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.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Under the general supervision of the Manager/Team Leaders and in close coordination with the various technical teams, the Economist will be responsible for the following activities:

• Monitor the macro-economic conditions and trends for countries in MCT and advise the IFC Country Manager and operational teams on its impact on IFC operations. Help identify macro-economic risks to IFC investments and strategies to mitigate them.
• Provide macro-economic analysis to support IFC investment operations including due diligence. Draft relevant sections of IFC Board papers including country context and strategic fit.
• Lead/ Contribute to Country Private Sector Diagnostics, Country Climate Development Reports, and provide IFC input to WBG Systematic Country Diagnostics, Country Partnership Frameworks, Progress and Learning Reviews and other joint initiatives.
• Support IFC Country Manager and teams to develop IFC country strategies to help maximize IFC development impact. Support the development of industry strategies in the region. Monitor and support the implementation of Country Private Sector Diagnostic recommendations, sectoral deep dives, and policy reform implementation.
• Contribute to analytical work on selected topics that inform IFC country programs and strategies.
• Lead and contribute to research and policy papers to identify challenges to increasing private investment in the region and propose practical options to overcome the challenges.
• 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.

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.