Economist, Poverty

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group (WBG) is a prominent global institution established to assist countries in addressing their most pressing development challenges. Founded in 1944, the WBG comprises five institutions that work collaboratively to provide financial and technical assistance to developing nations. With a membership of 189 countries and over 120 offices worldwide, the WBG is dedicated to eradicating poverty, enhancing shared prosperity, and fostering sustainable development. The organization plays a crucial role in funding and knowledge dissemination, partnering with both public and private sectors to invest in innovative projects that leverage data, research, and technology to tackle urgent global issues. The East Asia and the Pacific (EAP) region, which includes a diverse array of countries from small island states to major economies like China and the Philippines, presents unique development challenges despite notable economic growth and poverty alleviation efforts. The WBG is recognized as a leading development institution in this region, particularly in providing analytical and advisory services alongside financing solutions.

Job Overview:
The Economist position within the EAP Distributional Impact of Policies Team at the World Bank Group is focused on generating knowledge and facilitating dialogue to support operational solutions aimed at poverty reduction and economic inclusion. This role is critical in addressing the diverse needs of the Pacific region, which includes countries such as Fiji, Tonga, Kiribati, and Tuvalu. The position involves working closely with national governments, development partners, and World Bank country teams to ensure that high-quality data and evidence inform policy discussions and operational strategies. The Economist will contribute to the Pacific Poverty and Equity Program, which aims to enhance the production and utilization of data for development policy and operational engagement. This includes providing technical assistance to national statistical offices on various aspects of poverty measurement, labor market analysis, and the use of administrative data. The role also encompasses analytical work on poverty, inequality, jobs, and economic inclusion, ensuring that the insights gained are effectively translated into actionable policies and programs that promote shared prosperity.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Economist will be responsible for a range of duties, including:

• Designing and delivering Analytical and Advisory Services in the country, focusing on poverty monitoring, labor market analysis, core diagnostics, and thematic analytics.
• Providing technical assistance for the implementation of household surveys, welfare monitoring, and broader statistical capacity-building activities.
• Engaging in policy dialogue at the country level regarding poverty and equity issues across various sectors, identifying opportunities to enhance the poverty reduction impact of policies and operational programs.
• Adapting global knowledge and methodologies to meet the specific needs of government counterparts and the unique contexts of Pacific Island countries, particularly in areas such as poverty measurement and statistical systems.
• Contributing to the preparation of key reports and documents, including Country Growth and Jobs Reports, Public Finance Reviews, Economic Updates, Macro Poverty Outlooks, and Country Climate Change and Development Reports.
• Supporting the implementation of the Statistical Innovation and Capacity Building in the Pacific Islands 2 (Pacstat2) project, which includes activities related to survey modernization, administrative data integration, regional coordination, and capacity development.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Economist position should possess a strong background in economics, particularly in areas related to poverty, labor markets, and statistical analysis. A deep understanding of the socio-economic dynamics within the Pacific region is essential. The ideal candidate should demonstrate proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, as well as experience in policy analysis and dialogue. Strong analytical skills, along with the ability to communicate complex concepts effectively to diverse audiences, are crucial. Familiarity with statistical software and data analysis tools is also required, as is the capacity to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
A master's degree or higher in economics, public policy, statistics, or a related field is required for this position. Advanced training in quantitative methods and econometrics is highly desirable, as is coursework or experience in development economics, poverty analysis, and labor economics. Candidates with relevant certifications or additional training in statistical analysis or data science will be viewed favorably.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in economic analysis, policy development, or statistical capacity building. Experience working in developing countries, particularly in the Pacific region, is highly advantageous. Candidates should have a proven track record of engaging with government officials and stakeholders in policy dialogue and technical assistance initiatives. Familiarity with the operations of international development organizations or experience in similar roles within governmental or non-governmental organizations will be beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within the World Bank Group. Proficiency in additional languages spoken in the Pacific region, such as Fijian, Tongan, or Kiribati, would be considered a valuable asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage effectively with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Suva, Fiji, and may involve travel within the region. The role is full-time and offers an opportunity to work in a dynamic and impactful environment. The World Bank Group is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background. Compensation and benefits will be competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.