Manager, Policy and Economic Research
Get to Know the Team
The Regional Public Affairs team leads high-impact projects that align commercial and regulatory goals. The team partners with business teams and public sector stakeholders to drive initiatives that leverage technology for societal impact. You will provide direct exposure to senior leaders and an opportunity to work across diverse business areas to drive strategy.
Get to Know the Role
You will sit at the intersection of policy research, data, and communications. You will focus on building the data and research-related systems and foundations that the wider Public Affairs teams can leverage, to generate and bring data-driven evidence and insights to government as part of their broader policy advocacy campaigns. . In support of this, your role will also involve translating research and data into compelling, government-ready insights and narratives that advance Grab's policy interests and positions.
You will report to the Head, Regional Public Affairs (Policy) and work across teams to generate, systemize and turn complex information into credible evidence that helps governments better understand Grab's role and impact on the economies and societies in which we operate. This is a unique opportunity to shape how data and research influence policy conversations across the region.
The Critical Tasks You Will Perform
- Establish and steward a Public Affairs data view across Grab's data environment, defining the data, metrics, and metadata required to support policy objectives.
- Align internal stakeholders on shared definitions for policy-relevant measures, such as earnings, economic contribution, livelihoods, and platform activity.
- Build and maintain a trusted bank of validated statistics and evidence for government engagement, including clear processes for external data sharing and Legal review.
- Identify evidence gaps, define scope of research and manage research projects to deliver high quality, rigourous, and relevant quantitative and qualitative work that addresses these gaps.
- Translate complex research and data into concise reports, policy briefs, infographics, presentations, and narratives tailored to government priorities.
- Partner closely across functions at Grab - e.g. with Country Public Affairs, business, data analytics, marketplace economics, finance technology teams, and also with external parties e.g. research institutions, think-tanks to deliver projects in line with the above objectives•
- Lead evidence work across four Public Affairs priorities: demonstrating Grab's contribution, anticipating policy developments, shaping emerging policy discussions, and quantifying the impact of regulation on Grab and its stakeholders.
- Use generative AI and emerging tools to accelerate research synthesis, data analysis, ideation, and content development, applying appropriate human review and quality controls.
What Essential Skills You Will Need
- At least 6 years of experience in public policy, public affairs, policy research / economics, economic or social impact, strategic insights, data analytics, or a related field.
- Frame and interpret quantitative and qualitative research, assess methodological quality, and translate findings into practical recommendations and insights that support business or policy decisions.
- Experience producing government-facing or executive-level reports, policy briefs, presentations, infographics, or similar evidence-based communications.
- Experience successfully managing cross-functional projects involving teams such as Analytics, Finance, Legal, Technology, or external research partners.
- Explain complex data and policy issues clearly to audiences with different levels of technical knowledge.
- Experience engaging with AI tools and emerging technologies to enhance productivity, improve workflows, and contribute new ideas.
Good to Have
- Experience working with governments, regulators, public policy institutions, think tanks, or research organisations.
- Experience in Southeast Asian markets or in sectors such as the platform economy, mobility, deliveries, digital financial services, or artificial intelligence.
- Familiarity with SQL, business intelligence tools, data visualisation, or modern data warehouse environments.
A degree in economics, public policy, social sciences, statistics, communications, or a related discipline.
About Grab and Our Workplace
Grab is Southeast Asia's leading superapp. From getting your favourite meals delivered to helping you manage your finances and getting around town hassle-free, we've got your back with everything. In Grab, purpose gives us joy and habits build excellence, while harnessing the power of Technology and AI to deliver the mission of driving Southeast Asia forward by economically empowering everyone, with heart, hunger, honour, and humility.
Life at Grab
We care about your well-being at Grab, here are some of the global benefits we offer:
- We have your back with Term Life Insurance and comprehensive Medical Insurance.
- With GrabFlex, create a benefits package that suits your needs and aspirations.
- Celebrate moments that matter in life with loved ones through Parental and Birthday leave, and give back to your communities through Love-all-Serve-all (LASA) volunteering leave
- We have a confidential Grabber Assistance Programme to guide and uplift you and your loved ones through life's challenges.
- Balancing personal commitments and life's demands are made easier with our FlexWork arrangements such as differentiated hours
What We Stand For at Grab
We are committed to building an inclusive and equitable workplace that enables diverse Grabbers to grow and perform at their best. As an equal opportunity employer, we consider all candidates fairly and equally regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religion, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, family commitments, physical and mental impairments or disabilities, and other attributes that make them unique.
View our location
For over a decade, Grab has seamlessly connected Malaysian people to a range of services—food, groceries, rides, and more. Take a tour and get to know this one-stop destination for making life more convenient for the local community.
Meet the Marketing, Communications and Public Policy team
We’re the storytellers who take the Grab journey and tell it on a global stage. Whether it’s connecting with media, engaging online influencers, chatting with industry experts or reaching out to the community – our team serves as the voice of Grab.
There is never a dull day in the Grab marketing team. We have to be strategic, results-driven, user-first and tactical all at the same time, and that’s why I love it. To succeed in marketing, you really have to understand the user better than they understand themselves and know how to make them react.
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Working in the Marketing Social Media team, you embrace a different type of culture you can’t easily find in other companies. Remarkable team dynamics, self-driven and goal-oriented Grabbers work hand in hand to achieve a common goal.
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I love driving regional product and growth marketing in the dynamic landscape of B2B SaaS, tech, services, and data solutions. From leading hyper-growth strategies for businesses like Grab For Business and GrabMaps to engagement solutions like GrabGifts Digital Vouchers, and innovative initiatives like GrabDefence that safeguard companies and their users. Every day is a new opportunity to innovate and make a meaningful impact across diverse sectors in Southeast Asia.
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The Application Process
What can you expect when you apply for a role at Grab? Here’s what our hiring process looks like.
Step 1: Apply.
We have a range of open roles from Marketing to Engineering and everything in between. Find the one that’s best for you and show us why you’re our next teammate.
Step 2: Getting to know you.
Next, you’ll have a video or phone interview with one of our recruiters to chat about you, the role, and your past work experiences.
Step 3: Testing, testing… 123.
Some roles might require assessments and/or a technical competency interview. For other roles, there might be an additional interview – speak with your recruiter for application details.
Step 4: Is it a culture match?
Finally, we’ll find out how we fit together, if your career vision aligns with our mission, how you embody the 4 H's, and your working style and personality.
