Associate/Economist, Economic Policy Research

Contract

This is a World Bank Group grade: GF contract. More about World Bank Group grade: GF contracts.

Associate/Economist, Economic Policy Research

Description

IFC—a member of the World Bank Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets and the world’s largest multilateral source of loan and equity financing and advisory services for private sector in the developing world. 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. Working with 2,000 businesses worldwide, IFC draws on more than six decades of experience to create opportunities and solutions where they are needed most. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

Economic Policy Research (CER) is a new Department in the Economics and Private Sector Development Vice Presidency Unit (CED VPU). This department is a strong hub for the analytical work in support of IFC’s investment and advisory activities and economics research on issues related to private sector development. Specifically, this includes overseeing country private sector diagnostics and sector deep dives, in collaboration with IFC operations and the World Bank; working with IFC’s Global Upstream to identify the most impactful business opportunities; creating a series of flagship IFC reports to raise IFC’s profile as a thought leader in economics research related to private sector development; organizing a series of conferences and economist speaker series with external academics and experts; and providing analytic input to guide IFC’s strategy.

The Department is seeking to recruit an Economist based in IFC’s Paris Economics Hub focused on one or more areas of climate, natural resources, and sustainability; technology adoption and the digital economy; and trade and value chains. The Economist will contribute to IFC economic research reports, develop new analytical articles, and work closely with Senior Economists, Economists, and Research Analysts in the Department under the general supervision of a Principal Economists. The Economist will be a fluent French speaker and a motivated and dynamic professional, with solid analytical skills and policy-relevant experience, expertise in private sector development and applied research, a track record of original research, and team spirit, working in collaboration with colleagues in other Departments in the CED VPU, in IFC Operations, and at the World Bank. In particular, the selected candidate will be expected to collaborate closely with colleagues in the Global Macro & Market Research (CGR) Department and members of the Europe Regional Economics team on the production of Country Climate and Development Reports (CCDRs). The position is based at IFC’s Paris hub, and will report to the Principal Economist in the Paris Hub.

Duties and responsibilities: • Contribute to the development and dissemination of new analytical frameworks, approaches and databases in one or more priority thematic areas of climate, energy transition, natural resources (including water), and environmentally sustainable development; technology adoption and the digital economy; and trade and value chains for low and middle income countries. • Perform descriptive and econometric analysis, including the application of advanced statistical/econometric techniques. • Guide and manage the work of research analysts in preparing survey datasets (firm-level or similar), including cleaning and organizing the data. • Lead the preparation of policy reports, working papers, and provide significant contributions to flagship publications; work under the guidance of senior team members to transform the analytical outputs into products that are relevant to IFC operations, investors, and policymakers, and contribute to the global dialogue among business and government leaders and other thought leaders. • Contribute to the production of the World Bank Group Country Climate and Development Reports (CCDRs), in collaboration with members of the Global Macro & Market Research (CGR) Department and Europe Regional Economics team. • Present research findings to internal and external audiences, including private sector clients and policymakers in developing countries. • Design impact evaluations and provide coordination between the impact evaluation teams and local counterparts. • Draw on findings from economic research to inform IFC strategy, Investment and Advisory operations, Upstream engagements, and WBG policy work. Establish a feedback loop between outreach and dissemination and research to foster innovation and ensure continuous improvement in the relevance and impact of IFC research. • Engage with experts at the IFC and the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and other International Financial Institutions, leading academics, and external partners on one or more thematic areas above. • In partnership with Operations Management, 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 a culture of technical excellence within the Department by creating an environment of learning, innovation, and knowledge sharing. • Contribute to the growth and development of IFC Paris Hub by engaging effectively with Regional Economics and other Paris-based colleagues as well as with external partners such as academic and development institutions (particularly those based in Europe). • Deliver the agreed upon work program through cost effective use of resources and ensure timely delivery of high-quality outputs.

Selection Criteria

• PhD in Economics and up to 2+ years of relevant experience, or a minimum of 5 years of experience if the candidate holds only a master’s degree. • Fluency in French and ability to network and interact with academics in European universities and senior economists in public and international organizations. • Strong knowledge of one or more policy areas of the economics of climate, natural resources, and sustainability; technology adoption and the digital economy; and trade and value chains. • 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, including econometric approaches, economic modeling, survey design and implementation, as well as design, implementation, and evaluation (such as RCTs) of policies and programs to promote private sector development . • Publication record in relevant peer-reviewed journals preferred in topics related to private sector development and IFC’s thematic areas of focus. • Ability to analyze complex policy problems and develop new and innovative approaches. • Self-starter, results-oriented personality with proven problem-solving skills. • Ability to integrate subject matter knowledge within broader frameworks and approaches. • Effective and persuasive oral and written communication skills. • Demonstrated ability to operate in a collaborative manner in a matrixed, highly complex and global organization; proven ability to work in a team and intercultural environment. • Computer skills: Strong STATA skills (other packages such as R, Python, are a plus), and advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word)

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.