Senior Economist

Job Type: Location Type: Remote: open to residents of any country

 

Senior Economist

Job #:
req34117

Organization:
World Bank

Sector:
Economics

Grade:
GG

Term Duration:
3 years

Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment

Location:
Washington, DC,United States

Required Language(s):
English

Preferred Language(s):

Closing Date:
9/21/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

This position is a part of the Japanese recruitment mission.

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? 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

THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ECONOMIST FOR AFRICA:

The Office of the Chief Economist in the Africa Region generates timely and relevant knowledge on policy and institutional reforms in Sub-Saharan Africa. It produces research articles and reports on the most pressing development issues facing the continent and fosters a community of economists interested in Sub-Saharan Africa, within the World Bank and on the continent. Since July 1, 2020, the office supports the two Vice-Presidencies for Sub-Saharan Africa (AFE and AFW). AFECE is also home to a number of innovative undertakings, some of which have been replicated in other regions of the World Bank. These include (i) The Africa Gender Innovation Lab (GIL); (ii) The Chief Economists of Government (CEoG) network; and (iii) The WBG-Africa Fellowship Program.

Work in the Office of the Chief Economist in the Africa Region is organized around 6 pillars:

• Production of periodical Macro-monitoring and Economic Outlooks, CPIA, Africa’s Pulse, Africa Weekly Economic and Financial Monitoring.
• Knowledge generation: Regional Studies and Research Papers done in collaboration with Global Practices, DEC, and academia.
• Linking knowledge to operations: mainstreaming regional studies and ASA’s findings into DPOs, and review of selected investment projects.
• Knowledge Management and Client engagement: Seminar Series, outreach to internal and external clients, conferences, etc.
• Quality control/review: Review comments and quality enhancement services for corporate and regional products ASAs and Operations.
• Knowledge uptake, capacity building/mobilization in client countries: Work with African research networks, think tanks, and Chief Economists of Government.

DUTIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES:

The Senior Economist will work under the supervision of the Chief Economist for the Africa Region. The successful candidate will be primarily responsible for the following areas of work:

• Co-lead/Contribute to the preparation of regional studies and analytical products especially in areas of agriculture and food, environment, water, and climate change
• Conduct high quality independent and policy-relevant research targeting peer reviewed economics publications in top general interest and field journals
• Generate original research insights, via background papers, focused policy notes and other knowledge outputs of the Chief Economist’s Office.
• Engage in research design, data management, econometric analysis, generating of indicators based on either existing data or new surveys for African countries.
• Contribute comments on Corporate and regional flagship Reports, peer review other analytical and operational work as needed
• Engage with clients (internal and external) to build capacity, provide technical support and generate operational prototypes for client engagement aimed at supporting the theory of change in operations.
• Undertake other assignments as per the request of the Chief Economist to help advance the goals and priorities of the Office of the Chief Economist, Africa region.

Selection Criteria

The applicant should meet the following requirements:

• A PhD in economics or closely related field;
• At least 8-10 years of relevant professional experience in economic policy, research or related areas, either internal or external to the World Bank Group;
• Ability to synthesize complex research findings for a policy or operational audience;
• Excellent analytical and quantitative skills including a strong econometrics background, and general economic knowledge and analytical skills. Demonstrated track record of working with economic data and analytical tools and models to conduct economic analyses and produce user-friendly written outputs;
• Experience leading complex programs and projects;
• Excellent writing skills and attention to detail;
• A proven track record in economic policy and research, relating to the topic of relevance to the World Bank Group and the countries of sub-Saharan Africa;
• Behavioral competencies that facilitate dialogue with country partners and country teams, including listening skills, capacity development skills, and ability to adapt advice to the local institutional realities;
• Commitment to teamwork, knowledge-sharing, capacity building and ability to influence across organizational boundaries;

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of Urgency – Anticipating and quickly reacting to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful Risk Taking – Taking informed and thoughtful risks and making courageous decisions to push boundaries for greater impact.
3. Empowerment and Accountability – Engaging with others in an empowered and accountable manner for impactful 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.