Economist - Disruptive Technology and Funds

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 $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 Development Impact Measurement Department (CDI) is part of the Economics & Private Sector Development Vice Presidency. This department analyzes economic sectors intending to identify opportunities and solutions for private sector development; and works closely with IFC Operations in formulating sector priorities and strategies. It provides technical support to operations related to structuring, appraising, and monitoring investment and advisory projects and is responsible for reporting on IFC’s impact. The department implements the ex-ante project assessment framework (Anticipated Impact Measurement and Monitoring- AIMM) for investment and advisory projects throughout the project cycle, helps ensure high-quality economic support for IFC operations teams on strategies and projects, and develops sector economic analyses with a focus on solutions for private sector development.

The CDI Department is offering a position for the unit working the Disruptive Technologies and Funds industry group (CDIDF). The Economist will support economic analysis and development impact assessment pertaining to Disruptive Tech (DT) and Venture Capital (VC) Funds.

Role & Responsibilities

• Take Responsibility for articulating and measuring the development and economic impact of the IFC’s DT and VC projects—both in the investment and advisory space. The work will include working with the IFC’s Investment Officers to collect and analyze project data, apply the appropriate frameworks based on data and research, create narratives that support the articulation of project impacts, and rate projects.
• Lead IFC’s Anticipated Impact Measurement and Monitoring framework (AIMM) to assess the impacts for DT and VC and associated programs (e.g., Accelerators and Incubators) – including ex-ante assessments, economic input into Investment Review Meetings, board papers, and management reports project monitoring, XPSRs, and ex-post evaluation.
• Lead the day-to-day project management of development impact assessments in these industries, including quality oversight, stakeholder management, team supervision, participation in the IFC investment review process, analysis, and research.
• Lead IFC’s Reporting for DT and VC – both corporate reporting and impact reporting, including data collection, stakeholder management, and internal reporting tools; liaise with Funds’ portfolio team on reporting and IT needs.
• Provide expert advice and support to operational teams and managers on trends, key risks, and sector analysis during the project life cycle.
• Design and lead economic research on various economic topics relevant to the Equity Funds sector in collaboration with relevant CDF investment and advisory teams, the World Bank Group, and other organizations and research institutes to inform sector strategies and operational decisions.
• Lead impact evaluation studies, project monitoring, and analyzing trends and developments in the disruptive tech sectors.
• Supervise a team of junior economists and consultants to support the work plan above.
  
  

Selection Criteria

• A postgraduate degree in Economics or a closely related field with solid training in quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• At least 10 years of experience, with a focus on economic analysis of technology, venture capital (sector dynamics, emerging trends, development impacts), and financial markets, demonstrating analytical and research skills, including a track record of working on preparing economic papers and sector strategies in areas related to this sector.
• Experience in the private sector (e.g., investment banking, equity funds, funds industry associations, consulting firms) in DT, VC, and private equity is essential.
• Substantial experience in measuring the development impact of private sector investment projects in DFIs is required. This may include designing development impact assessment frameworks, understanding private sector development in emerging markets, and assessing the development impact of projects on private equity funds in emerging markets. Knowledge of IFC’s AIMM and its processes is a strong plus.
• Familiarity with academic and business literature, databases, and other sources of information, technology, venture capital, and financial markets, demonstrated through preparing reports and economic papers; ability to identify research gaps and suggest and prepare research programs.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills and ability to write robust research and econometric-based papers. Proven capability to handle complex assignments (e.g., project-related or analytical tasks with operational relevance) and produce analytical work to a high professional standard, with minimum supervision.
• Proven project-management experience, including managing tasks and activities, designing research programs, allocating tasks to other team members, and managing resources.
• Ability to innovate, develop innovative solutions with others, and deliver results by proactively addressing clients’ stated and unstated needs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and ability to communicate effectively with different stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively in teams, communicate ideas clearly and confidently, articulate issues, and recommend solutions with a demonstrated ability to build partnerships for success through engaging in open discussion with key stakeholders to conceptualize and implement solutions.
  
  

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.

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