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 $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 Development Impact Measurement Department (CDI) is part of the Economics & Private Sector Development Vice Presidency. This department analyzes economic sectors with a view to identifying opportunities and solutions for private sector development; and works closely with IFC Operations in formulating sector priorities and strategies. It provides technical support to operations related to structuring, appraising, and monitoring investment and advisory projects and is responsible for reporting on IFC’s impact. The department implements the ex-ante project assessment framework (Anticipated Impact Measurement and Monitoring- AIMM) for investment and advisory projects throughout the project cycle, helps ensure high-quality economic support for IFC operations teams on strategies and projects; and develops sector economic analyses with a focus on solutions for private sector development.
The CDI Department is offering a position for the unit working the Disruptive Technologies and Funds industry group (CDIDF). The Economist will support economic analysis and development impact assessment pertaining to the Private Equity funds industry.
Role & Responsibilities:
• Take responsibility to articulate and measure the development and economic impact of the IFC’s Private Equity Funds projects. The work will include working with IFC’s Investment Officers to collect and analyze project data, apply the appropriate frameworks on the basis of data and research, create narratives that support the articulation of project impacts, and rate projects.
• Lead IFC’s Anticipated Impact Measurement and Monitoring framework (AIMM) to assess the impacts for Private Equity Funds and associated programs such as Funds co-investments, SME Venture Funds, AMC funds – including ex-ante assessments, economic input into Investment Review Meetings, board papers and management reports project monitoring, XPSRs and ex-post evaluation.
• Lead the day-to-day project management of development impact assessments in these industries, including quality oversight, stakeholder management, team supervision, participation in IFC investment review process, analysis and research.
• Provide expert advice and support to operational teams and managers on trends, key risks, and sector analysis during the project life cycle.
• Design and lead economic and research on a variety of economic topics relevant for the Equity Funds sector in collaboration with relevant CDF investment and advisory teams, the World Bank Group, and other organizations and research institutes to inform sector strategies and operational decisions.
• Support IFC’s Impact Reporting for Funds and Funds’ investee companies – both corporate reporting and impact reporting, including data collection, stakeholder management and internal reporting tools; liaise with Funds’ portfolio team on reporting needs and IT needs.
• Supervise a team of junior economists and consultants to support the workplan above.
Selection Criteria
• A post graduate degree in Economics or closely-related field from a reputable university with solid training in quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• At least 10 years of experience, with a focus economic analysis of Equity Funds (sector dynamics, emerging trends, development impacts) and financial markets, demonstrating analytical and research skills, including track record of working on preparing economic papers and sector strategies in areas related to this sector.
• Experience in the private sector (e.g. investment banking, equity funds, funds industry associations, consulting firms) in areas pertaining to Equity Funds is essential.
• Substantial experience on development impact measurement of private sector investment projects in DFIs is required: this may include design of development impact assessment frameworks; understanding of private sector development in emerging markets; assessing the development impact of projects on private equity funds in emerging markets. Knowledge of IFC’s AIMM and its processes is a strong plus.
• Familiarity with academic and business literature, and on databases and other sources of information, on private equity, venture capital, and financial markets, demonstrated through the preparation of reports and economic papers; ability to identify gaps in research, suggest and prepare research programs.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills and ability to write robust research papers. Proven capability to handle complex assignments (e.g. project related or analytical tasks with operational relevance) and produce analytical work to a high professional standard, with minimum supervision.
• Proven project-management experience, including managing tasks and activities, designing research programs, allocating tasks to other team members, and managing resources.
• Ability to innovate, develop innovative solutions with others, and to deliver results for clients by proactively addressing clients’ stated and unstated needs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and ability to communicate effectively with different stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively in teams, communicate ideas clearly and confidently, articulate issues and recommend solutions with a demonstrated ability to build partnerships for success, through engaging in open discussion with key stakeholders to conceptualize and implement solutions.
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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