Senior Economist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank is a prominent global institution established to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries. Its mission is to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity by providing funding and knowledge to address the most pressing development challenges. The organization comprises five institutions and has 189 member countries, with over 120 offices worldwide. The World Bank works closely with both public and private sector partners to invest in innovative projects that leverage data, research, and technology to create sustainable solutions for global issues.

Job Overview:
The Senior Economist position at the World Bank is a critical role focused on supporting the financial sector development in India. The selected candidate will be responsible for providing intellectual and technical leadership on financial sector issues, engaging in strategic dialogues with government and private sector stakeholders, and offering policy advice on financial stability and development reforms. This role involves leading the development of lending operations aimed at mobilizing private capital, structuring innovative financing solutions, and driving high-quality analytical work on financial sector topics. The Senior Economist will collaborate with various teams within the World Bank Group to deliver integrated solutions and ensure that private capital mobilization is a priority across all engagements. The position requires a strong understanding of the financial sector landscape in India and the ability to communicate complex financial concepts effectively to policymakers.

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

• Providing intellectual and technical leadership on financial sector development issues in India, engaging in strategic dialogue with senior government counterparts and private sector stakeholders.
• Leading the development of lending operations aimed at mobilizing private capital, including structuring innovative financing solutions and preparing project documentation.
• Driving the creation of high-quality analytical work on financial sector topics, ensuring outputs are rigorous and actionable.
• Collaborating with colleagues across the FCI Global Practice and other Global Practices to deliver integrated solutions.
• Championing private capital mobilization as a cross-cutting priority in all engagements.
• Serving as a key point of contact for financial sector engagements in India, maintaining strong client relationships.
• Mentoring and guiding junior staff, fostering a positive and inclusive team environment.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Senior Economist position include:

• A Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Public Policy, or a related field.
• At least 8 years of relevant experience in the financial sector or financial sector development, including banking, capital markets, financial regulation, or development finance.
• Proven expertise in India’s financial sector development, with deep knowledge of the banking system, capital markets, non-banking financial institutions, fintech, and digital finance.
• Strong understanding of India’s regulatory frameworks and experience engaging with key institutions such as the Reserve Bank of India, SEBI, and IRDAI.
• Demonstrated analytical and advisory skills with a track record of producing high-quality financial sector analyses and reports.
• Experience in designing or implementing lending, investment, or blended finance projects.
• Excellent project management and leadership abilities, with experience coordinating teams and delivering results under tight timelines.
• Outstanding communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with fluency in English and proficiency in Hindi or other Indian languages being an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Senior Economist position includes a Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Public Policy, or a related field. A Ph.D. or advanced certification in a relevant area is considered an advantage, indicating a higher level of expertise and knowledge in the field.

Experience:
The position requires at least 8 years of relevant experience in the financial sector or financial sector development. This experience should encompass various aspects of the financial industry, including banking, capital markets, financial regulation, and development finance. Candidates should have a proven track record of engaging with financial institutions and stakeholders in India, demonstrating their ability to navigate the complexities of the financial landscape.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for the Senior Economist position, as it is essential for effective communication and stakeholder engagement. Proficiency in Hindi or other Indian languages is considered an asset, as it can enhance interactions with local stakeholders and contribute to a deeper understanding of the regional context.

Additional Notes:
The Senior Economist position is a locally recruited role with a term duration of 3 years. The World Bank offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees regardless of gender, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The role is full-time and based in New Delhi, India.