E T Consultant - MSME Finance Research

The World Bank Group

287d

About The Position

IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet. The Development Impact Measurement Department (CDI) within the Economics and Private Sector Vice Presidency (CEDVP) analyzes economic sectors with a view to identifying opportunities and solutions for private sector development and works closely with IFC Operations. It provides technical support to operations related to structuring, appraising, and monitoring investment and advisory projects and is responsible for reporting on IFC's impact. The department is in charge of implementing the ex-ante project assessment framework (Anticipated Impact Measurement and Monitoring- AIMM) for investment and advisory projects throughout the project cycle, help ensure high-quality economic support for IFC operations teams on strategies and projects and developing sector economic analyses with a focus on solutions for private sector development. The Financial Institution Group team (CDIFI) is in charge of implementing CDI mandates and deliverables described above in relation to products, including investment and advisory to Financial Institutions, supporting microfinance, insurance, loans to small and medium enterprises and women-owned businesses, and affordable housing loans, among other areas. This includes fully developing and implementing the ex-ante project assessment framework for investment and advisory projects throughout the project cycle, monitoring and evaluating the impact of both investments and advisory projects, helping to ensure high-quality economic support for IFC FIG teams on strategies and projects, and developing sector economic analyses with a focus on solutions for private sector development. These activities will support operations done by FIG teams to deliver investments that support growing enterprises across emerging markets. Financial sector operations comprise a significant portion (approximately 40%) of IFC's investment operations and make important contributions to financial sector development in client countries. The Department is looking for an Extended-Term Consultant to support the implementation of the Measurement, Research and Evaluation agenda for MSME Finance. IFC supports banks in emerging market and developing economies with investment and advisory services to help expand their lending to MSMEs, and this program is intended to expand the base of evidence that IFC currently has on the effectiveness of its current investments and the impact of its programs on end-beneficiaries. The main research questions include: What is the scale and composition of IFC's MSME clients' portfolios? Are IFC loans, risk-sharing and incentives leading IFC client financial institutions to effectively expand their MSME portfolio? What is the impact of IFC clients' loan portfolio growth on MSME-level outcomes? What are the catalytic effects of IFC's interventions on the broader market? To answer these questions, the MSME research agenda consists of three components: (1) enhanced measurement, (2) case studies and (3) impact evaluations.

Requirements

• PhD in economics or related field, or Master's degree in related field with at least 6 years of relevant professional experience demonstrating analytical skills in results measurement and economic analysis with a focus on the financial sector.
• Prior work experience in management of field research in financial services in developing country contexts.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with demonstrated ability to use statistical methods, including experience and proficiency in statistical programs (Stata or R).
• Subject matter expertise in evaluating the economic and development impact of projects in areas such as Micro and SME finance.
• Proficiency in results measurement and evaluation methods, including experience in survey design and implementation.
• Strong understanding of economic theory - macro and micro-economic concepts and principles - and how it applies to emerging markets.
• Strong team player, with excellent organization and project management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills, with experience writing research papers and presenting to large groups.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working on impact evaluation projects.
• Familiarity with Financial Institution data and Management Information Systems (MIS).
• Experience working in a multi-member research project.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement market case studies on MSME finance.
• Apply a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods including market research, interviews with financial institutions, analysis of loan portfolio data and representative surveys of MSMEs.
• Embed experimental or quasi-experimental features to strengthen research design.
• Plan and deliver on all project milestones, including supporting the recruitment and management of survey firms and other consultants.
• Lead day-to-day project management, quality oversight, and analysis for ongoing survey field research.
• Establish strong working relationships with local survey firms and consultants.
• Oversee data collection and implement appropriate quality control measures.
• Maintain regular contact with IFC clients and research firms to ensure smooth implementation of data collection.
• Co-lead the analysis and drafting of reports summarizing key insights from research projects.

What This Job Offers

• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree