Lead Economist/Economic Adviser at World Bank Group

Lead Economist/Economic Adviser

Description

Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

Office of the Managing Director, Operations

Key mandates of the Managing Director of Operations (MDO) Office include overseeing the Bank’s global operational program, ensuring that the Bank’s delivery model continues to meet the needs of client countries, and leading the Bank’s change initiatives on Operations Efficiency and Effectiveness.  

MDOPS (Office of the MDO) is looking for an Economic Adviser to play a pivotal role in the team. The candidate would be a critical link between a few Regions and MDO, accompany MDO on travels to the Region, and review and advise on a range of operational and strategic issues.  The Economic Adviser will report to the MDOPS’ Director of Strategy & Operations.

Duties and accountabilities:

• Lead and contribute to complex corporate issues and strategies that involve OPCS, Regions and other VPUs, including, but not limited to, the agendas for Operations Effectiveness and Efficiency, risk management, results-orientation and aid effectiveness, data quality, FCV, and middle-income countries, WBG initiatives, IDA, budget reforms, and finance.
• Provide timely and sound economic advice to Managing Director, including on complex operations, country engagements, and rapid response strategies, collaborating with relevant departments and regions to support program implementation.
• Support Managing Director’s country visits, liaising and partnering with regions, including events and media briefs, regional/country townhalls, interviews with local and regional outlets, and social media & multimedia content.
• Contribute to the preparation of operational reports, briefings, and result stories, in coordination with ECR, to be promoted by the MDO and her office. 
• Foster effective coordination and collaboration with other Bank units, regional and country teams, and external partners to leverage resources, share knowledge, and enhance development outcomes. Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, particularly Bank’s clients & shareholders.

Selection Criteria

• Advanced degree in Economics (Masters or PhD), and at least 12 years of relevant professional experience, with considerable operational experience in at least two VPUs. Field experience is highly desirable. 
• Highly experienced lead economist with demonstrated capacity for pragmatic thought leadership and critical thinking with respect to EFI-related Bank products and operations.  Broad experience working on operational projects, including ASA and lending operations. 
• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills; ability to listen carefully and provide sound advice in a constructive manner; ability and readiness to stand firm on difficult and sensitive issues; ability to convey ideas and positions clearly and tactfully to staff and managers at all levels.
• Wide range of operational experience with external clients, preferably both as a member and leader of task teams, across a full range of Bank operational and analytical products; experience in Bank operations as a TTL highly desirable. 
• Knowledge of the Bank's instruments (lending, ASA, Trust Funds, etc.), country engagement model, policies, procedures, and strategies, and capacity to apply them effectively in the preparation and implementation of Bank operations.
• Knowledge of procurement, safeguards, governance and financial management design and implementation issues.
• A good understanding of country engagement and portfolio management issues.
• Understanding of the Bank's risk management system and results agenda.
• High performance in previous assignments; recognition by peers and managers for excellence and innovation in operational work.
• Ability to conceptualize, organize, manage and bring to closure high-quality work quickly and independently; proven capacity to integrate and synthesize across disciplines.
• Integrative Skills. Integrating divergent viewpoints of multiple external and internal stakeholders into a coherent project/program/strategy. 
• Internal and External Stakeholder Engagement. An ability to independently coordinate and engage with stakeholders from various parts of WBG, including IFC and MIGA. Providing substantial inputs into and participating in the dialogue with external clients and stakeholders, including governments, NGOs and CSOs, and development partners. 
• Team Leadership. Solid experience of being a team leader or core task team member on one or more strategic or operational tasks. Demonstrated talent in forming, leading, and making changes to team composition and delivering tasks on budget and high quality.

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

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.