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 2022, IFC committed a record $32.8 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.

IFC has embarked on an ambitious new growth strategy (IFC 3.0) to stimulate more investment activity. This strategy calls for generating unique opportunities by proactively working “Upstream” to create, deepen, and expand markets and to imagine, design and implement investment projects. It requires taking a systematic approach to understanding the regulatory and sector bottlenecks that prevent the flow of private capital into productive investment in our member countries and addressing these bottlenecks through World Bank Group engagement on policy reforms and programmatic interventions at the country and sector level. This strategy also calls for working with Governments and World Bank colleagues to first seek private sector solutions to address development challenges – where such solutions are advisable and can be effective – and reserve public financing for projects only when other options are suboptimal. This approach is called the “Cascade”. 

The Regional and Country Economics and Engagement Department for the Middle East, Central Asia, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (MCT) leads the VPU’s participation in WBG engagement process (CEM, CPF, DPO, PLR, etc.) and IFC regional and country strategies (IFC Country strategies, CCDR, CPSD); develops periodic and “just in time” regional an country economic analysis, ad hoc economic and strategic analysis for regional country directors and managers,  and high level support for strategic operations, such as platform templates and inter-institutional programs.

CMCCE is inviting applications for an Economist position to lead, who will lead research, regional analysis, and data collection to inform the prioritization of IFC investments in the face of the WBG’s evolved mission.

The selected candidate will report to the MCT manager. On specific tasks, the Economist may work directly under the supervision of other staff identified by the MCT manager.

Job duties and responsibilities:

• Contribute to the production of the World Bank Group Country Climate and Development Reports (CCDRs)
• Present research findings to internal and external audiences, including private sector clients and policymakers in developing countries.
• Lead and contribute to the preparation of analytical studies, including any periodical publications, regional flagship reports, policy notes, and presentations focused on MCT countries and relevant for IFC investments operations.
• Produce research and policy or industry papers to identify challenges to increasing private investment in the region and propose practical options to overcome the challenges.
• Lead and contribute to the preparation of economic updates and briefing material needed by the regional vice president, including for technical updates to the board, MD office and corporate units.
• Lead and contribute to CPSDs and country economic strategies; analyze their impact on IFC operations and develop “just in time” economic updates for the region.
• Conduct primary research and work with teams across the WBG and external experts to help develop new tools to identify and quantify opportunities for private sector investment with development impact
• Maintain close contact with IFC investment, advisory, upstream, and creating markets teams and mobilize relevant in-house expertise for countries diagnostic and strategies, including CCDRs and CPSD.
• Contribute to all relevant WBG engagement, including SCDs, CPFs, DPOs, and PLRs.
• Engage with researchers, policy makers, think tanks and civil society representatives in MCT countries to support the exchange of knowledge

Selection Criteria

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.