Associate Economist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group (WBG) is a prominent international financial institution established to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries. Its mission is to reduce poverty and support development by providing loans, grants, and expertise. The WBG is composed of five institutions and has a membership of 189 countries, with over 120 offices globally. The organization focuses on various sectors, including economics, health, education, and infrastructure, and aims to promote sustainable development and shared prosperity.

Job Overview:
The Associate Economist position at the World Bank Group is a critical role within the Development Economics Vice Presidency (DEC). This position involves conducting analytical research that addresses private sector development, investment, and the associated risks in emerging markets. The economist will work closely with the Director of the Private Market Department, contributing to the department's research agenda and helping to bridge the gap between global knowledge and operational needs. The role requires a strong background in economics, particularly in areas related to private investment and financial markets, and involves the creation of datasets and the development of theoretical frameworks to support policy analysis. The successful candidate will be expected to prepare reports and presentations, contributing to the overall objectives of the department and the World Bank Group's mission to tackle development challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Economist include:

• Contributing to the research agenda of the Development Economics Private Market Department (DECPM) through analytical work related to private sector investment, guarantees, and risk mitigation.
• Drafting major research publications that inform policy and operational decisions.
• Creating unique firm-level and transaction-level datasets, conducting market surveys, and developing real-time indicators to support IFC/MIGA operations.
• Developing new theoretical and quantitative frameworks to analyze the effects of economic policies on productivity and firm performance.
• Preparing briefs, reports, and presentations for the Director of DECPM.
• Performing additional tasks as requested by the Director, contributing to the department's overall objectives.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master's degree in economics or a related field, with a strong preference for candidates holding a PhD in economics. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional or academic experience in private sector development, private investment, and financial markets. Experience with large-scale datasets and empirical methods is essential, along with excellent analytical and quantitative skills, particularly in econometrics. Proficiency in statistical software such as STATA is required, as well as the ability to work with general equilibrium models and conduct policy analysis.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess at least a Master's degree in economics or a closely related field. A PhD in economics is highly preferred, indicating a strong foundation in economic theory and research methodologies. The educational background should include substantial coursework and research experience relevant to private sector development and economic analysis.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in professional or academic settings that focus on private sector development, investment, and financial markets. This experience should include working with large datasets and applying empirical methods to analyze economic issues. A demonstrated ability to draft publications and reports is also essential, showcasing the candidate's expertise in communicating complex economic concepts effectively.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, as it is the primary language of communication within the World Bank Group. While not required, proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the regions in which the World Bank operates.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a term duration of 4 years. It is part of an international recruitment effort, indicating that candidates from various countries are encouraged to apply. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a retirement plan, medical and life insurance, paid leave, and parental leave. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees regardless of gender, race, or other characteristics.