(Associate) Economist – Economics
Washington DC, United States
JOB DETAIL
Description
IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2023, IFC committed a record US$43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
The Economic and Market Research (CER) Department, within the Economics and Private Sector Development Vice Presidency Unit (CED VPU), undertakes operationally relevant research on firms and private sector development. The Macro and Market Risk Unit (CERMR) is part of the CER Department and focuses on analyses of countries and market dynamics to identify strategic implications for IFC business and IFC investment clients. It combines expertise in macroeconomics, financial markets analysis, portfolio, policy, and development trends.
We seek an (Associate) Economist to focus on analysis of economic and market developments. The position is based at IFC’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Roles and Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Macro Analysis
• Closely monitor a few high-exposure countries across regions and evaluate their macroeconomic, sector, and market trends and developments, including projections of long-term growth in real GDP and sectors, integrating assessments of relative valuation, banking sector capital adequacy, and capital market development potential. Provide regular country risk assessment for selected countries for the unit’s Country Risk function.
• Contribute to the unit’s work program on long-term FX projections, integrating with EBA-style assessments and IMF estimates of real effective exchange rate equilibria.
• Lead the unit’s efforts on international trade flows and trends and other thematic issues to provide inputs for notes, other analytical deliverables, and regional presentations.
• Author country notes, country and regional presentations for senior management and portfolio reviews, and other macroeconomic analyses that inform risks and opportunities for the private sector for both internal and external clients, linking macro-outlooks and risks to projects for investment teams, sector economists, and portfolio officers.
• Team member that provides the Financial Additionality assessment of the IFC operations.
• Closely monitor a few high-exposure countries across regions and evaluate their macroeconomic, sector, and market trends and developments, including projections of long-term growth in real GDP and sectors, integrating assessments of relative valuation, banking sector capital adequacy, and capital market development potential. Provide regular country risk assessment for selected countries for the unit’s Country Risk function.
• Contribute to the unit’s work program on long-term FX projections, integrating with EBA-style assessments and IMF estimates of real effective exchange rate equilibria.
• Lead the unit’s efforts on international trade flows and trends and other thematic issues to provide inputs for notes, other analytical deliverables, and regional presentations.
• Author country notes, country and regional presentations for senior management and portfolio reviews, and other macroeconomic analyses that inform risks and opportunities for the private sector for both internal and external clients, linking macro-outlooks and risks to projects for investment teams, sector economists, and portfolio officers.
• Team member that provides the Financial Additionality assessment of the IFC operations.
Selection Criteria
The candidate should be someone with:
• Advanced degree in economics with specialization in macroeconomics and development economics.
• 5 years of professional experience in a research or analytical role focused on international economics, country risk, debt, trade, and development policy-related issues.
• Strong understanding of the private sector, demand and supply trends, and determinants and policy impact on sector performance.
• Knowledge of the Latin America and Caribbean region would be preferred, but not a must.
• Broad knowledge and understanding of linkages between major sectors of the economy and private sector dynamics
• Good understanding of the economic complexity framework and its applications to identify sector opportunities and market potential
• Understanding financial systems and ability to identify macro-financial interlinkages and channels of risk
• Experience in country-level analysis covering macroeconomics, industry, international trade, and financial market developments
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills in English, delivering macroeconomic and financial analysis and assessments, conveying complex concepts, and distilling analysis into clear, concise messages.
• Ability to combine theoretical frameworks with applied research.
• Ability to work well within a multicultural team context, building on the synergies of different team members and their expertise, seeking opportunities to advance the unit’s and IFC’s financial and development objectives while respecting cultural differences.
• Extensive experience and knowledge of Microsoft Excel, econometric packages, and presentation packages.
• Ability to thrive under pressure and function effectively while managing multiple tasks simultaneously with high attention to detail.
• Ability to coach and provide guidance and training to junior members of the team.
World Bank Group Core Competencies
The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.
Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.
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