Research Analyst

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 $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 Economics and Private Sector Development Vice Presidency (CEDVP) is responsible for identifying and delivering on private sector diagnostic needs, drawing on resources across the WBG, to grow IFC’s capacity to deliver Country Private Sector Diagnostics (CPSDs), and present private sector perspectives in Systematic Country Diagnostics or Country Partnership Frameworks (SCD/CPF) and country strategies; developing rigorous sector economic analyses and an ex-ante project assessment framework to help guide project selection, complementing our expertise in supporting and monitoring project implementation; as well as identifying and strategically driving policy engagements that create and grow new markets for the private sector. CEDVP also encompasses teams working on global macroeconomic analyses and prospects. The Vice Presidency is also home to two additional teams focusing on Blended Finance and Partnerships.

The Development Impact Measurement Department (CDI) within CEDVP analyzes economic sectors with a view to identifying opportunities and solutions for private sector development and works closely with IFC Operations. It provides technical support to operations related to structuring, appraising, and monitoring investment and advisory projects and is responsible for reporting on IFC’s impact. The department is in charge of implementing the ex-ante project assessment framework (Anticipated Impact Measurement and Monitoring- AIMM) for investment projects throughout the project cycle, help ensure high-quality economic support for IFC operations teams on strategies and projects, and developing sector economic analyses and ex-post evaluations with a focus on solutions for private sector development. 

CDI staff comprise mainly sector economists and results measurement specialists assigned to units organized along IFC industry groupings. These include units for Financial Institutions (CDIFI); Infrastructure (CDIIN); Manufacturing, Agribusiness, and Services (CDIMA); and Funds and Disruptive Technology (CDIDF). The department also includes staff working on cross-cutting and thematic areas of results measurement, impact evaluations., corporate reporting, and sustainability that support all industry groups (CDIIR). In short, the department offers “end-to-end” support and impact assessments for IFC investments and advisory services, engaging upstream and downstream throughout the project cycle.

 The CDIIN team undertakes the activities above in relation to the infrastructure sector, working closely with the Infrastructure (CNG) and Energy/Mining Industry Groups (CEM). The infrastructure sector remains one of IFC’s strategic priorities, and IFC’s activities in the sector have expanded significantly over the last few years. IFC, through its support for investment and advisory clients, expands the reach of services in the energy, water and transport and telecommunications sub-sectors, as well as promotes sustainable mining. 

CDIIN is looking for a Research Analyst to join its team based in Washington, DC. The Analyst will contribute to various facets of the Department’s work, supporting Economists within CDI, as well as regional and IFC support department counterparts.

Role & Responsibilities

• Contribute to CDIIN’s inputs during all stages of sector and project work. This will include:
• Work with Economists and project teams to undertake ex-ante development impact assessments of investment projects in the infrastructure sectors and generate economic input into investment approval reports. This includes implementing AIMM to analyze, rate, and articulate project impacts.
• Contribute to the development of market/sector analysis.
• Contribute to in-depth analysis of infrastructure financing trends to inform IFC business development and strategic discussions, including background research across sub-sectors.
• Contribute to producing technical notes, research papers, and reports.
• Help deliver on strategic engagements, initiatives, and publications – working closely with the CDIIN manager as needed.
• Support CDIIN team members’ engagements with IEG, including Expanded Project Supervision Reports (XPSRs), evaluative notes, Sector/Regional Results, and Performance reports.
• Contribute to the ex-post project monitoring by coordinating with portfolio officers on inputs for the assessment and relevant market research.
• Track the CDIIN project portfolio’s AIMM status and progress across various regions.
• Perform other tasks as requested by CDI management.

Selection Criteria

• A master’s degree in economics or closely related field with solid training in quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• 4 years of experience related to energy or other infrastructure sectors (sector dynamics, emerging trends, development impacts), demonstrating analytical and research skills.
• A solid understanding of one or more CDIIN sectors (power, transport, water, waste etc.), the determinants of sector competitiveness, and the impacts and implications of different economic policy frameworks.
• Comfortable with the dynamics of private sector development in emerging markets. Experience in implementing impact measurement of private sector investment projects in DFIs and assessing the development impact of private sector investments is a plus.
• Familiarity with academic and business literature, databases, and other sources of information on one or more CDIIN sectors, demonstrated through the preparation of reports and economic papers, and an ability to identify research gaps.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills. Proven capability to produce analytical work to a high professional standard, with minimum supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and ability to communicate effectively with different stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively in teams, communicate ideas clearly and confidently, articulate issues, and recommend solutions. Demonstrated ability to build partnerships, and to conceptualize and implement solutions.
• Proven ability to work in multi-cultural environments.

Source: https://worldbankgroup.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=27302&site=1