Senior Economist

Senior Economist

Job #: req30066
Organization: World Bank
Sector: Education
Grade: GG
Term Duration: 4 years 0 months
Recruitment Type: International Recruitment
Location: Washington, DC, United States
Required Language(s): English
Preferred Language(s): French, Spanish
Closing Date: 11/20/2024 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

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. 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.

The Human Development (HD) Practice Group (PG)

The World Bank Group (WBG) is the largest provider of development finance and solutions for human development working with high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries to develop country-tailored solutions for human development (HD) under the themes of education, health, social protection, jobs and gender. The HD PG coordinates with other Practice Groups to ensure a coordinated and integrated approach to development challenges, and through the World Bank Regional Units is expected to deliver the strongest and most pertinent support to our client countries. HD is central to the World Bank Group's goals to end extreme poverty by 2030 and raise shared prosperity.

Duties and Accountabilities

The selected candidate is expected to work on a mix of policy, research, knowledge, and operational tasks. Specifically, s/he will be responsible for, including but not limited to the following:

1. Strategic Leadership of the Education Finance Work program
   • Support the education finance core team and the Bank-wide community of practice in education finance.
   • Provide intellectual and technical leadership in the field of education finance.
   • Position the World Bank as a key player within the global dialogue on education finance, enhancing the Bank's brand and influence in this area.
   • Build and maintain strong relationships with internal partners to promote effective collaboration across Global Practices. Additionally, forge partnerships with external stakeholders and draw on external knowledge and expertise.
2. Analytical and Technical Work
   • Lead and/or contribute to cutting-edge global, regional, and country-specific analytical work in education finance, including flagship studies, global reports, and policy briefs. The work will involve (a) reviewing domestic resource mobilization, taxation mechanisms, innovative financing mechanisms, and strategies utilized by governments to finance education; (b) analyzing education spending with a focus on adequacy, efficiency, and equity; and (c) analyzing the financial implications of demographic changes, economic conditions, and other external factors on education systems.
3. Policy Dialogue and Advisory Services
   • Provide technical and operational support for World Bank analytical and operational work. The work will involve participation as a member of World Bank missions and join selected discussions and policy dialogue with client representatives to provide technical and operational support for education finance reforms and strategies.
4. Collaboration and Partnership
   • Collaborate with international partners and other stakeholders to align efforts and share knowledge on education finance.
   • Represent the Education GP in various internal and external forums.

Selection Criteria

In addition to the standard World Bank competencies with respect to knowledge, leadership, innovation and results, the following are the selection criteria for the position:

1. Advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in economics (with a focus on public economics) or other relevant area with a specific focus on the economics of education or education finance.
2. A minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience, including specific work experience gained in a Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Education, or an international organization.
3. Strong track record of publications related to education finance or the economics of education.
4. Demonstrated combination of analytical rigor and practical approaches.
5. Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English.
6. Track record of leading large teams and delivering complex tasks.
7. Energy and enthusiasm for community building, learning, knowledge sharing, and mentoring.
8. Strong problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to respond quickly and work flexibly.

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave. We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer.