Job Description

Deputy Chief Economist and Director, Private Markets

The World Bank Group is a global partnership of five institutions dedicated to creating a world free of poverty on a livable planet. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, we help solve the world’s greatest development challenges. When you join the World Bank Group, you become part of a dynamic, diverse organization with 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide. We work with public and private sector partners, invest in groundbreaking projects, and use data, research, and technology to bring tangible and transformative changes around the globe.

We are looking for a Deputy Chief Economist and Director for the Private Market Department to scale up analytical and advisory capabilities to support private sector development, crowd in private capital, and manage macro, market, and political risk in emerging markets. The role will serve as economic advisor to IFC and MIGA, bridge DEC’s global knowledge with operational needs on private sector issues, and lead a team that provides research insights and development data aligned with IFC and MIGA priorities.

Duties and accountabilities

• Set and execute a joint IFC–MIGA economics research agenda within DEC, prioritizing topics central to private sector investment, guarantees, and risk mitigation.
• Advise IFC and MIGA Management on macro, market, and policy issues that impact pipelines, portfolio performance, and risk appetite.
• Provide quality assurance on major research publications relevant to IFC and MIGA.
• Align DEC’s global research, indicators, and development data with IFC and MIGA operational needs; mobilize DEC networks and advisory capacity.
• Curate and commission research and flagship analytics relevant to private investment and guarantees, drawing on DEC strengths and external partnerships (universities, think tanks, IFIs).
• Promote creation and use of unique firm level and transaction level datasets, market surveys, and real‑time indicators that can inform IFC/MIGA operations.
• Lead dissemination of research through policy briefs, working papers, reports, seminars, and digital media; ensure products are rigorous, timely, and accessible to investors, clients, and policymakers.
• Lead, mentor, and manage the private markets department; promote a culture of analytical excellence, innovation, and knowledge sharing.
• Plan and deliver the agreed work program on time and budget; manage resources effectively.
• Ensure proper access to information/data privacy protocols are put in place and strictly observed by DEC staff and ETCs/independent contractors.
• Ensure all research of a sensitive nature, or using confidential IFC/MIGA data, is cleared with the IFC and/or MIGA Managing Director as applicable.

Selection Criteria

• PhD in Economics with a strong publication record in fields relevant to private sector development, finance, and development economics.
• Minimum 15 years of progressively senior experience applying economics to private investment, financial markets, guarantees, or related policy work in emerging markets.
• Demonstrated leadership as an economic advisor to senior decision makers; proven ability to translate research into operationally actionable insights.
• Strong track record in building and using datasets and empirical methods (micro/macro), including firm level analysis and market monitoring.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills for diverse audiences (Management, investors, policymakers, media).
• Proven team leadership and people management across matrixed organizations; ability to set direction, coach, and deliver through others.
• Strong collaboration skills and networks across academia, IFIs, and within the WBG; ability to operate effectively across DEC, IFC, and MIGA.
• High standards of integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to WBG/IFC/MIGA missions and values.

WBG Culture Attributes

• Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
• Thoughtful risk‑taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
• Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, 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 an equal‑opportunity and inclusive employer; we do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

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