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 International Finance Corporation (IFC), member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on private investment in emerging economies. The organization operates in more than 100 countries, using capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities that work for development. 

IFC Economics and Market Research (CER) is a new Department in the Economics and Private Sector Development Vice Presidency Unit (CED VPU). This department is a strong hub for economic research and creation of IFC flagship reports, country diagnostic and sector analytical work, and country macro and markets risk work. Specifically, the department leads on the creation of upgraded Country Private Sector Diagnostic reports and coordinate IFC contributions to Country Climate and Development reports; create flagship IFC reports and academic articles related to private sector development, both through internal staff research and at times in collaboration with universities and other international organizations; organize academic conferences, workshops, and forums; provide country risk and market updates to IFC Risk VPU and to IFC Management; and monitor country macroeconomics and financial market developments in client countries.

The department is looking for one Research Assistant / Predoctoral Fellow based in IFC’s Paris Economics Hub, to support its growing research workstreams. The Hub is focusing on research on climate, natural resources, and sustainability; technology adoption and the digital economy; and trade and value chains. The Research Assistant will support and contribute to IFC economic research reports, develop new analytical articles, working closely with staff in the Hub. Candidates should  be fluent French speakers and a motivated and dynamic professionals, with solid academic background in economics and analytical skills. Selected candidates will report primarily to one member of staff, with assignments that may span several projects and staff in the Hub and the department.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Clean datasets for empirical analysis and manage the project databases
• Collect and code information from qualitative sources
• Support the preparation of questionnaires for surveys.
• Support and supervise survey implementation.
• Perform empirical analysis. Prepare charts and tables.
• Prepare literature reviews.
• Draft sections of studies, prepare syntheses, presentations, and bibliographies.
• Proofread and edit documents.
• Support the organization of online and in-person events to the extent that location allows.
• Support communication activities and academic outreach in France.
• Liaise regularly with staff and external associates working on the topics assigned.

Selection Criteria

• The candidate must possess, at the time of starting, a Bachelor’s degree with excellent grades in Economics.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with good knowledge in applied statistics and experience managing databases.
• Experience with firm-level data and micro surveys.
• Excellent command of Stata and other statistical software, Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, is essential. Coding skills in Python or R is an advantage.
• Excellent drafting and presentation skills in English and French.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Intellectual curiosity, creativity, and ability to connect seemingly separate narratives.
• Communication and Team Skills: High level of personal and professional integrity. Self-starter. Strong ability to function well in a multi-cultural environment and working in teams.
• Flexibility, responsiveness, and ability to manage multiple activities to tight deadlines.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

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