Director, Planning and Research at H. Pierson Associates

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.