Senior Economist

Description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. 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, increasing shared prosperity and promoting sustainable development. 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. Visit www.worldbank.org.

Regional Context

The MENAAP Region 

The Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan Region (MENAAP) serves twenty two countries, of which twelve are active/potentially active IBRD/IDA borrowers (Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria, West Bank and Gaza, Tunisia, Yemen, Afghanistan, and Pakistan) and eight are users of the Region's non-lending services, mostly on a reimbursable basis (Bahrain, Kuwait, Libya, Malta, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates). The mission of MENAAP is to foster sustainable growth with a focus on job creation and poverty reduction, economic and social inclusion, and good governance. MENAAP attaches importance to creating a supportive work environment based on the values of teamwork, transparency, trust, and client service, underlined by professional excellence. MENAAP places high value on diversity. 

With an expanded regional strategy, the World Bank aims to help the MENAAP region weather crises, move from stabilization to transformation, unlock its vast economic potential of youth and women, and ease the constraints that hamper their creative energies. https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/mena 

The Bank's MENAAP Regional Vice Presidency has placed Human Development at the heart of its engagement as a critical part of its strategy in supporting countries rebuild trust between citizens and the state, promoting regional cooperation, building resilience in countries amidst the refugee challenges in the region, and supporting recovery and reconstruction.  

MENAAP People - Education

The MENAAP Human Development (HMADR) team is led by a Regional Practice Director (RPD) and encompasses three units (Health, Nutrition and Population (HNP); Social and Policy (SP), and Education and Skills). The MENAAP HD strategy aims to enhance Human Capital in the Region to help MENAAP become a region that realizes its vast potential by harnessing its greatest untapped assets: the human capital of its population, including youth, women, and the elderly.  The MENAAP Education and Skills Global Practice manages a portfolio of over $4 billion dollar and more than 15 projects, with more than 40 full-time staff.

Duties and Accountabilities

In collaboration with the Pakistan Education Task Team Leaders (TTLs) and the Country Management Unit (CMU), the Senior Economist will engage in a wide range of analytical, research, and operational tasks. Specifically, s/he will:

• Lead the design, implementation, and monitoring of education and skills sector projects and analytical work in Pakistan, ensuring alignment with country strategies and World Bank Group priorities.

• Provide technical expertise and policy advice to government counterparts, development partners, and stakeholders on education and skills reforms, institutional strengthening, and capacity building.

• Manage project teams, coordinate with cross-sectoral colleagues, and mentor junior staff to deliver high-quality outputs.

• Conduct analytical work—including sector assessments, impact evaluations, and policy analysis—to inform project design and policy dialogue.

• Represent the World Bank Group in discussions with government officials, donors, and partners, advocating for evidence-based education and skills policies and programs.

• Support knowledge sharing and capacity development activities, including workshops, seminars, and training sessions.

• Monitor and report on project progress, risks, and results, ensuring compliance with Bank policies and procedures.

• Contribute to regional flagship studies, knowledge products, and strategic partnerships and networks to promote innovation and collaboration in World Bank supported approaches and programs.

• Contribute to other tasks as needed, including work on other countries in the region, and organizing events and conferences.

Selection Criteria

• Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Education, Economics or relevant field.
 
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Sustained record of achieving high-quality substantive results with experience in addressing complex issues in a holistic manner, and in designing, organizing and helping implement education and skills programs.
 
• Experience in working multisectoral, particularly with respect to (but not limited to), innovation, governance, skills development and job creation and poverty reduction.

• Demonstrated skills in analytical tools required for impact evaluation, economic, social and institutional research.

• Proven ability to interact effectively with clients, including ability to assist clients at all levels in their analysis, policy formulation, and education planning with a focus on results.

• Experience working with clients to build capacity and engage in policy dialogue on education and skills. 

• Prior experience working in FCV environments will be a plus.

COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge and Experience in 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.

• Education Knowledge and Experience - Has extensive experience in analytical and operational work strengthening education systems, policies and programs. Is recognized for expertise in the Education arena within and outside the Bank and can represent the Bank in international fora.

• Integrative Skills - Possesses in-depth understanding of Bank resources in all areas of work in the network, and proven fungibility.

• 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.

• Operational Project Management - Demonstrates expert knowledge and understanding of project management tools & methodologies; ability to manage complex, multi-functional, cross-regional projects/programs including managing relationships with stakeholders & counterparties.

• Team Leadership - Demonstrates inspirational leadership combined with practical delivery of large-scale Bank initiatives; sought out to mentor other team leaders.

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.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

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.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.