Country Economist

Job Vacancy | Monday, June 26, 2023

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

ADB will be rolling-out its operating model which may result in the change of department/group and/or reporting arrangement(s). By proceeding with your application, you acknowledge and accept the possibility of such changes resulting from the new operating model (NOM).

Overview

Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines and is composed of 68 members, 49 of which are from the Asia and Pacific region. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. ADB combines finance, knowledge, and partnerships to fulfill its expanded vision under its Strategy 2030.

ADB only hires nationals of its 68 members.

The position is assigned to Timor-Leste Resident Mission (TLRM) within the Southeast Asia Department (SERD). SERD is responsible for maintaining client relations and delivering ADB assistance to countries in the Southeast Asian region. TLRM is responsible for country partnership and strategy, policy dialogue and client relationship, business development, knowledge management, project quality assurance, sector analytic work, and loan and technical assistance processing and administration in Timor-Leste.

Job Purpose

The Country Economist is expected to lead the TLRM team in providing analyses and assessments on economic developments in Timor-Leste and significantly contribute to economic, sector, and thematic work for ADB’s operations. Together with development partners, the incumbent will provide technical advice to the Government on its macroeconomic management and structural reforms, and help facilitate necessary capacity development, as well as conduct policy dialogue with the Government to promote and facilitate ADB policy, strategies and programs. S/he will provide economic and strategic input to ADB’s Country Partnership and Strategy for Timor-Leste; and revise/update and implement ADB’s Country Knowledge Plan for Timor-Leste. The incumbent will report to Country Director, TLRM and will have functional reporting line to designated Director in Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department (ERCD) on country diagnostics, sector and thematic studies, macroeconomics, Asian Development Outlook (ADO), research and knowledge outputs and others. The incumbent will also supervise national and administrative staff.

Responsibilities

• Provides significant contributions in undertaking economic, sector and thematic work to prepare economic/ and/or macroeconomic management related studies and periodic reports on the economy and specific issues as required, such as periodic economic reports and briefing materials for ADB Management and Board.
• Contributes to the assessment of macroeconomic, social and sectoral developments in Timor-Leste considering ADB’s development of strategies and programs, including policy reforms, institutional improvements and investment programs.
• Provides inputs to ADB-wide economic analysis documents and publications, including leading the preparation of the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) and ADO Update chapters and other economic reports, as required.
• Reviews and strengthens analysis and presentation of complex economic evaluation in ADB documents to ensure quality of operations and publications.
• Assists in analytical, and operational, work under Southeast Asia Department’s (SERD’s) regional cooperation and integration (RCI) initiatives, particularly with the accession of Timor Leste to ASEAN.
• Leads the formulation of ADB’s operational strategies and programs for the region and country specific operations, including the Country Partnership and Strategy.
• Monitors and evaluates the current CPS, which includes tracking of the results framework and the eventual preparation of the CPS final review documentation.
• Identifies and conceptualizes key policy issues to be addressed in ADB’s policy dialogue and recommendations on macroeconomic management and structural reform issues.
• Conducts the required dialogue with senior Government officials in Timor-Leste.
• Processes and administers TA projects.
• Coordinates with other development partners on analytical work and exploration of potential cofinancing.
• Leads the revision and update of ADB’s Country Knowledge Plan (CKP) for Timor-Leste.
• Implements the CKP including leading the dialogue with government counterparts, knowledge institutions/think tanks, development partners and other stakeholders as well as ADB staff both in TLRM and HQ.

Qualifications

Relevant Experience & Requirements

• Master’s Degree, or equivalent, in Economics, Public Policy or related fields. Alternatively, a university degree and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position can be considered.
• At least 8 years of relevant professional experience in macroeconomic or sector policy formulation, macroeconomic analysis, project economic and financial analysis, or related area
• International experience working in several countries, including developing countries.
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and conceptual skills in economics.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for International Staff level 4.

General Considerations

The selected candidate, if new to ADB, is appointed for an initial term of 3 years.

ADB offers competitive remuneration and a comprehensive benefits package. Actual appointment salary will be based on ADB’s standards and computation, taking into account the selected individual’s qualifications and experience.

ADB seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities to work in an inclusive environment. ADB encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities. Women are highly encouraged to apply.

Please note that the actual level and salary will be based on qualifications of the selected candidate.

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