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 Country Advisory and Economics Department (CAE) is a new department that will be responsible for (i) Producing both regional and country-level economic assessments to support IFC’s strategy and operations; (ii) Collaborating with regional and industry colleagues to produce analytical products such as Country Private Sector Diagnostics (CPSDs) and IFC Country Strategies; (iii) Significantly contributing to WBG products such as Systematic Country Diagnostics (SCD), Country Climate and Development Reports (CCDR), and IBRD/IDA lending operations; and (iv) Putting IFC’s country strategy and diagnostic recommendations into practice through Advisory projects that engage with governments, regulators, civil society, development partners and other relevant stakeholders to reform markets and sectors and address key bottlenecks to private sector development.

The Department seeks to recruit two (2) Associate Economists/ 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. The two (2) positions will be based in Paris, France.

Duties and responsibilities:

The roles and responsibilities of the position will include:

• 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 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).

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.