Principal Economist (Global Thought Leadership), Gender and Economic Inclusion Group – 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 more than 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.

IFC is deeply committed to advancing gender equality and inclusion as laid out in IFC’s 3.0 strategy that also underpins the Corporation’s Capital Increase. Recently, IFC has established a new 2030 Gender and Inclusion Vision to deliver game-changing private sector partnerships and programs to accelerate gender equality and inclusion in emerging markets, aligned with the new World Bank Group (WBG) Gender Strategy (2024-30). Five priorities have been identified as offering high potential for gender and inclusion impact in and through the private sector. These areas aim to (1) Allocate Capital that Drives Inclusion, (2) Make Supply Chains Inclusive, and (3) Remove Barriers to Entrepreneurship, Employment, and Leadership (including addressing gender-based violence). Equally important are two cross-cutting themes that are foundational to achieving sustainable results across the priority areas and require action: (4) Bridging the Digital Divide; (5) Accelerating Inclusive and Gender-Smart Climate Action.

As part of its mandate, IFC’s Cross-Cutting Vice Presidency includes a dedicated team, the Gender and Economic Inclusion Department (GEIDR), that works with IFC’s investment and advisory teams to support private and public sector clients in providing all genders and underserved communities with equal economic opportunities as leaders, employees, entrepreneurs, consumers, and community members. In addition, GEIDR develops research on the business case and solutions for reducing gender and inclusion gaps; leads strategy development and implementation for the organization, provides client advice, supports mobilization through impact investing and sustainable financing; and forges public and private sector partnerships.

The Principal Economist (Global Thought Leadership) will lead IFC’s Gender and Economic Inclusion Department’s research and product innovation agenda and provide oversight and guidance to a team of staff and consultants. She/he will be a leader who can enhance IFC’s position as a global thought leader in gender and inclusion. The Principal will lead a team of thematic/product and strategy specialists, leveraging their policy and research expertise, strategic thinking, creativity, as well as communication, project management, and problem-solving skills to generate innovative solutions and strategies that enable impact on gender equality and the broader diversity and inclusion agenda. She/he will implement IFC’s 2030 Gender and Inclusion Vision in alignment with the WBG Gender Strategy Update. The position is based in Washington D.C., and reports to the Director for Gender and Economic Inclusion.

 

Duties and Accountabilities:

• Set and implement IFC’s global thought leadership agenda to champion new gender and inclusion solutions from a wide range of perspectives, positioning IFC as a thought leader on relevant topics, such as financial resilience, digital inclusion, supply chains, care economy, gender-based violence, bottom of the pyramid, innovative financing instruments, women leadership etc. 
• Oversee and guide analytics and research efforts on the topic of gender and economic inclusion, from inception to production and delivery, ensuring provision of high-quality, actionable and rigorous research and insights for internal (industry/regional) and external clients and partners. Champion global knowledge and innovation. 
• Stay abreast of industry and regulatory trends globally that may impact new and existing thought leadership. Actively track promising and evidence-based practices and innovations to enable and support IFC’s implementation of gender and inclusion operations. 
• Develop and oversee implementation of a knowledge management and learning strategy for the GEID Department, and across IFC on gender and inclusion topics. Foster learning, ensuring that lessons learned are considered, disseminated, and integrated into subsequent thought leadership engagements, strategy, research and client solution development/improvement.
• Connect and liaise with leadership of WB and MIGA on research and thought leadership opportunities, particularly with the Bank’s Gender Innovation Labs.
• Connect and liaise with Economics and Private Sector Development Vice Presidency on publications and development impact. Support and enable stronger focus on gender outcomes, strengthening data collection and portfolio analysis as well as measurement, monitoring & evaluation.
• Integrate gender and inclusion issues across IFC’s thought leadership and knowledge management efforts and strategy, developing close and effective working relationships with economists and strategists.
• Represent IFC on gender and economic inclusion issues in the private sector. Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including private sector companies and organizations, industry associations, and other DFIs, development partners in close collaboration with Blended Finance, Partnerships and IFC Industry/Regional Operations. Leverage bold ideas generated internally and build new, surprising, and impactful opportunities for external engagement. 
• Create opportunities for senior management and operations to represent their expertise on the global stage and various awareness platforms.
• Recruit, manage and mentor a dedicated group of GEIDR thematic product and strategy staff and consultants, providing oversight and support, including staff performance management, training, career guidance and administrative duties. 
• Support substantial financial resource mobilization for gender & inclusion research, while ensuring timely delivery and reporting to development partners.
• Foster innovation, encouraging new private sector thought leadership that help accelerate equality (gender, disability, SOGI/LGBTQ, base of pyramid, anti-racism, indigenous people, ethnic minorities, etc.), based on evidence gaps, client demand, and market opportunities.

 

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree in economics, business or social-development related discipline with a minimum of 12 years of experience in research, advisory services, strategy, policy issues, and capacity building.

• Commitment to development and a proven track record showing alignment with the World Bank Group and IFC’s mission, strategy, and values.

• Excellent leadership and people management skills, particularly demonstrated in a complex organizational setting with responsibilities for leading and managing large, multi-faceted, projects and functions in partnership with other stakeholders.

• Strong track record in providing intellectual leadership, managing, building talent and motivating staff across different locations; becoming a strong mentor; and leading by example.

• Extensive experience with private companies, conducting research and analytics on gender and inclusion issues and innovation. 

• Track record of professional leadership on gender and economic inclusion.

• Clear understanding of, and experience in emerging markets, including in FCS and IDA countries.

• Strong strategic thinking, communication, knowledge management, writing and public speaking skills and the ability to represent IFC in global and regional fora, as well as to key external private sector clients and partners, government authorities, other stakeholders.

• Willingness to travel as and where necessary.

• Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with partners and a diverse client base.

• Well-developed interpersonal, communication and listening skills to interact effectively, motivate and collaborate with others from diverse cultural backgrounds to achieve goals.

 

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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