Senior Country Economist

International Finance Corporation
Washington DC - United States
S: Competitive

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. Working with more than 2,000 businesses worldwide, we use our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in the toughest areas of the world. In FY17, we delivered a record $19.3 billion in long-term financing for developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to help end poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

IFC's Vice Presidency for Economics & Private Sector Development has been newly established as a hub for IFC thought leadership on private sector development, in collaboration with economists throughout the World Bank Group, and to help guide IFC operations towards development outcomes.

The Country Economics and Engagement Department (part of the Economics & Private Sector Development Vice Presidency), is hiring a Senior Country Economist. Depending on the final candidate profile, the position will focus mostly on the Latin America/Caribbean (LAC) or East Asia Pacific (EAP) region, but with flexibility to work on other regions as well as corporate initiatives. The Senior Country Economist will be one of a cadre of six Country Economists in the Department. The Department has two principal functions: assessing economic trends and opportunities for private sector development at country and regional level, and working closely with IFC Operations and partners in the World Bank Group in formulating country and regional strategies and conducting policy dialogue. The Country Economists focus generally on the former.

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:

Monitoring political, macroeconomic, and economic policy developments in the assigned countries/region.

Conducting country diagnostics and other research and analyses in order to identify private sector development priorities, opportunities and challenges, with a view to promoting development outcomes and informing IFC and World Bank Group strategy.

Conducting selected policy engagements, in coordination with other IFC and World Bank units, aimed at creating conditions for the development of the private sector and of markets.

Providing operational support and input to investment and advisory project teams and managers on country/regional context, key risks and other country/region specific analysis during the project life cycle.

Liaising with partners from across the World Bank Group and at country level to ensure that diagnostics and analyses are well-coordinated.

Preparing briefs, reports and presentations to various stakeholders, including senior management and the Board, as well as external stakeholders.


SELECTION CRITERIA:

A post-graduate degree in economics, public policy or other relevant graduate degree from a reputable university.

At least 10-15 years of experience demonstrating analytical skills in economics and private sector development work in a country/regional context.

Experience in and strong knowledge of the economic context and challenges of LAC and/or EAP countries.

Familiarity with IFC's or similar Development Finance Institutions' areas of focus and relevant experience in country/regional context.

Knowledge of IFC operational and portfolio work and a good understanding of investment projects is desirable.

Excellent understanding of financial and economic concepts and data.

Strong analytical and quantitative skills.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with high level stakeholders in English. Fluency in Spanish a strong plus.

Job summary