Senior Economist - GG - international finance corporation

international finance corporation

IFC a member of the World Bank Group is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.  

The Economics and Market Research Department (CER) focuses on operationally relevant research on firms and private sector development in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs). This includes overseeing country private sector diagnostics to identify sectors with promising and potentially impactful opportunities for the private sector, undertaking research for IFC reports and peer-reviewed journals, organizing conferences with academia, and providing analytical input on macroeconomic and market risks to inform IFC's strategy.

The Department seeks to recruit a Senior Economist to contribute to core thematic research, develop new analytical articles and reports, and work closely with colleagues in the department under the general supervision of Principal Economists and Managers. The candidate(s) selected for this position should be a motivated and dynamic professional(s) with excellent analytical skills and policy-relevant experience, expertise in private sector development and applied research, a track record of original research, and team spirit. The position is based at IFC's headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Duties and responsibilities

The roles and responsibilities of the position will include:

•  Lead, co-lead, and contribute to developing analytical products led by the Economics and Market Research Department, including policy reports, methods, and databases on firms and the private sector. Perform descriptive and advanced quantitative and other econometric analyses, including using cutting-edge statistical techniques. 

•  Lead or contribute to Country Private Sector Diagnostics, ensuring quality, consistency, and conformity to the highest levels of rigor. 

•  Conduct research of a quality publishable in peer-reviewed journals. 

•  Develop global engagements and interface with experts at the IFC, World Bank, and other international financial institutions, as well as leading academics and external partners. 

•  In partnership with IFC Operations, ensure that lessons learned from IFC's operations are captured, curated, and disseminated through knowledge products. 

•  Contribute to a culture of technical excellence within the Department by creating an environment of learning, innovation, and knowledge sharing. 

•  The successful candidate is expected to be proactive and output-driven.

•  Mentor and guide junior staff to improve collaboration and overall quality of departmental outputs. 

Selection Criteria

•  A PhD in Economics or related field is desirable; Master's degree in Economics or a closely related field with at least 8-12 years relevant experience. Preference for candidates with strong research track record in peer-reviewed journals or significant analytical and operational experience.

•  Commitment to the WBG and IFC's mission and values.

•  Demonstrated interest in emerging and developing economies.

•  In-depth knowledge of one or more research and policy areas: firm financing, agribusiness and food security, productivity and competition, the digital economy, climate and sustainability, energy sector, trade and value chains, financial services and inclusion, and job creation and skills. Policy or private sector experience on these topics is a plus. 

•  Analytical and quantitative skills, including econometric approaches, economic modeling, survey design and implementation, and design, implementation, and evaluation of policies and programs to promote private sector development.

•  Experience collecting, managing, and analyzing microdata, particularly establishment- and firm-level data, using cutting-edge econometrics tools from applied economics.

•  Demonstrated track record of publishing high-impact economic reports and articles for external audiences on topics related to private sector development.

•  Ability to analyze complex policy problems, develop innovative approaches, and integrate subject matter knowledge within operational frameworks.

•  Impactful and persuasive oral and written communication skills in English. Fluency in other languages is a plus. 

•  Ability to lead and mentor junior staff.

•  Demonstrated ability to collaborate in a diverse multilateral organization.

•  Ability to cultivate an active network of relationships inside and outside the organization and to represent IFC publicly as needed.

•  Computer skills: STATA skills (other packages, such as R, MATLAB, and 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.

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Sector: Nonprofit/Community/Social Services/International Cooperation

Role: Other

Working hours (%): 80-100% / 100%

Job type: Staff (Permanent and Fixed Term)