Lead Economist

Prospects Group. The Prospects Group of the Development Economics Vice-Presidency provides timely analysis on global economic and financial developments, and their impact on the member countries of the WBG. Internally, it informs and helps define policy positions of the WBG and provides analytical support for WBG operations. Externally, the Prospects Group aims to influence global policy debates on major macroeconomic and development issues. In fulfilling this objective, the Prospects Group leads the WBG’s monitoring, analyzing, and forecasting work in global macroeconomics. It produces topical and policy-oriented analytical work, including the semi-annual WBG corporate flagship Global Economic Prospects report and the semi-annual Commodity Markets Outlook report. In addition, the Prospects Group produces a wide range of analytical studies that appear as working papers, policy notes, and research publications in scientific journals, conference volumes, and book chapters. 

Position. The Prospects Group is looking for a highly competent professional to serve as Lead Economist for a dynamic team of economists with the following main tasks. 

• Provide intellectual guidance and leadership for high-quality research and surveillance work on topical issues that are of high concern to policy makers in emerging market and developing economies.
• Make critical contributions to the Global Economic Prospects (GEP), one of the World Bank Group flagship reports, and the Commodity Markets Outlook (CMO).
• Lead analytical chapters for the GEP as well as for other major reports on policy-relevant issues. These chapters and reports are founded on strong analytical content, using state-of-the-art econometric techniques, and will require a deep familiarity with topical issues in the current global policy debate.
• Make critical contributions to the formulation of the Bank’s views on the state of the global economy and regional economic outlooks.
• Nurture a high-skilled, responsive team with the capability and flexibility to respond to changing thematic focus of the flagship reports as well as clients’ needs, including those of Senior Management.
• Provide analytically-founded support for Senior Management and other parts of the World Bank Group.
• Continuously renew and upgrade the Prospects Group’s expertise and analysis in the area of economic modeling and macroeconomic analysis at the global, regional, and country levels.
• Collaborate with other units and various experts in order to play an active and leading role in the Prospects Group’s and the World Bank’s policy-oriented research.
• Work as a key member of the Prospects Group’s management team.

The successful candidate will be an integral member of the staff, working closely with the Director and senior staff. The Lead Economist will be expected to deliver under tight and frequent deadlines in a fast-paced environment. S/he will work closely with a team of talented economists.

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree with 12 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Ph.D. in Economics and a strong record of academic publications preferred.
• Outstanding drafting skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with quantitative analysis, modelling techniques, and econometric skills.
• Strong record of analytical and surveillance contributions to flagship reports and policy-oriented publications.
• Demonstrated ability to provide intellectual leadership and guidance to the analytical and surveillance work of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct research with an eye for policy implications of technical analysis and modeling applications.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues in a multi-cultural team.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment with tight and frequent deadlines.

Required Competencies:

• General Economic Knowledge and Analytical Skills — Possesses a demonstrated track record of working with economic and sectoral data and analytical tools and models to conduct economic analyses and produce user-friendly written outputs.
• Research Temperament/Intellectual Curiosity — Has demonstrated an aptitude for research through academic studies.
• Written and Verbal Communication — Delivers information effectively, including an ability to identify topical policy issues and articulate policy analysis. Experience as policy economist.
• Deliver Results for Clients — Proactively addresses clients’ stated and unstated needs.

Source: https://worldbankgroup.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=27452&site=1