Economist

The World Bank
Washington, DC - United States
S: Competitive

The Development Research Group (DECRG) is the World Bank's research department, charged with producing rigorous and policy-relevant analysis to inform the Bank's operations and policy dialogue. The Poverty and Inequality Unit (DECPI) within DECRG carries out research and analysis on the definition, measurement and evolution of poverty, inequality and economic mobility, as well as on their causes and consequences. Researchers also investigate the effects of different policies on poverty and inequality, and how best to reduce them.

Note: If the selected candidate is a current Bank Group staff member with a Regular or Open-Ended appointment, s/he will retain his/her Regular or Open-Ended appointment. All others will be offered a 3 year term appointment.

Duties and Accountabilities

The Economist will be an integral member of the DECPI team, pursuing research on:
a. International poverty measurement and comparisons
b. Income inequality within and between countries
c. Incorporating top incomes into the measurement of inequality in developing countries
d. Multidimensional wellbeing and poverty
e. Subjective well-being

S/he will also provide cross-support to operational units, as per the departmental guidelines.

Selection Criteria

This is a research position focused squarely on welfare and public economics in the context of developing countries. The successful candidate will have:

a. PhD in Economics
b. Advanced knowledge of econometrics and distributional analysis tools
c. Evidence of the capacity to pursue research projects to completion, up to and including publication
d. Excellent writing skills, as revealed by previous scholarly work
e. Excellent inter-personal skills and the willingness and ability to work in teams
f. Experience working alongside recognized scholars in the thematic areas listed above

Job summary