Economist

World Bank Group•Washington, DC

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? The World Bank Group is a unique global partnership of five institutions driven by a bold vision to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, we help solve the world’s greatest development challenges. When you join the World Bank Group, you become part of a dynamic, diverse organization with 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide. We work with public and private sector partners, invest in groundbreaking projects, and use data, research, and technology to bring tangible and transformative change around the globe. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org. VPU Context: The Digital Transformation Vertical Vice Presidency was established on July 1, 2024, and guides the World Bank Group efforts to establish the foundations of a digital economy, build and enhance digital and data infrastructure, ensure cybersecurity and data privacy for institutions, businesses, and citizens, and advance digital government services. Digital technologies, including AI and data, present a unique opportunity to accelerate development. The Digital Transformation Vertical has the critical mission of delivering on this development promise. The Digital Vice Presidency and its global and regional teams support client countries in building the foundational and cross-cutting elements of digital transformation. Unit Context: The Policy and Regulation team in the Digital VPU helps set strategic targets and leads policy and regulatory research. The team also builds toolkits, blueprints and frameworks to help scale successful projects across countries. Duties and accountabilities: This role will provide strategic analysis and data-driven insights on digital technologies to inform policy dialogue, investments, and operations. The candidate will provide strategic thought leadership through rigorous analytics to support digital transformation initiatives across emerging markets. Operating at the intersection of technology markets, economics of digital transformation, and international development, the candidate will serve as a key resource for evidence-based decision-making and knowledge dissemination. Analytics and Research: • Independently carry out rigorous research on digital transformation, applying advanced analytical and econometric techniques to evaluate digital economy trends, opportunities, and risks in client countries, as well as assess key regulatory and financing gaps. • Contribute to high-profile analytical products, policy notes, briefs, and special focus chapters, ensuring methodological rigor and policy relevance. • Support digital transformation advisory services and analytical products, as well as select lending operations and strategic core diagnostics with economic analysis and evidence-based recommendations tailored to country contexts. • Leverage geospatial analysis, big data analytics, and statistical software to generate timely and relevant insights. Knowledge Products and Data Visualization: • Develop and maintain databases, dashboards, and data visualizations that synthesize economic analysis and market intelligence for decision-makers. • Create automated knowledge toolkits and analytical frameworks in collaboration with the Market Intelligence team • Translate complex economic and technical concepts into executive briefings, policy memos, and decision-ready recommendations using advanced visualization techniques. • Leverage AI tools to automate data processing, insight generation, and communication workflows. Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration: • Prepare presentations for senior management, research seminars, and external events as needed on topics relevant to Digital and AI Vertical’s key focus areas. • Coordinate with Digital and AI Vertical’s Global Directorates, universities, think tanks, government agencies, and multilateral organizations to disseminate findings and partner on analytical initiatives. • This assignment is based in Washington, DC.

Requirements

Master's degree or higher in Electrical and Telecommunications Engineering, Economics, Public Policy, Business, or related quantitative field (required).
Minimum 5-7 years of progressive experience in economic research, data analysis, and digital development. As economist, demonstrated expertise and strong analytical skills in one or more of the following fields: applied microeconomics, industrial organization, labor economics, development economics, econometrics.
Proven track record of published research in digital economics, technology markets, or related fields.
Experience translating research into actionable policy or operational recommendations.
Proficiency in statistical software (Stata, R, Python) for data analysis and modeling.
Exceptional writing and communication skills; ability to produce publication-quality research papers, policy briefs, and executive summaries.
Proven ability to synthesize complex information and deliver technical content to diverse audiences, including non-specialists.
Demonstrated capacity to work effectively in multi-disciplinary, multicultural, and matrixed environments.
Track record of delivering high-quality outputs under tight deadlines while navigating ambiguity.
Demonstrated ability to lead small teams and mentor junior staff.
Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

Nice To Haves

Doctoral degree in Economics, Public Policy, or Communications (strongly preferred).
Experience with geospatial analysis, big data analytics on large, unstructured datasets, and/or machine learning techniques (strongly preferred).
Advanced data visualization skills and ability to create dashboards and automated reporting tools.

Responsibilities

Independently carry out rigorous research on digital transformation, applying advanced analytical and econometric techniques to evaluate digital economy trends, opportunities, and risks in client countries, as well as assess key regulatory and financing gaps.
Contribute to high-profile analytical products, policy notes, briefs, and special focus chapters, ensuring methodological rigor and policy relevance.
Support digital transformation advisory services and analytical products, as well as select lending operations and strategic core diagnostics with economic analysis and evidence-based recommendations tailored to country contexts.
Leverage geospatial analysis, big data analytics, and statistical software to generate timely and relevant insights.
Develop and maintain databases, dashboards, and data visualizations that synthesize economic analysis and market intelligence for decision-makers.
Create automated knowledge toolkits and analytical frameworks in collaboration with the Market Intelligence team
Translate complex economic and technical concepts into executive briefings, policy memos, and decision-ready recommendations using advanced visualization techniques.
Leverage AI tools to automate data processing, insight generation, and communication workflows.
Prepare presentations for senior management, research seminars, and external events as needed on topics relevant to Digital and AI Vertical’s key focus areas.
Coordinate with Digital and AI Vertical’s Global Directorates, universities, think tanks, government agencies, and multilateral organizations to disseminate findings and partner on analytical initiatives.

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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