Economic Adviser

World Bank Group

2d

About The Position

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? The World Bank Group (WBG) 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 and promoting shared prosperity. 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.https://ww.worldbank.org.

East Asia and the Pacific (EAP) Region

The East Asia and the Pacific Region (EAP) has made the fastest progress in economic growth and poverty reduction of any region in the last quarter-century. The region is home to 4 of the top 10 largest developing economies. It is one of the most integrated regions with Global Trade and is at the forefront of manufacturing, digital economy, green energy, and tourism. We need the greatest talent focused on the EAP region to harness the potential and innovation happening across the continent. Despite progress, the EAP region still faces huge development challenges. Over the last decade, growth has been driven primarily by investment rather than increased productivity. Now private investment is weak, and productivity is declining, further inhibiting investment and the creation of good jobs. A large portion of the region’s population remains vulnerable to income shocks, including from a global economic slowdown, changing global and regional value-chains, and climate-related risks. Addressing domestic revenue mobilization has been a longstanding challenge for several countries in the EAP region, which has constrained public services.

East Asia and the Pacific Region: https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/ea

EAPDE Unit Context

The EAP Development Effectiveness Unit (EAPDE) plays an important role in advising the Regional Vice President and supporting EAP’s management and operational teams to deliver the strongest possible program in line with country and corporate priorities. EAPDE’s work program ranges from strategic and operational advice to regional management, to highly bespoke guidance to operational teams, work on quality, pipeline delivery management, portfolio management and monitoring, regional risk management, support on regional and corporate priorities, and operational learning and knowledge sharing for regional staff. EAPDE serves as the secretariat for the Regional Operations Committee (ROC), and it is the hub for the region’s learning program. Staff in the unit have expertise in Bank instruments and operations policy, operational experience in the key sectors relevant to EAP, specific expertise in climate change-related corporate commitments, and mastery of Bank operational data systems.

EAPDE is seeking an Economic Adviser to lead tasks related to the Prosperity Vertical and Country Engagement, and to serve as the ROC Secretary.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in economics (Master’s or PhD).
• Sustained record of achieving high-quality substantive results over an extended period (at least 12 years of Bank and/or external relevant experience).
• Solid experience as a Task Team Leader (TTL) of DPF operations and/or as TTL of Country Engagement Products, including CPFs.
• Demonstrated track record of leading complex and impactful ASA, RAS, and reports or policy papers.
• Demonstrated experience in and familiarity with both Middle and Low-income countries.
• A combination of experience in two regions, or in one region and a corporate assignment, or similar experience that builds global expertise and client-facing skills.
• Deep technical knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas: macroeconomics, fiscal and debt management, financial sector, or poverty.
• Broad understanding of cross-sectoral issues and private sector role, and experience in bringing together multidisciplinary perspectives for effective solutions.
• Proven ability to identify and articulate policy issues, tradeoffs and priorities; and to provide technically and strategically sound policy advice.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to convey complex information clearly, succinctly, and diplomatically, and to influence others persuasively.
• Demonstrated maturity and sound judgment, with the ability to engage effectively with senior management and represent the region to internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines. Demonstrated experience managing competing priorities and working efficiently to meet strict deadlines without compromising accuracy or attention to detail.
• Proven capacity to build strong working relationships by demonstrating empathy, reliability, and a willingness to assist others, contributing to a culture of trust, collegiality, and shared success.

Nice To Haves

• WBG Culture Attributes:
• 1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
• 2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
• 3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

Responsibilities

• Serve as EAP region’s champion of operational policy and quality in the areas of Development Policy Financing (DPF) operations (including Policy-Based Guarantees) and Country Engagement products (including Country Partnership Frameworks, Performance and Learning Reviews, Completion and Learning Reviews, Systematic Country Diagnostic, Annual Business Planning Exercise).
• Be part of the EAPDE’s team of reviewers and provide advice to country teams and regional management on DPF operations, Country Engagement products, and other regional and corporate economic reports, and support task and country teams in grounding these deliverables in a sound analytical and economic framework.
• Contribute to complex corporate issues that involve EAP, including the agendas for Middle Income Countries, IBRD graduation, risk management, outcome-orientation, aid effectiveness, small and fragile states.
• Serve as the EAP focal point for the Framework for Financial Incentives (FFI) and provide advice to teams on design and processing of operations benefiting from FFI.
• Serve as the EAP focal point for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Finance Policy.
• Serve as the Secretary for the Regional Operations Committee (ROC).

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees