[ref. a44007618] (Associate) Economist - Global Industries Chief Economist Office - GF - Washington

international finance corporation

Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet.

CGIVP oversees the Operations Management and Corporate Portfolio Departments as well as all Global Industry Departments, which include Disruptive Technologies, Services, and Funds; Climate Business; Energy and Mining; Financial Institutions; Infrastructure; Manufacturing and Agribusiness; and Trade and Supply Chain Finance.

Activities include (i) shaping IFC corporate and sector-level investment strategies and contributing to the preparation of IFC investment platforms, programs and global projects, particularly on the subjects of strategic narrative, economic rationale, and additionality; (ii) preparing flagship reports, white papers, and other knowledge products on industry topics in collaboration with Industries departments; (iii) identifying new business directions and facilitating internal knowledge sharing through roundtables, seminars, and other knowledge sharing activities; (iv) outreach with internal and external stakeholders including World Bank Global Practices and Chief Economist Offices, multilateral agencies, and academics/business schools on industry topics and trends.

The position is based in Washington, DC, and will report to Chief Economist for Global Industries.

Duties and Accountabilities

The roles and responsibilities of the position will include:

• Conduct economic analysis to inform business development, sector strategies, investment and advisory operations design, as well as WBG strategy and policy work globally and within specific geographies. This includes collecting and synthesizing all required information to develop analysis and tools about different development and financing issues and performance trends across sectors and geographies, from a variety of internal and external sources.
• Carry out analysis linking global megatrends and critical development issues (e.g., climate, energy, food security) with industry-specific trends on financial performance, development impact and financing issues. This includes performing descriptive and econometric analysis, including the application of advanced statistical/econometric techniques.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of new databases, cutting-edge analytics and practical knowledge products and tools (including cross-sector and sector-specific) relevant to IFC operations in specific IFC global industries (e.g., climate, energy transition, natural resources – including water, and environmentally sustainable development; and trade and value chains for low and middle income countries), based on robust economic rationale and theory, working jointly with global industry teams.
• Establish a feedback loop between outreach and dissemination and research to foster innovation and ensure continuous improvement in the relevance and impact of IFC economics work. Ensure that lessons learnt from IFC's operations as well as IFC's knowledge and experience of private sector development policy and economics are captured, curated and disseminated across IFC Operations and in the WBG.
• Contribute to the preparation of policy reports, working papers, and provide significant contributions to flagship publications under the guidance of senior team members.
• Present analytical findings to diverse internal and external audiences, including private sector clients and policymakers in developing countries, and contribute to outreach and dissemination efforts of Global Industries Economics more broadly.
• Engage with industry experts, colleagues at IFC and the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and other International Financial Institutions, and leading academics on one or more thematic areas mentioned above.
• Contribute to a culture of technical excellence within the unit by creating an environment of learning, innovation, and knowledge sharing.
• Deliver the agreed upon work program through cost effective use of resources and ensure timely delivery of high-quality outputs.

• Ph.D. in economics/finance/business or Master's degree in economics/finance/business with a substantive operational and/or analytics experience in at least one of the IFC industry/sectors of operation.
• 2+ years of relevant experience (or 5+ years if Master's degree) applying sector economics and data analytics to specific industry issues (ideally in energy, transport, telecom, capital markets, banking and finance; but also including private equity funds, agribusiness, manufacturing, tourism, etc.) related to business development, strategy, development impact and/or performance.
• Knowledge of related areas – e.g., productivity and competition, innovation, financial services and inclusion, job creation and skills, spatial and agglomeration policies, gender, affordable housing, resilient health systems, and agribusiness and food security – is a plus.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to integrate economic-specific knowledge and applied research to strategic thinking and business development, and to implement empirical analysis using data and evidence from different sources.
• Applied research and tool development skills with strong ability to design and implement tools oriented to support operational decision-making and strategy design, working under the highest standards in terms of economic rigor.
• Publication record in relevant peer-reviewed journals preferred in topics related to private sector development and IFC's thematic areas of focus is a plus.
• Experience with business analytics, economic analysis and methods, and data management. Knowledge of data science is a plus.
• Good understanding of private sector issues across emerging markets, including the ability to analyze and compare the functioning of specific sectors/industries across countries. Demonstrated ability to translate ideas into actionable recommendations.
• Understanding of IFC and WBG strategic priorities.
• Self-starter, results-oriented personality with proven practical problem-solving skills. Proven capability to handle complex assignments and resourcefulness in designing innovative approaches, and leading and performing various analytical tasks.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with different stakeholders.
• Strong team player, with proven ability to work collaboratively in a highly complex and global organization and multi-cultural environment.
• Demonstrated maturity and sound judgment, strong work ethic, and high integrity.
• Commitment to the WBG and IFC's mission and values.
• Computer skills: Strong STATA skills (other packages such as R, Python, are a plus), and advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word)

Note: If the selected candidate is a current 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 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.

• Application and Interview Preparation: Whether you're preparing your application documents or getting ready for an interview, you can book a Job Application Support session to receive tailored guidance.
• For Swiss nationals invited to the first round of the selection process (e.g., written test, interview, assessment center): Notify us at recruitment@cinfo.ch, and we will inform our HR partners in the respective organization and the Swiss Government to help increase your visibility.

Job type: Staff (Permanent and Fixed Term)