Economic Adviser

World Bank Group•Washington, DC

About The Position

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 and promoting shared prosperity on a livable planet. 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 Operations Policy and Country Services (OPCS) Context The Operations Policy and Country Services (OPCS) of the World Bank plays a pivotal role in achieving the World Bank Group’s (WBG) mission. OPCS is at the center of the ‘operations complex’ and plays a critical role in supporting the Bank’s leadership on all issues related to Bank operations. OPCS develops and oversees operational policies and procedures for country engagement products, lending operations, advisory services and analytical support, financial management, procurement, environmental and social safeguards, as well as development outcome risk and results reporting. It also serves as a link between the operational units and the Board of Directors. OPCS provides advice and support to Bank management and staff as well as hands-on assistance to help teams apply the Bank’s policies, processes, and risk management tools for our country clients. Working in OPCS helps World Bank professionals gain broad exposure to strategic operations issues and develop a deeper understanding of the business of the Bank. OPCS is organized into the Front Office and Four Departments: • The Front Office (OPSFO) focuses on supporting the OPCS Vice President (VP) in the management of the operations complex and the delivery of key corporate policy commitments and reforms. • Operations Standards, Procurement, Financial Management (OPSPF) is responsible for safeguards, procurement, financial management and anti-corruption policies and support to operations; • Operations Policy (OPSPO) consolidates the corporate support and oversight of country strategies and all financing and advisory instruments as well as managing the Operations Committee and the Operations Help Desk; • The Operational Effectiveness & Efficiency Department (OPSEE) supports Sr. Management, operational teams, and clients in achieving results & impact through efficiency and effectiveness in operations. • Operations Standards, Environment and Social (OPSES) is responsible for the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and Safeguard Policies, including support to operations, learning and training, knowledge management, reporting, interface with the Inspection Panel, and management of the Grievance Redress Service (GRS). OPSCE Unit Context: The Country Economics Unit (OPSCE) within the Operations Policy Department (OPSPO) provides policy, quality support, review, and advisory functions for DPFs, CE products, and Analytical and Advisory work. The unit also works closely with the Finance complex on issues related to IDA and IBRD policy and financing and manages the annual Bank-wide Country Policy and Institutional Assessment (CPIA) process. OPSCE also contributes to the debt sustainability and transparency agenda through its active participation on the Sustainable Development Finance Policy (SDFP) Committee. The unit is also very involved in a broad range of strategic, high-level streams of corporate work, working closely with other departments across the WBG on enhancements to our Country Engagement model, Operational Efficiency and Effectiveness, the Crisis Toolkit, The Financial Incentives Framework for IBRD countries, Guarantee reforms, and Corporate Strategies. OPSCE unit also houses the Secretariats of the Operations Committee (OC) and the Committee of Vice Presidents on Operational Matters (OVP).

Requirements

Advanced degree in economics; PhD preferred
Sustained record of achieving high-quality substantive results over an extended period (typically at least 12 years of Bank and/or external experience)
Solid experience as a Task Team Leader (TTL) of DPF operations. Experience on Country Engagement Products is desirable
Demonstrated track record of leading complex and impactful ASA, RAS, and reports or policy papers.
Deep technical knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas: macroeconomics, macroeconomic forecasting, growth analytics, growth strategy development, fiscal analysis and management, subnational fiscal frameworks, distributional impact of fiscal policies, debt management and contingent liabilities, government finance and quality of government expenditures, greening growth, management of natural resource rents, macroeconomic impact of ageing
Ability to interact effectively and frequently with Senior Management
Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to represent OPCS with internal and external partners. Strong diplomatic skills, including the ability to speak persuasively and convey complex messages succinctly and diplomatically
Demonstrated maturity and sound judgment, attention to detail
Broad understanding of cross-sectoral issues; proven ability to identify and articulate policy issues, tradeoffs and priorities; and to provide technically and strategically sound policy advice
Ability to juggle tight deadlines, be proactive, and work collaboratively in teams
Proven ability to take initiative and focus on results, effective teamwork skills
Economics and Analytical Skills - Possesses Cross-country knowledge in economic specialty and demonstrates ability to link the macro, institutional, and micro-level behaviors; able to support findings/policy recommendations with credible analysis and tools.
Knowledge and Experience in Development Arena - Translates technical and cross-country knowledge into practical applications and contributions to country and sector strategies; interacts with clients at the policy level.
Policy Dialogue Skills - Anticipates needs and requests in the field and conducts independent policy discussions with representatives of the government and non-government partners.
Integrative Skills - Understands relevant cross-sectoral areas how they are interrelated; able to undertake cross-sectoral work in lending and non-lending operations.
Macroeconomic Skills and Country Economics Experience - Able to translate technical analyses of macroeconomic, debt, trade, fiscal policy, and growth linkages into policy recommendations and cross-country lessons.
Written and Verbal Communication - Demonstrates the ability to influence and persuade others to accept ideas and suggestions (such as counterparts in government, international partner organizations, academia, and Bank colleagues, senior staff and managers).

Responsibilities

Serve as one of the Bank-wide champions of operational policy and quality in the areas of Development Policy Financing (DPF) operations (including Policy-Based Guarantees). Be part of the Unit’s team of reviewers, and contribute to revisions on operations policy, procedures and guidance concerning these products as well as developing the thinking on them. Providing advice to country teams and Senior Management on DPF as needed.
Lead the preparation of Corporate Strategies as needed.
Provide advice on debt sustainability and other macro issues.
Contribute to complex corporate issues that involve OPCS, including on IBRD financial sustainability, risk management, aid effectiveness etc.
Conduct analysis and outreach on issues related to the work of the Unit, including preparation of economic research papers, good practice notes and publications on key issues.
Liaise with Executive Directors, country authorities and external partners as needed.

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.

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