• Excellent communication and influencing skills; ability to build trust at senior levels
• Collaborative mindset and ability to lead cross-disciplinary teams

Why Join Jacobs?

• Shape Ireland’s infrastructure and public investment decisions
• Work on nationally significant projects with real societal impact
• Access global networks, leadership development programmes, and technical excellence
• Flexible working arrangements and comprehensive wellbeing support
• Be part of a values-driven organisation committed to inclusion, sustainability, and innovation

Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally. Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging. We put people at the heart of our business, and we truly believe that by supporting one another through our culture of caring, we all succeed. We value positive mental health and a sense of belonging for all employees.

With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits, and opportunities, from well-being benefits to our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place. No matter what drives you, you’ll discover how you can cultivate, nurture, and achieve your goals – all at a single global company. Find out more about life at Jacobs.

We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we’re more connected and creative. We accept people for who they are, and we champion the richness of different perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds in the workplace, as a source of learning and innovation. We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including through our Jacobs Employee Networks, Communities of Practice and our Find Your Community initiatives, allowing every employee to find connection, purpose, and belonging. Find out more about our Jacobs Employee Networks here.

Jacobs partners with VERCIDA to help us attract and retain talent from a wide range of backgrounds. For greater online accessibility please visit https//www.vercida.com/uk/employers/jacobs to view and access our roles.

As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.

Key skills/competency

• Economic Advisory
• Infrastructure Consulting
• Public Policy
• Business Case Development
• Economic Appraisals
• Policy Evaluation
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Business Development
• Team Leadership
• Irish Infrastructure Policy