Economist (Data Science)

Join ADB as an Economist (Data Science) to enhance policy dialogue through data analytics.

This opening expired 1 year ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

Application deadline 1 year ago: Wednesday 4 Jun 2025 at 12:00 UTC

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Overview

Join ADB as an Economist (Data Science) to enhance policy dialogue through data analytics.

You have:

  • Extensive experience in data science and AI relevant to development work.
  • Strong quantitative analysis skills, including econometrics, machine learning, and AI methods.
  • Ability to conduct training sessions and capacity-building initiatives in developing member countries.
  • Proficiency in data processing and management software, relevant to large datasets analysis.
  • Experience in leading projects and overseeing teams of consultants.

Join Our Mission to Foster Prosperity in Asia

Are you ready to make a difference on the future of Asia and be a catalyst for positive change? We are thrilled to offer a unique opportunity to become an important part of the prestigious Asian Development Bank (ADB). At ADB, our mission is simple yet powerful: to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.

Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationship

The position of Economist (Data Science) is assigned to the Data Division (ERDD) within the Economic Research and Development Impact Department (ERDI). You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines.

You will report to Director, ERDD and oversee Technical Local Staff and teams of consultants.

Your Role

As Economist (Data Science), you will build capacity in the use of Big Data analytics in development research and policy within ADB, with emphasis on environment, biodiversity and climate specializations. You will contribute to the research work of the department, including research using very large datasets of high-frequency data; participate in data analytics with internal stakeholders; conduct knowledge sessions and training workshops for ADB departments and external clients in developing member countries; contribute to the preparation of ERDI's annual flagship publications; and support Director, ERDD in areas of quantitative analyses, technical assistance (TA), administrative matters, and work plans.

You will:

Knowledge Creation and Dissemination

Undertake quantitative (econometric, machine learning and AI) analyses in assigned projects, including data processing and model applications using appropriate software; ERDI publications, working papers, peer-reviewed journal articles, ADB briefs and documents for Management; develop relevant capacity building activities, both internally within ADB and in developing member countries, including preparation of training materials.

Operations Support

Lead data science and AI projects which are relevant to ADB operations, from project design, data management and preprocessing to analyses of findings; oversee and implement the design, implementation and administration of technical assistance projects; peer review colleagues' knowledge work and supervise research associates, consultants and project analysts in completion of work to the highest quality and in a timely manner.

Qualifications

You will need:

Benefits

ADB offers a rewarding salary and a comprehensive benefits package. The salary will be based on ADB's standards and comparator markets, taking into account your qualifications and experience.

Additional Information

This position has been created as part of the Workforce Rebalancing Framework, which is a multiyear initiative (2022-2027) aimed at increasing in-house expertise in key operational areas that was previously sourced from consultants through ADB's technical assistance. The goal is to strengthen in-house expertise to enhance the quality of ADB's policy dialogue, operations, and knowledge solutions delivery by collaborating closely with developing member country clients. Expected candidates are seasoned experts in the advertised area(s) with strong field experience who can lead policy dialogue and project work with emphasis on providing knowledge solutions. Staff may undertake short-term assignments in other groups, departments or offices only when the expertise in the advertised area(s) is needed by those groups, departments or offices.

This is a fixed term appointment with option to renew for an initial period of three (3) years following Section 3.1 (b) of Administrative Order No. 2.01 ("Recruitment and Appointment'). This appointment is not convertible to a regular appointment. At the end of the initial period, this appointment may be renewed for a period of up to three years, or not renewed. There is no limit on the number of renewals. This appointment is open to internal and external applicants.

About Us

Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines and is composed of 69 members, 49 of which are from the Asia and Pacific region. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. ADB combines finance, knowledge, and partnerships to fulfill its expanded vision under its Strategy 2030.

ADB only hires nationals of its 69 members.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

ADB seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities to work in an inclusive environment. ADB encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities. Women are highly encouraged to apply.

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Potential interview questions

Can you describe your experience with big data analytics in economic research? This question is aimed at understanding your technical background and relevance to the role. Highlight specific projects or experiences where you utilized big data analytics.
How do you approach capacity building in developing countries? The interviewer wants to gauge your understanding and strategy in fostering knowledge transfer. Pro members can see the explanation.
What methods do you use for econometric analysis in projects? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Tell us about a time you led a team on a data science project. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure the quality of statistical outputs in your work? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you discuss a complex dataset you've worked with and how you managed it? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What experience do you have in collaborating with diverse teams or stakeholders? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you stay updated with changes in data science and economic research? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: adb.org