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.
The IFC 3.0 strategy aims to stimulate more investment activity across emerging markets, especially in Africa, Low Income Countries (LICs), and Fragile and Conflict affected States (FCS). Our goal is to create, deepen, and expand markets and design and develop impactful investment projects. This strategy is, in part, premised on improved country/sector diagnostic, strategic, and public sector engagement capabilities, which seek to: 1) resolve obstacles to private sector growth via diagnostic and strategic work that informs both IFC operations and relevant IBRD/IDA policy operations; and 2) overcome the shortage of investable projects in priority markets by proactively improving the private sector ecosystem at the country and regional level.
In this context, the Country Advisory and Economics team for the Eastern and Southern Africa Region (CAEAE) supports the region through provision of country economic diagnostics, strategy, and advisory products as well as through direct support to operational teams and country units, in collaboration with economists throughout the World Bank Group. Specifically, the team has four principal functions:
• Producing both regional and country-level economic assessments to support IFC’s strategy and operations.
• Collaborating with regional and industry colleagues to produce analytical products such as Country Private Sector Diagnostics (CPSDs) and IFC Country Strategies.
• Significantly contributing to WBG products such as Systematic Country Diagnostics (SCD), Country Climate and Development Reports (CCDR), and IBRD/IDA lending operations; and
• Putting IFC’s country strategy and diagnostic recommendations into practice through Advisory projects that engage with governments, regulators, civil society, development partners and other relevant stakeholders to reform markets and sectors and address key bottlenecks to private sector development.
Roles & Responsibilities:
IFC is seeking an Economic Analyst for its Country Advisory and Economics Eastern and Southern Africa (CAEAE) unit, to be based in Nairobi, Kenya. The Analyst will be responsible for supporting the CAEAE management and team. This role will be responsible for a broad scope of support including research, analytical and operational work as well as providing resource support for CAE portfolio. S/he will also be responsible for coordinating efforts across the CAE team in support of the unit’s portfolio delivery and strategy implementation.
• Support the CAE Manager with overall project management, planning and monitoring of deliverables to ensure timely and quality delivery of the work program. S/he must maintain high degree of discretion and professionalism;
• Provide CAE team with data and analysis on relevant industries; and support thematic analysis, comparator analysis, industry research etc.
•Support operational teams on data/research requests and all operational support work for the region on select analytical products;
• Provide support to CAE Manager in oversight of project finance, budgeting, project cycle reporting, communications, knowledge management etc.
• Extract data from internal and external databases, analyse and present the data in a variety of formats for a variety of audiences to a high degree of accuracy and consistency and update/maintain the information in database regularly; particularly around economic engagements and Bank operations;
• Prepare documents and reports to present information to a variety of audiences including: CAE portfolio presentations to IFC Country and Industry team/managers, inputs into IFC and WB business plans, work programs etc.
• Provide research/analytical support to work products produced and on assignments that may arise as directed by the CAE Manager.
• Maintain a good working knowledge of current CAE ESA advisory and economics operations and respond quickly to queries from management, staff, and other units/industries.
• Liaise and interact effectively with an extensive network of contacts within IFC and WBG and respond effectively to inquiries and to diverse situations that require tact and pragmatic problem-solving skills
Selection Criteria
• Undergraduate degree in Economics, Law, Finance, Business or similar, Masters’ Degree Preferred.
• 2-3 years’ work experience in consulting, WBG, or another fast-paced, knowledge and delivery-driven work environment.
• Advanced Excel, PowerPoint and database skills.
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and quality.
• Excellent teamwork skills, ability to take initiative and work across organizational boundaries. High on energy with strong professionalism/ maintaining confidentiality and using discretion when required.
• Familiarity with IFC databases (such as MIS, RMS, IFC Analytics, and other iDesk applications) would be an advantage.
• Experience of IFC strategy and budgeting processes would be an advantage.
• Ability to thrive under pressure and function effectively in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines, while working on multiple projects.
• Strong written and communication skills in English.
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.
Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.