(Senior) Economist – GG

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.

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). Our goal is 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.

IFC is seeking an Economist based in Santiago, Chile, and a Senior Economist based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, for the Latin America and the Caribbean region. The Senior Economist and Economist will support the following key areas:

•  Producing regional and country-level economic assessments to support IFC’s strategy and operations.
•  Collaborating with regional and industry colleagues to produce analytical products such as Country Private Sector Diagnostics (CPSDs) and IFC Country Strategies.
•  Significantly contributing to WBG products such as Systematic Country Diagnostics (SCD), Country Climate and Development Reports (CCDR), and IBRD/IDA lending operations. 
•  IFC’s country strategy and diagnostic recommendations are implemented through advisory projects that engage with governments, regulators, civil society, development partners, and other relevant stakeholders to reform markets and sectors and address critical bottlenecks to private sector development.

The role will entail close collaboration with units across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe, as well as with global industry departments, the Economics and Private Sector Development Vice-Presidency, IBRD/IDA, MIGA, and external organizations.

 

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

•  Analyze and apply economic principles to emerging market development at the country, sector, firm, or project level.
•  Demonstrate sound judgment in assessing emerging market dynamics and the feasibility/timing of private sector engagement, considering the barriers to private sector development and IFC’s role.
•  Provide advice and influence discussions of economic/strategic relevance in expertise with peers, senior colleagues, and management.
•  Maintain both a broad, strategic perspective and focus on critical details.
•  Build depth of expertise and breadth of experience while building a solid professional network across the IFC and WBG.
•  Apply analytical depth and rigor to (i) develop conceptual frameworks that guide analysis and advice/recommendations and (ii) improve the analysis of others by challenging their assumptions and probing for detail.
•  Demonstrate credibility with IFC internal clients and senior management and is considered a resource person with the ability to influence technical, policy, and strategy discussions.
•  Identify/Interpret underlying intentions and drivers of Board priorities.
•  Guide, advise, mentor, and coach others to develop and broaden their scope of skills & knowledge in the Economic stream and identify methods to address professional development opportunities.
•  Interpret and explain IFC business at corporate, industry, and regional levels, its product offerings, and key characteristics of its pipeline/portfolio to identify critical touch points and avenues for influence and adding value.
•  Describe existing and potential intersections between IFC / WBG activities in client countries. Explain how WBG instruments can be leveraged to expand sustainable private sector development and promote market creation.
•  Leverage IFC and WBG networks to stay current on interventions and emerging policy issues and collaborate on joint work.
•  Interpret and apply factors that make joint IFC-WB work challenging and determine proactive approaches for best outcomes.
•  Promote a shared understanding of IFC’s needs, strategic direction among teams, and how their work relates to these.
•  Reflect sophisticated economic/analytical rigor and understanding in written work.
•  Produce and tailor comprehensive reports/ analytical work to different audiences to ensure an accurate understanding of complex content and contribute to high-quality decisions and appropriate actions.
•  Provide quality control of written work delegated to others and ensure consistency and appropriate messaging.
•  Ensure final products are aligned with the needs and expectations of the intended audience. Integrate a broad range of complex issues, challenges, perspectives, and recommendations into a cohesive narrative.
•  Is recognized as skilled at precise messaging for maximum absorption.

 

Selection Criteria

•  MBA or Master’s degree in a related field and at least 8–12 years of relevant experience in finance with a proven track record of sourcing, structuring, and closing investments, preferably across MAS sectors.
•  Extensive experience in financing and supervision work. 
•  Strong financial and credit skills; demonstrated ability to structure a variety of financial instruments and process complex transactions.
•  Business development and client relationship skills, track record, and ability to focus on client’s needs effectively. Ability to interact directly and independently with the management of clients and prospects.
•  Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. 
•  Fluency in Portuguese required.
•  Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds.
•  Ability to mentor more junior staff.
•  Genuine commitment to sustainable development and highest ethical standards.
•  Willingness to travel extensively.

 

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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