Application Closing Date: 21st November 2024
Interested candidates should send their CV and a letter of interest to Patrick Alexander Kirby pkirby@worldbank.org. The subject line of the email should be Short-term consultant (STC) Macroeconomic Research Assistant at the South Asia Office of the Chief Economist at the World Bank.
Background:
The South Asia Chief Economist's (SARCE) Office is the principal advisor to the regional Vice President. The Office provides a range of analytical resources to the regional front office and represents it in internal and external meetings of experts. It collaborates with researchers and policy makers in the countries and promotes local debate on policy issues through the discussion of evidence-based analyses. We lead the preparation of flagship publications of the region, deliver a bi-annual publication on current economic developments, and produce several self-standing volumes every year on topics of interest for the region as a whole. The Office has responsibility for analysis and research on regional issues including economic integration. We also oversee the analytical work of the Vice Presidency, providing guidance and inputs as needed. The Office contributes to the development of regional and country strategies, constructs regional databases, coordinates the annual Country Policy and Institutional Assessments (CPIA) for the region, and participates in the preparation and review of broader World Bank products, including corporate flagship publications and inputs for high-level international meetings. We provide support to country teams as needed, interacting with Global Practices and Cross Cutting Solution Areas on behalf of the region. The Office also assists on policy advice, supporting the preparation of selected credits and loans on demand, and contributing to the organization of workshops and conferences.
Duties & Responsibilities :
You will contribute to the work program of the Office, reporting to the regional Chief Economist. You will work directly under the supervision of the member(s) of the Office.
• Contribute to the general macroeconomic monitoring (e.g. respond to data inquiries, update high frequency indicators for internal use)
• Develop a way to share high-frequency data through the webpage, newsletter, and publications.
• Contribute to the preparation of research papers, reports (especially the biannual publication South Asia Economic Focus), or policy and briefing notes, either as a research assistant or as a co-author – the research focus will be broadly on macroeconomics
• Conduct systematic, critical reviews and syntheses of relevant theoretical and empirical literature on economic issues in South Asia
• In conjunction with the above responsibilities:
o Find and explore new data sources
o Apply skills of time-series econometrics to analyze macroeconomic data
o Design, manage, and document regional databases and online data platforms
o Assist in preparing tables, figures, maps, presentation slides, and other multimedia outputs
Selection Criteria:
• Graduate-level training in economics with about 2 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills and demonstrated experience with managing complex databases with knowledge of modern statistical analysis of panel and time series data.
• Proficient with Stata; with Excel and other Microsoft Office applications; and in database management. Some experience using ‘R’ and CEIC database desired though not necessary.
• High motivation, initiative, a positive attitude, team spirit, and the capacity to work comfortably in a diverse environment.
• Ability to work under pressure and work flexibly on a range of assignments, to adjust to changing needs, and to prioritize among evolving tasks.
Time:
150 days from December 2024 to December 2025.
