Economist

Economist

Job #:
req19322

Organization:
World Bank

Sector:
Economics

Grade:
GF

Term Duration:
3 years 0 months

Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment

Location:
Washington, DC,United States

Required Language(s):
English, French

Preferred Language(s):

Closing Date:
10/14/2022 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

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 OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ECONOMIST FOR AFRICA (AFECE):

The Office of the Chief Economist in the Africa Region (AFECE) generates timely and relevant knowledge on policy and institutional reforms in Sub-Saharan Africa. It produces research articles and reports on the most pressing development issues facing the continent and fosters a community of economists interested in Sub-Saharan Africa, within the World Bank and on the continent. Since July 1, 2020, the office supports the two Vice-Presidencies for Sub-Saharan Africa (AFE) and (AFW).

Work in the Office of the Chief Economist in the Africa Region (AFECE) is organized around 6 pillars:

• Production of periodical Macro-monitoring and outlook ("Africa's Pulse", Africa Weekly Economic and Financial Monitoring);
• Knowledge generation: Regional Studies done in collaboration with Global Practices and Research papers on important questions relevant to the Region;
• Linking knowledge to operations: mainstreaming regional studies and ASA's findings into SCDs, CPFs, DPOs, and review of selected investment projects;
• Knowledge Management and Client engagement: Seminar Series, outreach to internal and external clients, conferences, etc.;
• Quality control/review: Comments for corporate and regional products, ASAs and Operations;
• Knowledge uptake capacity building/mobilization in client countries: Work with African research networks, think tanks, and Chief Economists of Government.

The Office of the Chief Economist in the Africa Region (AFECE) is also home to a number of innovative undertakings, some of which have been replicated in other regions of the World Bank. These include (i) The Gender Innovation Lab (GIL); (ii) The "Chief Economists of Government" (CEoG) network; (iii) The "Afronomics" Podcast; (iv) The "WBG-Africa Fellowship Program"; (v) The "Africa Knowledge Fest": A competition to showcase the most impactful knowledge products on Africa of the past 5 years, and (vi) The "Knowledge in Time (KiT) for Covid-19 Seminar Series", featuring African Academic and policy makers on the frontline of the fight against Covid-19 and uncovering African solutions.

Description

The Africa Chief Economist's office is seeking to recruit an economist who will join the team and contribute to the activities and priorities of the Office. The successful applicant will join the team of economists working on the pillars identified above under the guidance of the Africa Chief Economist.

Duties & Accountabilities:

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will be primarily responsible for, but not limited to, the following areas of work:

• Contribute to the periodicals;
• Support the review functions of the office;
• Contribute to the knowledge management and client engagement;
• Conduct high quality independent research targeting peer reviewed economics publications in top general interest and field journals;
• Support other office activities, including the preparation of flagship studies, peer review of operational and analytical work in the region, and other assignments from the Chief Economist;
• Help advance the goals and priorities of the Office of the Chief Economist, Africa region.

Selection Criteria

The successful candidate should meet the following requirements:

• A PhD in economics or closely related field is highly desirable; a master in a relevant field is essential.
• At least 5-7 years of relevant professional experience in economic policy, research or related areas, either internal or external to the World Bank Group;
• Ability to work in both French and English is highly desirable. Other language skills such as Portuguese and Spanish would be advantageous;
• Project coordination or project management experience in areas relating to capacity building such as trainings, workshops, events, and communications;
• Experience supervising staff or consultants;
• Experience working with senior government officials, academics and policy practitioners, preferably in Africa;
• Proven ability to work under pressure, and to manage multiple competing deadlines and priorities;
• Good communication skills, proven team working abilities;
• Excellent writing skills and attention to detail;
• A research record in economic policy and economic development topics, of relevance to the countries of sub-Saharan Africa;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Core Competencies:

General Economic Knowledge and Analytical Skills: Possesses a demonstrated track record of working with economic and sectoral data and analytical tools and models to conduct economic analyses and produce user-friendly written outputs; understands underlying statistical concepts
Integrative Skills: Working to develop an integrated view across all facets of development economics.
Lead and Innovate: Contributes new insights to understand situations and develops solutions to resolve complex problems. Adapts as circumstances require and manages impact of own behavior on others in context of WBG's values and mission. Identifies and pursues innovative approaches to resolve issues.

Deliver Results for Clients: Adds value by constantly looking for a better way to get more impactful results; sets challenging stretch goals for oneself. Immerses oneself in client experiences and perspective by asking probing questions to understand unmet needs. Demonstrates accountability for achieving results that have a development impact and financial, environmental and social sustainability. Identifies and proposes solutions to mitigate and manage risks.

Collaborate Within Teams and Across Boundaries: Appropriately involves others in decision making and communicates with key stakeholders. Approaches conflicts as common problems to be solved. Actively seeks and considers diverse ideas and approaches displaying a sense of mutuality and respect. Integrates WBG perspective into work.

Create, Apply and Share Knowledge: Leverages department's expertise and body of knowledge across WBG to strengthen internal and/or external client solutions. Seeks to learn from more experienced staff to deepen or strengthen their professional knowledge and helps others to learn. Builds personal and professional networks inside and outside the department unit.

Make Smart Decisions: Seeks diversity of information and inputs, researches possible solutions, and generates recommended options. Identifies and understands risks and proposes recommendations. Based on risk analysis makes decisions in a timely manner within own area of responsibility, considering the interests and concerns of stakeholders.

This internal requisition is open to WBG and IMF staff only (including short-term and extended term consultants/ temporaries). External candidates are requested not to apply. In case an external candidate applies, their application will not be considered.

This internalrequisition is open to WBG and IMF staff only (includingshort-term and extended term consultants/ temporaries). External candidatesare requested not to apply. In case an externalcandidate applies, their application will not be considered.

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.