mvaira@vairaconsult.comLinkedIn
Experience

A career connecting research, government and sovereign investment.

Selected experience presented through the economic questions, institutional capabilities and major decisions supported.

2024–2026 · Saudi Arabia

Public Investment Fund — Head of Economic Advisory & Insights / Senior Economic Advisor

Established and led the Economic Advisory & Insights function, introduced SCBA and CGE capabilities, developed a specialist team and supported review of major business plans and investment proposals.

2021–2023 · Saudi Arabia

Economic Cities & Special Zones Authority — Chief Economist

Established the economics function, designed an appraisal framework combining SCBA and CGE modelling, and led evaluation of four Special Economic Zones subsequently approved and operationalised.

2015–2021 · Australia

NSW Government — Senior Economist / Labour Economist

Delivered labour-market analysis, econometrics, productivity research, CGE modelling and policy advice for senior executives and Ministers.

2013–2014 · Australia

Institute for Economics and Peace — Senior Research Fellow

Led research on economics and peace, including the Mexico Peace Index and contributions to the Global Peace Index.

2005–2020 · Australia

University teaching and research

Teaching and research roles at Macquarie University, University of Technology Sydney and Charles Sturt University.