Description
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. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
IFC Economics and Market Research (CER) is a new Department in the Economics and Private Sector Development Vice Presidency Unit (CED VPU). This department is a strong hub for economic research and creation of IFC flagship reports, country diagnostic and sector analytical work, and country macro and markets risk work. Specifically, the department leads on the creation of upgraded Country Private Sector Diagnostic reports and coordinate IFC contributions to Country Climate and Development reports; create flagship IFC reports and academic articles related to private sector development, both through internal staff research and at times in collaboration with universities and other international organizations; organize academic conferences, workshops, and forums; provide country risk and market updates to IFC Risk VPU and to IFC Management; and monitor country macroeconomics and financial market developments in client countries.
The department is looking for two research assistants to support its growing research workstreams. The topical focus of our research group includes, but is not limited to, local capital and banking market development, digital economy/finance, entrepreneurship, energy access and green transition, food security, trade and value chains, firm productivity, growth and job creation, gender and inclusion. The Research Assistant will support and contribute to IFC economic research reports, develop new analytical articles, working closely with staff. Candidates should be fluent English speakers, motivated and dynamic professionals, with solid academic background in economics and analytical skills. Selected candidates will report primarily to one member of staff, with assignments that may span several projects and staff in the department.
Roles and Responsibilities
• Processing, compiling, and management of large-scale data sets ranging from traditional survey data to unconventional novel data sources.
• Perform empirical analysis. Prepare charts and tables.
• Support the preparation of questionnaires for surveys.
• Support and supervise survey implementation.
• Collect and code information from qualitative sources.
• Draft sections of studies, prepare syntheses, presentations, and bibliographies.
• Conduct literature reviews.
• Proofread and edit documents.
• Support the organization of online and in-person events.
• Support communication activities online.
• Support research and analysis.
• Liaise regularly with staff and external associates working on the topics assigned.
Selection Criteria
• Bachelor’s degree in economics, finance, computer science, statistics, math, or closely related field. Two years of relevant experience is preferred. Candidates who are planning to apply for a PhD program within the next 2 years are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with good knowledge in applied statistics and management of large data sets.
• Excellent command of STATA is required. Knowledge of python, R, MATLAB or any other statistical software is a plus.
• Ability to write well-documented, reproducible code for data processing pipelines, and analysis.
• Experience in working with firm-level data and micro surveys and/or geospatial data and/or data scraping is a plus.
• Excellent drafting and communication skills in English is required. Working knowledge of another language is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Excellent organizational skills, intellectual curiosity, creativity, and communication and team skills. High level of personal and professional integrity. Self-starter. Strong ability to function well in a multi-cultural environment and working in teams.
• Flexibility, responsiveness, and ability to manage multiple activities to tight deadlines.
• Strong interest in conducting academic and policy-relevant research.
• Research interest in private sector development.
World Bank Group Core Competencies
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