Senior Sector Economist

IFC
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

The infrastructure sector remains one of the organization's key priorities under IFC 3.0, and IFC's activities in sector have expanded significantly over the last few years. The Infrastructure and Natural Resources Industry Group (CNG), through its support for investment and advisory clients, expands the reach of services in the power, water and transport sub-sectors, and promotes sustainable oil, gas and mining.

The Infrastructure & Natural Resources Sector Economics team (CSEIN) is looking for a Senior Sector Economist , based in Washington, DC. As part of a 15-member team and reporting to the Head of CSEIN, the Senior Economist will be a key contributor to the various facets of strategy and economics work. S/he will work closely with CNG Management, investment staff, economists / strategists within CSEIN, as well as regional and IFC support department counterparts. S/he will also represent the group across the WBG and externally, and participate in a range of other functions.

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:

Contribute to the development of overall CNG strategy, sub-sector strategies, market/sector analysis, and annual planning documents.

Coordinate CNG input on key IFC and WBG initiatives, including Maximizing Finance for Development (MFD).

Support the Head in communications, knowledge/learning, and program management. More specifically, prepare briefs, reports, and presentations to various stakeholders including senior management and the Board, as well as external stakeholders, on issues in related to CNG work.

Work with CNG investment teams to prepare economic assessments of IFC investment projects, including the projects' direct and broader impact, as well as provide expert advice and support to operational teams and managers on trends, key risks, and sector analysis with particular attention to strategic fit, role/ additionality and ex-ante development impact, during the project life cycle, in coordination with the industry specialists.

Interface with other Industry Groups, Corporate Strategy, Climate Business department and IEG.

Undertake strong analytical work based on rigorous applied economics in collaboration with CNG investment and advisory teams to inform both sector strategies and operational decisions and provide solutions for private sector development.

Monitor and analyze trends and developments in the CNG space at the global, regional and country level, and produce reports with a focus on challenges, priorities, and opportunities for market creation and private investment in the sector.

Supervise and mentor junior staff as needed.


SELECTION CRITERIA:

Postgraduate degree in finance, economics or public policy, with a strong grasp of core economic and financial concepts and understanding of development issues and impact.

At least 12 years of relevant work experience demonstrating analytical skills in economics and private sector development work, with a focus on CNG issues in emerging countries. Familiarity with infrastructure sectors would be an advantage.

Experience and very good knowledge of IFC operations, strategy processes and corporate systems. Proven prior work experience focusing on strategy work related to CNG in a Development Finance Institution (DFI) or in the private sector, and track record of working on infrastructure development strategies and policy related aspects.

Proven ability to undertake strong analytical work from conceptualisation to publication with limited supervision.

Strong analytical and quantitative skills.

Ability to synthesize large volumes of information from diverse sources, to compile data, and prepare quantitative and qualitative management reports.

Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills, with demonstrated ability to lead and work in multidisciplinary teams.

Excellent written and oral communications skills.

Flexibility, responsiveness, and ability to manage a heavy workload and multiple activities to tight deadlines.

IFC values diversity and encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of IFC member countries to apply, regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. Sub-Saharan African nationals, Caribbean nationals, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

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