The Development Impact Measurement Department (CDI) is part of the Economics & Private Sector Development Vice Presidency. This department analyzes economic sectors with a view to identifying opportunities and solutions for private sector development; and works closely with IFC Operations in formulating sector priorities and strategies. It provides technical support to operations related to structuring, appraising, and monitoring investment and advisory projects and is responsible for reporting on IFC’s impact. The department implements the ex-ante project assessment framework (Anticipated Impact Measurement and Monitoring- AIMM) for investment and advisory projects throughout the project cycle, helps ensure high-quality economic support for IFC operations teams on strategies and projects; and develops sector economic analyses with a focus on solutions for private sector development.
The CDI Department is offering a position for the unit working the TMT, Disruptive Technologies and Funds industry group (CDIDF). The Research Analyst will support the different facets of the department’s work program. This involves leading the implementation of the IFC impact measurement end-to-end system, including the AIMM framework, the monitoring and the ex-post evaluation work, as well as contributing to sector economics and econometric analytical work pertaining to the disruptive technology and funds sectors; initially, the main focus is expected to be on private equity and venture capital funds. S/he will work closely with economists within the team, as well as regional and IFC support department counterparts. S/he will also participate in a range of other corporate functions within CDI.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Articulate and measure the development and economic impact of the Funds (private equity, venture capital, SME Venture, IFC Startup Catalyst) and disruptive technology (DT) industries (e.g., start-ups across several verticals). The work will include working with IFC’s Investment Officers to collect and analyze project data, apply the appropriate frameworks based on data and research, create narratives that support the articulation of project impacts, and rate projects.
Undertake quantitative economic research, including data collection, processing and analysis, on a variety of economic topics relevant for the Funds and DT sector.
Prepare advanced analytics tools, including visualization tools, using IT software packages such as R, PowerBI, Excel.
Monitor and analyze data and other trends and developments in the relevant sectors on the global and country level and producing reports with a focus on challenges, priorities, and opportunities for market creation and private sector development in the sector.
Assist in developing research plans, methodology, data needs, and define resources needed to carry out economic research and analysis programs of relevance to IFC’s operations.
Develop and implement the monitoring system for both investments and advisory projects and better report on projects development outcomes in IFC business lines. Support XPSRs and other assessment activities.
Support the design and implementation of projects and programs’ evaluation.
Selection Criteria:
Master’s degree in Economics or comparable discipline from a reputable university with solid training in quantitative and qualitative research methods
At least 3 years of relevant experience as an applied economist (i.e., in a non-academic context) in the private sector or Development Finance Institutions is required.
Experience in the measurement of development impacts of private sector investment projects in emerging markets is required – along with knowledge of common development impact measurement frameworks; knowledge and application of IFC’s AIMM system is a plus.
Experience and knowledge of Private Equity and Venture Investing business models is required, including an understanding of key industry and sector literature, sector development impact, metrics and databases.
Strong quantitative and data analysis skills and proven experience in designing and managing complex databases; and ability to interpret basic output from statistical and econometric and other quantitative research tools. In-depth knowledge of R, PowerBI, Excel and Stata is required.
Strong understanding of micro-economic concepts and principles – and knowledge of its application to emerging markets.
Excellent written and verbal communications in English and ability to communicate effectively with relevant stakeholders.
Proven capability to handle complex assignments and produce work to a high professional standard.
Ability to collaborate within teams and across boundaries, giving own perspective and willingly receives diverse perspectives.
