Senior Agriculture Economist

Senior Agriculture Economist

Job #: req32278

Organization: World Bank

Sector: Agriculture

Grade: GG

Term Duration: 3 years 0 months

Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment

Location: Mexico City, Mexico

Required Language(s): English, Spanish

Preferred Language(s):

Closing Date: 3/26/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

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.

The Agriculture and Food team in the Latin America and Caribbean Region (SLCAG) works under the direction of the Latin America & Caribbean (LAC) Planet Department (SLCDR), supporting client countries tackle their most complex development challenges, including in the areas of Climate Change, and resilient, inclusive, and sustainable development.

Duties & Accountabilities:

The WBG is recruiting a Senior Agriculture Economist based in Mexico City, Mexico. The Senior Agriculture Economist will report to the SLCAG PM and assist in the delivery of the Unit’s work program, assurance of quality, interaction with internal and external clients, including the governments and private sector, and partnerships across LAC, particularly in Mexico and Colombia.

The Senior Agriculture Economist will primarily focus on the SLCAG portfolio working on agriculture policy and investments, but will also support the activities of other Planet units or other Practice Groups, such as the Finance, Innovation and Competitiveness Practice (FCI).

The Senior Agriculture Economist responsibilities will include:

1. Play a key role in defining agri-food sector policy dialogue in LAC Countries, building and expanding on current activities, carry-out cutting-edge analytics, and provide strategic advice to clients, peers, and unit management.
2. Lead as Task Team Leader (TTL) or co-lead or serve as team member of complex operations, assuring quality in all stages of the projects.
3. Lead or co-lead sophisticated analytical and advisory service activities (ASAs) to support overall business development.
4. Participate in the country strategic dialogue and represent the SLCAG team.
5. Support the effective dissemination of knowledge products and potential knowledge exchanges.
6. Actively engage with LAC Country counterparts on agriculture engagements.
7. Provide inputs on country and sectoral briefs, policy notes, strategy documents, and cross-cutting think pieces.
8. Support the Unit’s work program outside of LAC Countries as needed.
9. Contribute to the regional and global knowledge agenda in the area of agriculture economics, agrifinance, agriculture policy reforms.
10. Represent the World Bank and SLCAG at events with sectoral focus.
11. Mentor, guide, and support junior staff in the Unit.

Selection Criteria

The Senior Agriculture Economist will have broad knowledge in the agriculture sector and policies, in particular in public expenditure analysis and agrifinance. It is expected that the successful candidate will meet the following selection criteria:

1. Masters or PhD in business administration, finance, economics, development economics, agricultural economics, or similar field strongly preferred.
2. Master’s degree and at least 8 years of relevant professional experience related to agriculture policy analysis, agrifinance, climate studies, and other disciplines related to agriculture development.
3. Relevant operational experience in agriculture development, agrifinance, and/or rural development.
4. Strong analytical skills in issues relevant to agrifinance and agriculture.
5. Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, and team skills.
6. High level of energy, ability to work under pressure, and willingness to travel.
7. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Spanish.

Competencies:

Knowledge and Experience in Development Arena: Translates technical knowledge into practical applications and contributions to strategies.

Policy Dialogue Skills: Conducts independent policy discussions with representatives of the government and non-government partners.

Integrative Skills: Understands relevant cross-sectoral areas and how they are interrelated.

Client Orientation: Maintains client relationships and provides evidence-based advice.

Drive for Results: Identifies needed resources and finds solutions to obstacles affecting deliverables.

Teamwork and Inclusion: Shows leadership in ensuring the team stays organized and focused.

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 and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.