Open to opportunities

Babken DerGrigorian

@babken

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Experienced economist and founder driving data-driven development and geospatial analytics.

Armenia

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What I'm looking for

I seek leadership roles that leverage quantitative research and geospatial analytics to inform policy and deliver measurable development impact, in collaborative, mission-driven teams.

I am an economist and co-founder with a track record of leading geospatial analytics and development-focused initiatives. I combine rigorous quantitative research with strategic leadership to drive evidence-based policy and business decisions.

As Co-Founder and CEO of Kartes Analytica, I set vision, directed strategy, managed finances, and built high-performing teams to scale a geospatial analytics venture. I have led stakeholder engagement with investors, partners, and customers to advance company goals.

In my role as Country Economist for the UN Resident Coordinator in Armenia, I managed the UN Country Team economic portfolio, coordinated high-level UN–government cooperation, and led evidence-based analysis to inform sustainable development programming.

I have extensive research and evaluation experience, including impact evaluation of landmines in Nagorno-Karabakh, election observation operations, and youth employment projects, and I am proficient with econometric and data tools to translate analysis into actionable policy and program design.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Co-Founder, CEO

Current

Kartes Analytica

Oct 2022 - Present (3 years)

Co-founded and led a geospatial analytics startup, setting vision and strategy, securing funding, building the team, and overseeing financial and operational management to drive growth and stakeholder engagement.

Strategic Planning Fundraising Team Building Geospatial Financial Management Stakeholder Engagement

Country Economist

United Nations Office of the Resident Coordinator in Armenia

Jan 2019 - Dec 2023 (4 years 11 months)

Served as chief economist for the UN country team, managing the economic portfolio, coordinating UN-government cooperation, and leading evidence-based analysis to inform programmes and accelerate sustainable development.

Macroeconomic Analysis SDG Monitoring Economic Research Stakeholder Engagement Cross Pillar Coordination

First Deputy Minister

Ministry of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia

Jan 2018 - Dec 2019 (1 year 11 months)

Led diaspora finance and partnership initiatives, designed a successor agency structure, and managed high-level engagement with diaspora organizations to mobilize resources and collaboration.

Policy Design Diaspora Engagement Institutional Reform Stakeholder Management Strategic Planning

Special Advisor

Office of the Artsakh Ombudsman

Jan 2016 - Dec 2018 (2 years 11 months)

Advised the Ombudsman on strategic vision and action planning, and provided technical support for development of the National Human Rights Strategy.

Human Rights Policy Policy Development

Consultant for Impact Evaluation

The HALO Trust

Jan 2016 - Dec 2017 (1 year 11 months)

Designed and implemented an original impact study on landmines in Nagorno-Karabakh, collected household survey data across 15 villages, and conducted causal analysis using instrumental variables.

Survey Design Econometrics Instrumental Variables Data Collection Project Management

Operational Consultant

Transparency International

Jan 2014 - Dec 2015 (1 year 11 months)

Provided technical support for election observation operations, coordinated civil society stakeholders, developed a risk analysis and mitigation tool, and conducted ex-post project assessments.

Election Observation Risk Analysis Monitoring & Evaluation Reporting

National Expert

UNIDO

Jan 2012 - Dec 2013 (1 year 11 months)

Consulted on the 'Productive Employment for Youth' project, collecting data and conducting statistical analysis on youth unemployment and presenting findings to policymakers and UN officials.

Statistical Analysis Data Collection Report Writing

Analyst

Human Digital

Jan 2011 - Dec 2011 (11 months)

Identified business opportunities, managed client relationships, and designed quantitative research projects delivering insights for government, international institutions, and NGOs.

Quantitative Research Market Analysis Client Management Project Design Stakeholder Engagement Business Development

Research Assistant

London School of Economics

Jan 2011 - Dec 2011 (11 months)

Contributed to research on media and polling in the 2010 UK Elections, conducting interviews and focus groups, compiling media monitoring data, and supporting analysis for published papers.

Qualitative Research Interviewing Data Compilation Focus Groups

Researcher

The Civilitas Foundation

Jan 2010 - Dec 2010 (11 months)

Conducted monitoring and evaluation of rural development projects and produced policy research for the foundation's annual state-of-the-nation report.

M&E Policy Research Program Evaluation Report Writing

Field Organizer

Obama Campaign for Change

Jan 2008 - Dec 2008 (11 months)

Managed voter registration and GOTV efforts across twenty precincts, supervised ten staff and over 200 volunteers, and organized mass election monitoring in a historically Republican county.

Volunteer Management GOTV Voter Registration Team Leadership Field Operations