Economist

Economist

Job #:
req19036

Organization:
World Bank

Sector:
Education

Grade:
GF

Term Duration:
4 years 0 months

Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment

Location:
Washington, DC,United States

Required Language(s):
English

Preferred Language(s):

Closing Date:
9/26/2022 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

The Education Global Practice

Education is a powerful driver of development and one of the strongest instruments for reducing poverty and improving health, gender equality, peace, and stability!

Developing countries have made tremendous progress in getting children into the classroom and the majority of children worldwide are now in primary school. Nevertheless, some 260 million children are still out of primary and secondary school. More information: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/education

Regional/Unit Context

We are seeking an Economist for the South Asia Education Unit (HSAED) within the Human Development Practice Group; reporting to the Practice Manager for HSAED.

HSAED has a large and growing education lending portfolio of 27 active projects with commitments of $5.33 billion. An additional $2.17 billion will be delivered the remainder of this FY, focusing on improving educational outcomes at all levels. In his region, we manage nearly 50 trust funds totaling more than $300 million! This robust operational portfolio is supported by an equally strong analytical program, including new work on frontier areas such as skills for green jobs and learning losses.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
• Lead, co-lead and/or participate in the preparation and supervision of education operations (IPFs, PforRs, DPFs) at various education levels, ensuring hands-on technical assistance and providing just in time solutions to external clients. Providing guidance on and implementing strategies and operations to support countries in their response to the COVID-19 crisis on education will be critical.
• Lead, co-lead and/or participate in the preparation of high quality customized analytical and advisory services, including technical/analytical reports and just-in time TA (at regional and country level). This includes contributing to existing and new research programs by attracting research grants and producing research papers on relevant topics for clients (ECD, teachers, learning losses, drop-outs, financing, governance, skills and TVET, among others). Again, providing guidance on strategies to effectively respond to the COVID-19 crisis on education will be critical. Work closely with the Practice Manager, the education team, the relevant CMUs and other sectors to identify, develop and support new business areas of engagement, including financial products, technical advisory services and other services, as required.
• Serve as focal point in critical areas for the unit (which could include technical or corporate roles).

Selection Criteria

The ideal candidate will combine strong operational, technical and teamwork skills, and a capacity to translate technical findings and operational skills into policy and Bank operations and technical assistance to help clients recover from the pandemic, shift policies in new directions and/or pilot new approaches.
• Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in economics, education, business or related fields• Experience: A minimum of 5 years of directly relevant work for the position; and demonstrated expert-level knowledge of education policy• Strong understanding of economics of education and ability to work with complex datasets and lead teams to analyze data. Should be up-to-date with the literature on economics of education, globally and on South Asia• Strong operational skills and understanding of World Bank processes to be able to effectively support teams through all the stages of project preparation and supervision, taking up as needed a leadership or co-leadership role• Consider corporate commitments (e.g., climate co-benefits, gender) in project approach• Strong technical skills and knowledge in at least a few of the key education sector areas. Ability to translate analytical/technical/operational skills and advice into new programs, policies, and operational innovations and results• Possess political judgment, diplomatic skills, and negotiating skills• Build and sustain key stakeholder relationships with government and other key partners• Track record of delivering and/or supporting high quality advisory services• Excellent communication and writing skills• Demonstrated ability to work in teams in different capacities (as contributor, as a lead)• Proven track-record of working simultaneously and effectively on a variety of tasks• High levels of energy, initiative, and flexibility. Proactive attitude to challenges and flexibility in quickly adjusting to changing work program requirements.

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.