Vertical Chief Economist, Digital

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a unique global partnership of five institutions established with the mission to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. Founded in 1944, the organization has grown to encompass 189 member countries and operates more than 120 offices worldwide. The World Bank is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, focusing on solving the world’s greatest development challenges through collaboration with public and private sector partners, investment in groundbreaking projects, and the use of data, research, and technology to bring about transformative changes globally. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

Job Overview:
The position of Vertical Chief Economist for Digital at the World Bank involves serving as the principal economic adviser within the Digital vertical. This role is critical as it directly reports to the Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of the World Bank Group while also maintaining a dotted reporting line to the Digital Vice President. The Chief Economist will be responsible for coordinating research, markets, data, indicators, and impact group services for the vertical. This includes working closely with various departments and academies to enhance economic analysis, scaling successful public and private initiatives, and ensuring that the DEC research program aligns with both vertical and regional policy priorities. The Chief Economist will also manage a small team and assist in supervising the policy research program, drawing on staff across DEC to advance research and development impact in the vertical.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Vertical Chief Economist include advising the Vertical Vice President and leadership team on economic risks and opportunities, leading and managing a small team within the Vertical Chief Economist Office, providing quality control and oversight of analytical work, leading research and flagship reports in collaboration with the DEC Research Group, facilitating implementation of impact evaluations, and promoting evidence-based policy and design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design. Additionally, the Chief Economist will be responsible for the collation, quality control, and dissemination of development data, implementing protocols for global policy indicators, and ensuring accountability to both the World Bank Group Chief Economist and the Vertical Vice President for quality assurance of economic analysis and development data related to the vertical.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a PhD in economics or public policy, with a strong publication record in themes relevant to the Digital vertical. They should demonstrate the ability to leverage expertise within and outside the World Bank Group, have a track record of published policy research and high-quality analytical work, and possess strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills. The effectiveness of the candidate in guiding the research agenda of the DEC research team and their contribution to knowledge sharing and capacity building will also be evaluated.

Educational Background:
A doctoral degree (PhD) in economics or public policy is required for this position. The candidate should have a strong academic background with a focus on themes relevant to the Digital vertical, showcasing a robust publication record that reflects their expertise in the field.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in economic analysis, policy research, and stakeholder engagement. Candidates should have a proven track record of high-quality analytical work and policy advice, as well as experience in leading teams and managing research agendas. The ability to influence policy debates and engage effectively with various stakeholders is essential.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered advantageous but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is an international recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 4 years. The role is full-time and involves managing a small team of 4-5 staff members. The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to being an equal opportunity and inclusive employer, ensuring that there is no discrimination based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.