Economist – TI1

Join Our Mission to Foster Prosperity in Asia

Are you ready to make a difference on the future of Asia and be a catalyst for positive change? We are thrilled to offer a unique opportunity to become an important part of the prestigious Asian Development Bank (ADB). At ADB, our mission is simple yet powerful: to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.

Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationship

Two positions in the Regional Cooperation and Integration Division (ERCI) within the Economic Research and Development Impact Department (ERDI) will be filled from this advertisement. Both will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines.

You will report to Director, ERCI and will oversee junior team members.

Your Role

As Economist, you will undertake rigorous quantitative analysis to contribute to research and policy outputs on international trade, with a specific focus on global value chains (GVCs), or international finance, including capital flows and foreign direct investment (FDI). The role requires expertise in economic analysis, data management, strong report-writing skills, and familiarity with relevant datasets to support evidence-based policy advice.

You will:

Economic Research and Operational Support

• Undertake applied research on a variety of issues in development, macroeconomics, microeconomics, and international economics, with an emphasis on analytical and policy-relevant empirical studies, on the department’s current research priorities which include climate change and environmental sustainability, digital transformation, human capital, jobs, and the future of work, inclusive development, macro and financial stability, private sector development, regional cooperation and integration, and global value chains and regional value chains.
• For an expert in international trade:
  • Conduct quantitative research of GVCs, including using ADB’s multi-region input-output tables and related economic data sources.
  • Undertake country-level GVC diagnostics to identify opportunities and challenges for integration into global and regional value chains.
  • Develop datasets and analytical tools to support GVC diagnostics and sectoral assessments across ADB member countries.
• For an expert in international finance:
  • Conduct quantitative research of financial flows, macro-financial stability, and financial market infrastructure.
  • Develop datasets and analytical tools related to cross-border capital flows and FDI for ADB member countries.
• Design and implement research outputs and publications in areas of research expertise, including ADB’s flagship publications, thematic reports, working papers, and articles for peer-reviewed journals.
• Provide technical support in areas of research expertise to ADB operations, including collaborating with ADB operational departments and country offices, reviewing institutional documents, and participating in review meetings and operational missions.
• Support other economic analysis tasks, including background research, data visualization, and presentation preparation.

Project Management

• Oversee and perform the design, implementation, and administration of technical assistance projects for DMCs on empirically rigorous policy analysis across a broad range of areas.

Knowledge Sharing

• Develop knowledge products (i.e. papers, reports, etc.) on economic policies and development interventions, particularly in the area of GVCs or international finance, and their economic and social impacts and contribute to their dissemination as speaker or moderator during presentations, seminars and conferences.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support evidence-based policy dialogue and knowledge sharing on GVCs or international finance.
• Contribute substantially to the dissemination of ADB knowledge outputs and publications.
• Contribute to the institution’s representation and participation at global and regional policy forums, including through producing policy-relevant analyses and knowledge outputs.
• Support the capacity building work of ERDI by undertaking collaborative research, dissemination, networking, and capacity building activities with specialists across a global network of knowledge institutions and with other ADB knowledge and operations departments.
• Participate in relevant internal and external training and conferences and other activities for advocacy, dissemination, and knowledge building.

Staff supervision

• Provide leadership and support to reporting staff and ensure the quality of their work.
• Manage the performance of teams and individuals, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance and ensure the ongoing learning and development.

Qualifications

You will need:

• PhD in economics or relevant fields with specialization in international trade and finance, economic integration, and development economics is required.
• At least 6 years of relevant professional experience in research and teaching experience during graduate school years including international work experience in the field of international trade and finance, economic integration, and development economics.
• Research experience in relevant institutions such as in academia, international organizations, thinktanks, central banks and investment banks is preferable.
• Strong quantitative skills and experience with input-output analysis using multi-region input-output tables.
• Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., Stata, R, Python) and data visualization tools.
• Knowledge of global and regional value chains, trade, and economic integration in Asia an advantage.
• Evidence of high-quality research output and record of publications in international peer-reviewed professional journals.
• Demonstrated expertise in economic research and development in developing countries.
• Understanding of ADB or similar multilateral development bank’s institutional context, strategies, priorities, and goals.
• Written and verbal proficiency in English.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for Technical International Staff Level TI1.

Benefits

ADB offers a rewarding salary and a comprehensive benefits package. The salary will be based on ADB’s standards and comparator markets, taking into account your qualifications and experience.

• Housing and education allowance (if applicable)
• Expatriate benefits (if applicable)
• Retirement plan
• Medical and health benefits
• Paid leave (including parental)
• Life and other insurance plans
• Staff development

Additional Information

This appointment is open to internal and external applicants.

This is a fixed-term appointment for an initial fixed period of 3 years. At the end of the initial period, this appointment may, at the option of ADB, be extended once for up to 2 years, converted to a regular appointment, or ended on its expiration date. This decision will be made in the overall interest of ADB that: (a) it will require Staff’s particular blend of skills and experience in the foreseeable future; and (b) Staff’s performance is satisfactory and they are suitable for further employment.

About Us (For external)

Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines and is composed of 69 members, 50 of which are from the Asia and Pacific region. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. ADB combines finance, knowledge, and partnerships to fulfill its expanded vision under its Strategy 2030.

ADB only hires nationals of its 69 members.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

ADB seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities to work in an inclusive environment. ADB encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities. Women are highly encouraged to apply.

Visit ADB Careers FAQ for more information. 

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