Lead Economist – GH  

IFC a member of the World Bank Group is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in over 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2023, IFC committed a record US$43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

The IFC 3.0 strategy aims to stimulate more investment activity across emerging markets, especially in Low-Income Countries (LICs) and Fragile and Conflict-affected States (FCS). We aim to create, deepen, and expand markets and design and develop impactful investment projects. This strategy is, in part, premised on improved country/sector diagnostic, strategic, and public sector engagement capabilities, which seek to: 1) resolve obstacles to private sector growth via diagnostic and strategic work that informs both IFC operations and relevant IBRD/IDA policy operations; and 2) overcome the shortage of investable projects in priority markets by proactively improving the private sector ecosystem at the country and regional level. Country Advisory and Economics Unit for North, West, and Central Africa within the Africa Vice Presidency was recently established due to the re-organization to drive the strategy.   

The Unit is seeking to recruit a Lead Economist to make significant contributions to the analytical and strategy outputs in shaping the operation of the unit, which ranges from the production of macroeconomics reports and various diagnostics, such as country private sector diagnostics (CPSDs) and country climate development reports (CCDRs), to the delivery of reform advisory projects. 

We seek a motivated and dynamic professional with exceptional analytical skills, policy-relevant experience, expertise in private sector development and applied research, a track record of publications, and team spirit. The position is based in Cairo or Dakar.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Lead Economist will work under the general supervision of the manager of Country Advisory and Economics in North, West, and Central Africa to ensure the high quality diagnostics and advisory delivery.  Specifically, he/she will

•  Lead and set the quality standard of macroeconomic analysis to support IFC investment operations, including due diligence, to feed into relevant project documents.

•  Lead and set the framework for monitoring macroeconomic conditions and trends for countries in North, West, and Central Africa, identifying the potential risks to IFC investments, and advising the IFC Regional Director, Country Manager, and operational teams on the strategies to mitigate them.

•  Lead the flagship publications where IFC’s thought leadership is required.

•  Provide intellectual and technical inputs on topics of economic or strategic relevance to IFC and produce or support the production of policy and technical notes, briefs, presentations, and country reports as requested by the senior management. 

•  Oversee the production of, contribution to, and review of Country Private Sector Diagnostics, Country Climate Development Reports, and provide IFC input to WBG Country Engagement products, including Country Partnership Frameworks, Progress and Learning Reviews, and other joint initiatives.

•  Ensure strong analytical underpinning in the design of reform dialogue and reform advisory projects.

•  Lead knowledge management by facilitating the exchange of expertise and knowledge with the broader IFC Economics VPU and Industries Departments. 

•  Mentor and support the development of junior colleagues with technical and professional leadership.

Selection Criteria

•  Ph.D. in Economics and 12+ years of relevant experience as an economics research practitioner, or at least 15 years of relevant experience if the candidate holds only a master’s degree.

•  Commitment to the WBG and IFC’s mission and values. 

•  Strong analytical skills in macroeconomics as well as sector analysis

•  Track record in translating the analyses into policy dialogue and programs to support private sector development.

•  Solid understanding of IFC project cycles, approval/decision processes, and critical drivers of IFC business decision-making 

•  Knowledge and understanding of key IFC/IDA/IBRD/MIGA products and instruments and how they are deployed to pursue private sector development and country engagements.

•  Ability to cultivate an active network of relationships inside and outside the organization and to represent IFC publicly as needed.

•  Experience in and strong knowledge of the economic context and challenges of North, West, and Central Africa.

•  Demonstrated leadership qualities, initiative, and results orientation, with effective teamwork and mentoring skills.

•  Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with high-level stakeholders in English (French is mandatory).

•  Experience in the climate change agenda is a plus.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.

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