Economist at World Bank Group

Roles & Responsibilities

The Economist will be responsible for the monitoring and assessment of macroeconomic developments in South Africa and other SACU countries and will also contribute to the preparation and supervision of the MTI's work program working closely with the Lead Economist covering the region as well as the Country Management Unit for SACU.
Specifically, the Economist will:

• Monitor developments in the economy, research and analyze the country's economic, financial and sector issues;
• Maintain macroeconomic databases and regularly prepare updated medium-term macroeconomic projections. Use/run economic/financial models and toolkits using existing software packages, or Bank's own models;
• Participate in the design, preparation and dissemination of analytical economic work and reporting on South Africa and SACU countries, including country economic updates; and coordinate the preparation of the Country Policy and Institutional Assessments (CPIA);
• Prepare briefs and analytical notes and contribute to the writing of sections in analytical reports;
• Support the Country Management Unit (CMU) in the implementation of the World Bank's program in the region.
• Engage in policy dialogue with governments in coordination with the Lead Economist and country economists;
• Develop and maintain active engagement with other development partners and local think tanks and researchers.
• Work across countries as needed as part of the global MTI team.

Selection Criteria

• Minimum of a Master's Degree in Economics with at least 5 years of relevant work experience (PhD Preferred).
• Technical Proficiency: Skills and experience in working on economic policy issues and data analysis. Proven strong conceptual, analytical and evaluative skills in these areas.
• Communication and Team Skills: High level of personal and professional integrity. Self-starter. Strong ability to function well in a multi- cultural environment, and working in teams.
• Results-oriented personality with proven problem-solving skills, and strong communication skills.
• Computer Skills: Proficiency in Excel, and familiarity with econometric software such as E-Views, STATA or other statistical packages is essential.

Required Competencies

• General Economic Knowledge and Analytical Skills - Possesses a track record of intellectual leadership and ability to integrate economic-specific knowledge and specific micro/sector fields of expertise; provides quality assurance and assesses technical soundness of work/reports.
• Knowledge and Experience in the Development Arena – Influences the design and execution of major policy and/or research initiatives; conceives and promotes innovations in development policies, project design, organization and management to improve operational and sector work.
• Policy Dialogue Skills - Has a track record of conducting effective policy dialogue with country counterparts; communicates and defends difficult issues and positions to senior bank management and government officials.
• Integrative Skills – Possesses in-depth understanding of Bank resources in all areas of work in the Practice Group, and proven fungibility.
• Macroeconomic Skills and Country Economics Experience - Has strong record of contribution to complex policy-based lending operations, major economic reports or other published work relating to macro-economic, fiscal, growth, structural policy and poverty issues.
• Written and Verbal Communication - Demonstrates a strong command of all forms of communication and delivers messages in a consistently effective, timely and engaging manner.
• Lead and Innovate - Inspires and influences others to drive innovation.
• Deliver Results for Clients- Acts as a trusted, strategic advisor, partnering with clients to deliver results.
• Collaborate Within Teams and Across Boundaries - Leads collaboration across WBG and with partners drawing on robust professional networks.
• Create, Apply and Share Knowledge - Establishes an environment where knowledge is created, applied and shared.
• Make Smart Decisions - Makes timely decisions that have a broad impact.

Closing Date:

5/26/2023