Description

The World Bank Group (WBG) is a global partnership of five institutions - the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Development Association (IDA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) - with a mission to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet. As one of the largest sources of financing and knowledge for developing countries, we partner with public and private stakeholders to address critical development challenges. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we deploy data, research, and technology to deliver tangible, transformative results. For more information, visit www.worldbankgroup.org.

The World Bank Group Chief Economist is hiring a deputy Chief Economist for IFC and MIGA to scale up analytical and advisory capabilities to support private sector development, crowd in private capital, and manage macro, market, and political risk in emerging markets. The role will serve as the principal economic advisor to IFC and MIGA, bridge DEC’s global knowledge with operational needs, and lead a team that provides market intelligence aligned with IFC and MIGA priorities.
The position is based in Washington, DC and reports to the WBG Chief Economist (DEC), with a dotted reporting line to the IFC and MIGA Managing Directors. The selected candidate will oversee a multidisciplinary team of economists/analysts providing country, sector, and market intelligence to IFC and MIGA.

Main responsibilities:
•   Set and execute a joint IFC–MIGA economics agenda within DEC, prioritizing topics central to private sector investment, guarantees, and risk mitigation.
•   Serve as principal economic advisor to IFC and MIGA Management on macro, market, and policy issues that shape pipelines, portfolio performance, and risk appetite.
•   Establish review standards and provide quality assurance for economic inputs to strategies, country engagement products, and major external publications relevant to IFC and MIGA.
•   Align DEC’s global research, indicators, and development data with IFC/MIGA operational needs; mobilize DEC networks and advisory capacity.
•   Advise on country and sector prioritization, upstream and enabling environment reforms, and thematic strategies to catalyze private investment and guarantees.
•   Direct a market intelligence function that tracks macroeconomic, financial market, and policy risks and opportunities across client countries and sectors of strategic interest to IFC and MIGA.
•   Curate and commission research and flagship analytics relevant to private investment and guarantees, drawing on DEC strengths and external partnerships (universities, think tanks, IFIs).
•   Promote creation and use of unique firm level and transaction level datasets, market surveys, and real time indicators that inform IFC/MIGA operations.
•   Lead dissemination through policy briefs, working papers, reports, seminars, and digital media; ensure products are rigorous, timely, and accessible to investors, clients, and policymakers.
•   Lead, mentor, and performance manage a high performing, diverse team of economists and analysts; promote a culture of analytical excellence, innovation, and knowledge sharing.
•   Plan and deliver the agreed work program on time and budget; manage resources effectively.

Deliverables
•   Regular macro/market risk and opportunity briefs tailored for IFC and MIGA Management.
•   Flagship and thematic publications with clear operational implications for private sector development and guarantees.
•   Market intelligence dashboards, scenarios, and stress testing inputs coordinated with IFC Risk and MIGA risk functions.
•   Data assets and tools (e.g., survey instruments, firm level datasets) supporting upstream, investment, and guarantee decisions.
•   Outreach events (seminars, workshops, academic conferences) aligned with IFC and MIGA priorities.

Selection Criteria

•   PhD in Economics (or equivalent) with a strong publication record in fields relevant to private sector development, finance, and development economics.
•   Minimum 15 years of progressively senior experience applying economics to private investment, financial markets, guarantees, or related policy work in emerging markets.
•   Demonstrated leadership as an economic advisor to senior decision makers; proven ability to translate research into operationally actionable insights.
•   Strong track record in building and using datasets and empirical methods (micro/macro), including firm level analysis and market monitoring.
•   Exceptional written and oral communication skills for diverse audiences (Management, investors, policymakers, media).
•   Proven team leadership and people management across matrixed organizations; ability to set direction, coach, and deliver through others.
•   Strong collaboration skills and networks across academia, IFIs, and within the WBG; ability to operate effectively across DEC, IFC, and MIGA.
•   High standards of integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to WBG/IFC/MIGA missions and values.

WBG Managerial Competencies

Appointment terms
HQ based position in Washington, DC; international travel as business needs require.
If the selected candidate is a current WBG staff member on a Regular or Open Ended appointment, s/he will retain that status; otherwise, the appointment will be a fixed term appointment consistent with WBG policies.

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.

The World Bank Group values diversity and encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of World Bank Group member countries to apply, regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.  Sub-Saharan African nationals, Caribbean nationals, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.