Economists to contribute to core thematic research, develop new analytical articles and reports, and work closely with Senior Economists in the Department under the general supervision of one or more Principal Economists. The (Associate) Economist will be a motivated and dynamic professional with solid analytical skills and policy-relevant experience, expertise in private sector development and applied research, a track record of original research, and team spirit, working in collaboration with colleagues in other Departments.
Duties And Responsibilities:
Contribute to the development and dissemination of new analytical frameworks, approaches, and databases in one or more priority thematic areas of productivity and competition, technology adoption and the digital economy, climate and sustainability, trade and value chains, financial services, inclusion, and capital mobilization, and job creation and skills.
Perform descriptive and econometric analysis, including applying advanced statistical/econometric techniques.
Guide and manage the work of research analysts in preparing survey datasets (firm-level or similar), including cleaning and organizing the data.
Lead the preparation of policy reports and working papers and provide significant contributions to flagship publications; work under the guidance of senior team members to transform the analytical outputs into products that are relevant to IFC operations, investors, and policymakers, and contribute to the global dialogue among business and government leaders and other thought leaders.
Present research findings to internal and external audiences, including private sector clients and policymakers in developing countries.
Design impact evaluations and provide coordination between the impact evaluation teams and local counterparts.
Draw on findings from economic research to inform IFC strategy, Investment and Advisory operations, Upstream engagements, and WBG policy work. Establish a feedback loop between outreach dissemination and research to foster innovation and ensure continuous improvement in the relevance and impact of IFC research.
Engage with experts at the IFC and the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and other International Financial Institutions, leading academics, and external partners on one or more thematic areas above.
In partnership with Operations Management, ensure that lessons learned from IFC’s operations, as well as IFC’s knowledge and experience of private sector development policy and economics, are captured, curated, and disseminated across IFC Operations and in the WBG.
Contribute to a culture of technical excellence within the Department by creating an environment of learning, innovation, and knowledge sharing.
Deliver the agreed upon work program through cost-effective use of resources and ensure timely delivery of high-quality outputs.
Selection Criteria:
For Associate Economist role: Ph.D. in Economics or related field and a minimum of 2 years or a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience if the candidate holds only a master’s degree.
For Economist role: Ph.D. in Economics or related field and a minimum of 4 years or 6 years of experience if the candidate holds only a master’s degree.
Commitment to the WBG and IFC’s mission and values.
Strong knowledge of one or more policy areas of productivity and competition, the digital economy, climate and sustainability, trade and value chains, financial services and inclusion, job creation, skills, and capacity to influence policy discussions.
Knowledge of related areas (e.g., innovation, spatial and agglomeration policies, gender, affordable housing, resilient health systems, disruptive technologies, agribusiness, and food security) is a plus.
Strong analytical and quantitative skills, including econometric approaches, economic modeling, survey design and implementation, and design, implementation, and evaluation (such as RCTs) of policies and programs to promote private sector development.
Publication record in relevant peer-reviewed journals preferred in topics related to private sector development and IFC’s thematic areas of focus.
Ability to analyze complex policy problems and develop new and innovative approaches.
Self-starter, results-oriented personality with proven problem-solving skills.
Ability to integrate subject matter knowledge within broader frameworks and approaches.
Effective and persuasive oral and written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to operate collaboratively in a matrixed, highly complex, and global organization; proven to work in a team and intercultural environment.
Computer skills: Strong STATA skills (other packages, such as R and Python, are a plus) and advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word).
