Senior Economist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a prominent global partnership consisting of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. Established with 189 member countries, the organization has over 120 offices worldwide, focusing on providing funding and knowledge to developing countries. The World Bank aims to address urgent global challenges through innovative projects and partnerships with both public and private sectors. Their mission is particularly focused on Sub-Saharan Africa, where they are committed to harnessing the continent's potential and addressing persistent gaps in education, health, and skills. The organization has a growing portfolio of projects totaling over $38 billion in various sectors, including agriculture, energy, and education, aimed at improving lives and fostering economic growth.

Job Overview:
The Senior Economist position at the World Bank involves working within the Fiscal Policy and Growth (FPG) Global Practice, which focuses on supporting countries in achieving private sector-led, inclusive growth. The role requires collaboration with various teams to provide integrated solutions to macroeconomic and private-sector reform programs. The Senior Economist will lead macroeconomic monitoring efforts, coordinate policy dialogues with authorities, and engage in high-level analytical work to support economic growth and fiscal policy in Mauritania. This position is crucial for addressing the economic challenges faced by the country and contributing to the World Bank's mission of poverty alleviation and shared prosperity. The selected candidate will be expected to deliver expertise in jobs and economic growth, fiscal policy, and debt sustainability, while also participating in strategic country diagnostics and lending operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Economist will be responsible for leading the macroeconomic monitoring of Mauritania, which includes producing the Macro and Poverty Outlook (MPO) and the annual Mauritania Economic Update. They will coordinate policy dialogues on macroeconomic and fiscal policy with Mauritanian authorities, the IMF, and other stakeholders. The role includes leading fiscal and debt analytical work, such as Public Finance Reviews and Debt Sustainability Analyses. The Senior Economist will also conduct core country diagnostics, including Country Growth and Jobs reports, and will work on climate change-related engagements. Additionally, they will lead Development Policy Operations focused on economic and fiscal reforms, advise sector teams on macroeconomic implications of policies, and actively develop new business opportunities that align with Mauritania's development agenda.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of a Master’s degree in economics, with a Ph.D. preferred, and at least 8 years of relevant professional experience. They should have a proven track record of delivering high-quality analytical and advisory products, strong analytical skills in macroeconomic and fiscal management, and experience in leading impactful development policy operations. Familiarity with Bank lending tools and procedures is essential, along with the ability to integrate sectoral issues within a broader development framework. Strong communication skills, both oral and written, are necessary for presenting complex analyses to non-specialist audiences. Candidates should demonstrate client-orientation, diplomatic skills, and the ability to work flexibly on various assignments.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in economics as a minimum, with a preference for candidates holding a Ph.D. This advanced education is crucial for understanding complex economic theories and applying them to real-world scenarios, particularly in the context of developing countries.

Experience:
The position requires at least 8 years of relevant professional experience, which should include a strong background in macroeconomic and fiscal management. Candidates should have experience in delivering high-impact development policy operations and a solid understanding of the economic challenges faced by countries undergoing transformation. Previous experience working in a country with significant economic changes will be advantageous.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English. Additionally, proficiency in French and Arabic is desirable, as these languages are beneficial for engaging with local stakeholders and understanding the regional context of Mauritania.

Additional Notes:
This position is part of an international recruitment effort and is expected to last for a term of 4 years. The selected candidate will join the World Bank Group on July 1, 202

• The organization offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan, medical and life insurance, paid leave, and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The World Bank Group is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of gender, race, or other characteristics.