Economist
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 Department (CER) focuses on operationally relevant research on firms and private sector development in emerging and low-income developing economies. This includes overseeing country private sector diagnostics, working to identify the most impactful business opportunities, creating a series of reports, undertaking research for peer-reviewed journals, organizing conferences with academia, and providing analytical input to guide IFC’s strategy.
The Department is seeking to recruit an Economist to contribute to core thematic research, develop new analytical articles and reports, and work closely with colleagues in the department under the general supervision of one or more Principal Economists. The 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. The position is based at IFC’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Duties and responsibilities
The roles and responsibilities of the position will include:
• Contribute to the development of new analytical products, methods, and databases focusing on firms and private sector, in one or more areas such as productivity and competition, technology adoption, climate and sustainability, trade and value chains, finance and private capital mobilization, and jobs.
• Perform descriptive and advanced econometric analysis, including cutting-edge statistical techniques.
• Conduct research publishable in peer-refereed journals.
• Guide and manage the work of research analysts in preparing survey datasets (firm-level or similar), including cleaning and organizing the data.
• Participate in preparing policy reports, working papers, and flagship publications; work under the guidance of senior team members to distill 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.
• 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 and 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 learnt 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
• PhD in Economics or Finance, or a minimum of 5 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 such as firm financing, productivity and competition, the digital economy, climate and sustainability, trade and value chains, financial services and inclusion, and job creation
• Knowledge of related areas (e.g., innovation, spatial and agglomeration policies, gender, affordable housing, resilient health systems, disruptive technologies, and agribusiness and food security) is a plus.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, including econometric approaches, economic modeling, survey design and implementation, as well as design, implementation, and evaluation (such as RCTs) of policies and programs to promote private sector development.
• Experience on collecting, managing, and analyzing micro data, particularly establishment- and firm-level data, using cutting-edge econometric tools from applied economics.
• 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.
• Effective and persuasive oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team and intercultural environment.
• Computer skills: Strong economic programming skills (e.g., STATA, R, Python, or MATLAB).
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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