Lead Economist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a prominent global institution dedicated to providing funding and knowledge to developing countries. Established with the mission to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity, it comprises five institutions and has 189 member countries. The organization operates over 120 offices worldwide, collaborating with both public and private sector partners to invest in innovative projects and leverage data, research, and technology to address pressing global challenges. The World Bank is particularly focused on the East Asia and Pacific (EAP) region, which, despite significant economic growth, faces substantial development hurdles such as climate change and uneven growth across nations. The World Bank plays a crucial role in providing analytical and advisory services, as well as financing, to tackle these issues effectively.

Job Overview:
The Lead Economist position at the World Bank involves providing intellectual leadership and strategic oversight for economic and policy engagement in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei. This role is pivotal in leading the Bank's analytical and advisory work on macroeconomic policy, growth, and fiscal and structural reform. The Lead Economist will engage in high-level policy dialogue with government officials, ensuring that analytical findings translate into actionable policy recommendations. The position requires a combination of high-quality economic research, effective communication with senior government counterparts, and the ability to synthesize cross-country knowledge to enhance development outcomes. The Lead Economist will also be responsible for mentoring a team of economists and researchers, fostering a collaborative work environment, and disseminating research findings to maximize impact.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Intellectual Leadership and Economic Analysis: Lead the preparation of flagship analytical products, develop rigorous analytical frameworks to assess macroeconomic trends, and synthesize global knowledge for country-level policy recommendations.
• Policy Dialogue and Client Engagement: Serve as the primary economic spokesperson for the Bank, lead high-level policy discussions, and build relationships with stakeholders across government, academia, and civil society.
• Operational Support and Program Development: Provide economic leadership for lending operations, contribute to Country Partnership Frameworks, and support technical assistance programs.
• Team Leadership and Mentoring: Manage a team of economists, provide strategic direction, and contribute to the professional development of junior staff.
• Knowledge Management and External Visibility: Disseminate research findings through various channels and engage with the broader research community to enhance the visibility of the Bank's work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (PhD or Master's) in Economics, with a strong focus on macroeconomics, fiscal policy, or development economics. A minimum of 12 years of relevant professional experience in economic research or policy advisory roles is required, along with a proven track record of impactful work. Candidates should have deep expertise in areas such as fiscal policy, macroeconomic modeling, and labor markets, and must demonstrate experience in managing high-level policy dialogues with senior officials. Strong analytical skills, the ability to produce high-quality research, and effective communication skills are essential.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree (PhD or Master's) in Economics is required, emphasizing macroeconomics, fiscal policy, or development economics. This educational background is crucial for understanding complex economic issues and contributing to high-level policy discussions.

Experience:
The position requires at least 12 years of relevant professional experience in economic research, policy advisory work, or related fields. Candidates should have a demonstrated track record of impact and experience in at least two regions or a combination of regional and corporate assignments. Experience managing high-level policy dialogue with senior government officials is also essential.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English. While no additional languages are specified as preferred, proficiency in other languages relevant to the East Asia and Pacific region may be beneficial.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a term duration of 5 years, and it involves international recruitment. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including retirement plans, medical and life insurance, paid leave, and accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees.