About the job

IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2023, IFC committed a record US$43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

The IFC’s Country Advisory & Economics unit housed with the CAF Vice Presidency, is a unique research team that is in charge of generating a deep understanding of country and market dynamics to identify strategic implications for IFC business, portfolio and IFC investment clients.It caters strategic and proprietary research to IFC Senior Management, Investment Departments and existing or potential investment clients. It combines in-house expertise in macroeconomics, portfolio analysis, financial markets analysis, policy and regulatory matters. The team leverages IFC operational and industry knowledge and WBG sector expertise to provide a comprehensive view of global and country-specific industry trends and investment opportunities. The team’s various research offerings support the corporation’s strategists, thought leadership as well as fundamental research.

More specifically, the team provides (1) global, regional and country level macro, financial and market trends and outlooks to inform business and portfolio decisions, (2) country-risk ratings based on macro-economic, market and political developments, (3) strategic asset allocation framework and recommendations, (4) in-house developed models such as the Medium Term Vulnerability Model and FX Models, (5) tools that support investment staff, such as pricing tools, equity valuation tools, and M&A tools for sourcing and valuing IFC investments and (6) applied fundamental research.

The IFC is seeking an Associate Economist based in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania to join the Country Advisory and Economics unit. This role reports to the Country Advisory and Economics Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work with other colleagues on monitoring, analyzing and regular reporting, via written reports and presentations, of economic and financial developments, policies and prospects in emerging market countries.
• Contribute to the design, updating and further development of country databases incorporating historical data and forecasts for key time series needed to formulate robust judgments about country risk in individual economies.
• Develop appropriate data gathering techniques, interpret and analyze data and develop meaningful insights. Actively engage with the team in providing with topics for further analysis, research ideas and new ways to present concepts.
• Contribute to the development of the Unit’s analytical apparatus linking macroeconomic developments to the performance of global industries at the regional level in order to identify sectors trends for IFC’s investment operations.
• Actively engage with the team in providing with topics for further analysis, research ideas and new ways to present concepts.
• Represent IFC Global Macro & Market Research Unit at all levels of the organization and engage with staff across departments. Become a key player in analysis and projects focused on EM regions of coverage, both at the country, sector, and portfolio level.
• Conduct research, analysis and report writing, helping to identify potential areas of growth for IFC. Develop and maintain networks of fellow analysts elsewhere in the World Bank group, among IFIs, in global financial centers and in IFC countries of operation to support analysis and assessments, especially as regards potential areas of growth for IFC.
• Support regional teams in business development through proactive analysis to identify market opportunities.
• Provide input for internal briefs, media interactions etc as required.

The candidate will have strong analytical and quantitative skills, with a strong economic background; strong interest in applied research in macroeconomics and finance; and will be comfortable working independently and with large and diverse datasets.

Selection Criteria

• Advanced degree in economics with specialization in finance, macroeconomics, markets, or related fields
• Have 7+ years of professional experience in macroeconomic research and analysis, especially country and sovereign risk
• Ability to combine theoretical frameworks with applied research, including design and operation of econometric models for macroeconomic forecasting and policy simulations
• Strong understanding of emerging markets economics, and the role of the private sector, financial institutions and cross-border finance in economic development
• Expertise and knowledge of emerging market economies, including political trends, private sector issues, and developmental challenges. Focus on more than one EM region will be a plus
• Ability to play a key role on country risk and vulnerability exercises for economies on focus regions, including the design, updating and further development of country databases incorporating historical data and forecasts for key time series including national accounts, external trade, financing and debt and key policy indicators such as fiscal and monetary accounts, interest rates and exchange rates, as well as statistics on capital markets and sector performance
• Broad knowledge and understanding of linkages between major sectors of the economy, especially banking and finance, and private sector dynamics
• Extensive experience and knowledge of Microsoft Excel, econometric packages (eViews, Stata), and presentation/graphic packages (Tableau, Power Point)
• Ability to thrive under pressure and function effectively while managing multiple tasks simultaneously
• High level of attention to detail and capacity to deliver high quality work
• Demonstrated written and verbal communications skills in English
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to function effectively and collaboratively in a team environment, including the willingness to share information and best practices
• Strong teamwork and client orientation
• Enthusiasm for, and commitment to development
• Experience working in or studying in countries outside of the home country

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.