Senior Economist

Senior Economist

Job #:
req19324

Organization:
World Bank

Sector:
Economics

Grade:
GG

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

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 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:

1. Production of periodical Macro-monitoring and outlook ("Africa's Pulse", Africa Weekly Economic and Financial Monitoring);

2. Knowledge generation: Regional Studies done in collaboration with Global Practices and Research papers on important questions relevant to the Region;

3. Linking knowledge to operations: mainstreaming regional studies and ASA's findings into SCDs, CPFs, DPOs, and review of selected investment projects;

4. Knowledge Management and Client engagement: Seminar Series, outreach to internal and external clients, conferences, etc.;

5. Quality control/review: Comments for corporate and regional products, ASAs and Operations;

6. 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.

Duties and Accountabilities

The Senior Economist will work under the supervision of the Chief Economist for the Africa Region. The successful candidate will be primarily responsible for the following areas of work:

1. Co-lead/Contribute to the preparation of Regional flagship studies.

2. Conduct high quality independent and policy-relevant research targeting peer reviewed economics publications in top general interest and field journals

3. Generating original Economic research insights, via background papers and other knowledge outputs of the Chief Economist's Office.

4. Review, coordinate and prepare comments on EFI Analytical products in the Region including but not limited to CEMs, PERs, Economic Updates, as well as operational reports (DPOs) and relevant IPFs,

5. Contribute to comments on Corporate Flagship Reports, including WDR, GEP, Peer review other work and undertake other assignments as per the Chief Economist request.

6. Help advance the goals and priorities of the Office of the Chief Economist, Africa region.

Selection Criteria

The applicant should meet the following requirements:
• A PhD in economics or closely related field;
• At least 8-10 years of relevant professional experience in economic policy, research or related areas, either internal or external to the World Bank Group;
• A proven track record in peer-reviewed economic research, with leadership experience in areas relating to economic policy.
• Ability to synthesize complex research findings for a policy or operational audience;
• Excellent analytical and quantitative skills including a strong econometrics background, and general economic knowledge and analytical skills. Demonstrated track record of working with economic data and analytical tools and models to conduct economic analyses and produce user-friendly written outputs;
• Leadership experience in areas relating to economic development, economic policy making in Africa, and/or capacity building for senior government officials;

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.

* Knowledge and Experience in Development Arena - Understands policy making process; distills operationally relevant recommendations/lessons for clients.

* Policy Dialogue Skills - Identifies and assesses policy issues and plays an active role in the dialogue with the government and/or other stakeholders.

* Integrative Skills - Working to develop an integrated view across all facets of development economics.

* Written and Verbal Communication - Delivers information effectively in support of team or workgroup

* Client Orientation - Takes personal responsibility and accountability for timely response to client queries, requests or needs, working to remove obstacles that may impede execution or overall success.

* Drive for Results - Takes personal ownership and accountability to meet deadlines and achieve agreed-upon results, and has the personal organization to do so.

* Teamwork (Collaboration) and Inclusion - Collaborates with other team members and contributes productively to the team's work and output, demonstrating respect for different points of view.

* Knowledge, Learning and Communication - Actively seeks knowledge needed to complete assignments and shares knowledge with others, communicating and presenting information in a clear and organized manner.

* Business Judgment and Analytical Decision Making - Analyzes facts and data to support sound, logical decisions regarding own and others' work.

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.

If the selected candidate is a current World Bank Group staff member with a Regular or Open-Ended appointment, s/he will retain his/her Regular or Open-Ended appointment. All others will be offered a 3 year 0 months term appointment.

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.