(Senior) Economist (Data Science) – IS 4/5  

Join Our Mission to Foster Prosperity in Asia

Are you ready to make a lasting impact 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

The position of Senior Economist (Data Science) is assigned to the Statistics and Data Innovation Unit (EROD-SDI) within the Economic Research and Development Impact Department (ERDI). You will be based at our Headquarters in Manila, Philippines.

You will report to Advisor, ERDI and Head, Statistics and Data Innovation Unit and may oversee National and Administrative Staff.

Your Role
 

The Senior Economist (Data Science) will play a key role in building up capacity in the use of Big Data analytics in development research and policy within ADB. The incumbent will contribute to the research work of the department, including self-directed, methodological research using very large datasets of high-frequency data; participate in data analytics with internal stakeholders; conduct knowledge sessions and training workshops for ADB departments and external clients in developing member countries; contribute to the preparation of ERDI’s annual flagship publications; and support the Advisor and Head, Statistics and Data Innovation Unit in areas of quantitative analyses, technical assistance (TA), administrative matters, and work plans.

You will:

a) Knowledge Creation

• Undertake quantitative (statistical, econometric and machine learning) analyses in assigned projects, including data processing and model applications using appropriate software; assists in the preparation of ERDI publications, working papers, journal manuscripts, ADB briefs and documents for Management.
• Contribute to/lead the design and implementation of research outputs and publications, including ADB’s flagship publications, thematic reports, policy briefs, working papers, and publications in high-quality peer-reviewed journals;
• Lead data science and other quantitative projects which are relevant to ADB operations, from project design, data management and preprocessing to analyses of findings.

b) Capacity Building and Project Management

• Work with stakeholders in developing member countries (DMCs) and stakeholders within ADB to identify capacity building needs and design training programs in data science to meet those needs.
• Oversee and manage the design, implementation, and administration of technical assistance projects on data science across a broad range of topics; supervises research associates and project analysts in completion of work to the highest quality and in timely manner.
• Foster collaborative methodological research initiatives with national policy and statistical agencies, international development organizations, and academic institutions.

c) Operations Advisory Support

• Provide technical advice to other ADB units on data management, statistical methods and data quality procedures around different data sources and implement training on any software required for accessing and handling data appropriately.
• Work with different departments across ADB to identify data-related concerns and advise on possible solutions and ways to collect and combine external and internal data.
• Train ADB staff on use of relevant and appropriate data science/statistics sources that can be used for policy analysis and monitoring and evaluation of project outputs and outcomes.

d) Staff supervision

• Provide leadership and support to data scientists within the unit, as well as reporting staff and/or consultants, through supervision of their performance to ensure timely completion of deliverables.
   

Qualifications

You will need:

• PhD in Statistics, Economics, Data Science, or relevant quantitative fields.
• At least 8 years of relevant professional experience in development research and policy using data science techniques including international work experience.
• An established research record through significant publications in top, peer reviewed academic journals.
• Strong communications skills to work effectively with a wide range of individuals and teams.
• Significant experience in management/leadership of teams of data scientists.
• Written and verbal proficiency in English and local language.
• Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for International Staff level IS4 & IS5.

Benefits

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

· Paid leave (including parental)

· Medical and health benefits

· Life and other insurance plans

· Staff development

· Retirement plan

· Housing and education allowance (if applicable)

· Expatriate benefits (for international staff)

Additional Information

This is a fixed term appointment with option to renew for an initial period of 3 years following Section 3.1 (b) of Administrative Order No. 2.01 (“Recruitment and Appointment’). This appointment is not convertible to a regular appointment. It may be extended on an exceptional basis for a further fixed period at the option of ADB. This appointment is open to internal and external applicants.

About Us

Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines and is composed of 68 members, 49 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 68 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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