Senior Economics Officer

Asian Development Bank
Manila - Philippines
S: Competitive

Job Purpose

To build-up the technical capacity of the Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department (ERCD) by contributing to its work program. In particular, the candidate will: (i) oversee the preparation of the bi-annual journal Asian Development Review (ADR); (ii) supervise staff in-charge of the Working Papers series; (iii) supervise and coordinate activities among national staff and consultants; and (iv) support ERCD's front office (EROD) in preparing technical assistances (TAs). It is also expected that the candidate be able to undertake independent research.

Expected Outcomes

Quantitative Economic Research Work and TrainingImplements time series macroeconometric analysis in Stata and EViews (knowledge of MATLAB is also welcome); contributes technical inputs in preparing economic papers/technical reports; contributes substantially to the preparation of special studies for research publications and presentations in international conferences; and trains other economic officers, analysts and local consultants in macroeconometric analysis and other relevant system applications.

Scenario AnalysisDevelops, maintains, and updates the database systems needed to undertake research. Prepares write-ups for the information of management and interested parties.

Major PublicationHelps the Managing Editor of the Asian Development Review (ADR) with economics editing; coordinates preparation of data, tables/charts, and checks data quality of the ADR; reviews underlying data, tables/charts of other publications. Provides inputs on quantitative economic information, and analyses to other departments/offices using econometric models.

Technical Assistance ActivitiesAdvises EROD on planning and implementing the division's TA program. Takes the initiative to coordinate proposals for the division's TA pipeline. Independently drafts TA papers, and consultants' terms of reference; monitors TA fund use, and consultants' outputs against targets, particularly deadlines for producing the required reports; and prepares TA completion reports. Trains and supervises Administrative Staff in policies and procedures for individual consultant selection to ensure timely consultant selection and contracting.

Coordination and SupervisionCoordinates activities of the Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department (ERCD) on economic modeling and economic database management; supervises economic research and data-gathering activities of other economic analysts/local consultants; coordinates with other departments/divisions to facilitate flow/exchange, and management of on-line information resources/data system.

OthersUndertakes administrative work on departmental information management and data quality control, and supports highly quantitative research activities/assignments; coordinates with other divisions to address methodological and measurement issues on economic indicators used for Developing Member Countries (DMCs); reviews set of economic indicators to respond to evolving economic structures in the region and to address intermittent shocks that perturb the overall trends across the DMCs; to help coordinate the ERCD seminar series and the Asia Development Policy Lecture Series. Performs other duties that may be assigned as reflected in the incumbent's workplan.

Core Competencies

Application of Technical Knowledge and Skills

Applies updated advancements in own knowledge area to relevant tasks
Applies knowledge and practical skills to independently perform some complex tasks
Conveys the need to use updated project approaches

Client Orientation

Delivers Divisional contributions across a variety of products and services to meet the needs of different clients
Proposes options to clients that may better meet their needs than current approaches
Defines and delivers to agreed standards with clients

Achieving Results and Problem Solving

Conducts detailed research and analysis to determine appropriate methods for addressing the causes of issues
Self-monitors achievement of results according to work plans
Identifies different stakeholder needs and desired outcomes when planning for outcomes
Independently solves problems and makes recommendations

Working Together

Maintains collaborative relationships within the Department
Works effectively with diverse colleagues in own and other Divisions and Departments
Flexibly alters positions and adjusts previously stated points of view to support the group consensus
Follows through on team priorities in the absence of a team leader

Communication and Knowledge Sharing

Checks with audience's level of understanding and awareness of required follow up actions
Consistently seeks and addresses feedback on own performance
Creates knowledge products endorsed for wider distribution
Independently amends and clarifies messages and documents

Innovation and Change

Actively supports work improvement and/or organizational change by work and deed
Develops and adopts change plans to support Division initiatives on which one works
Considers current and future client needs in proposing ideas
Vocalizes early support for change
Recommends inputs to new policies, systems and processes in immediate work area

Qualifications

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Economics, preferably with Master's degree, with special technical ability in econometrics.
Relevant Experience

Work Experience • At least 10 years work experience in related field, with at least 5 years of which should have been devoted specifically to applying econometric models

Technical Knowledge • Good knowledge and understanding of quantitative economics, database management, economic policy issues, and development trends in the region. • Excellent command of written and spoken English, with demonstrated economic research writing ability. • In-depth knowledge and understanding of the research process. • Ability to manage complex processes—applying experience, reason, and intuition to solve problems and deliver results—with limited direct supervision. • Computer proficiency, particularly in using spreadsheets, statistical/econometric software, database applications, and knowledge in implementing automated routines.

People and Leadership Skills • Ability to manage and coordinate tasks among National Staff and Administrative Staff and liaise with concerned groups within ADB • Strong leadership skills and good client orientation. • Good interpersonal and communication skills.

Job summary