Description
- Publishable academic-style research. MNACE deploys his/her own staff and leverages and mobilizes talent from other World Bank units, as well as from the academic community and think tanks to design, implement, and disseminate a robust, rigorous, and policy-relevant programmatic research programs. The programs are developed in consultation with the Regional Leadership Team (RLT) and all of the Country Management Units (CMUs). It leads to regional flagship reports and studies, backed-up by research papers of academic caliber.
- Engagement with policy makers, the academic community and civil society. Through its publications and participation in multiple conferences and seminars, and communication through traditional and social media, the MENA Chief Economist office helps shape a narrative for the region. This engagement is conducted in partnership with other relevant multilateral organizations, government counterparts, key thought leaders at the country level, regional research networks, and academic institutions. It involves the organization of policy-oriented and academic events to promote evidence-based discussion of issues that are seen as priorities for the region. MNACE is also the founder of the Regional Research Network (RRN), which brings together the Heads of Research or Chief Economists of all the Central Banks in the region. The RRN’s objectives are to stimulate economic debate and build capacity among the broader community of economists in the region. One of the key activities of the RRN is a yearly global conference organized in partnership with one of the Central Banks in the region.
- Advisory. With the support of the MNACE team and of the Deputy Chief Economist, the Regional Chief Economist is a key counsellor to the regional Vice President and to the Regional Leadership team on economic issues. This includes active participation in the discussion of major lending operations (especially those involving policy reforms) and selective contributions to country-level engagement.
- Quality Enhancement. The Chief Economist office also has a mission of enhancing the quality of important analytical work produced by other units in the region, and of reviewing major corporate products and initiatives, such as global flagship reports, sectoral strategies, financial innovations, and data-related undertakings.
- Intellectual leadership and team management:
- Leading analytical office products such as the MENA Economic Updates and Regional flagships, supporting the MENA chief economist in setting the narrative and vision for the region regarding macro-economic stability and economic performance.
- Producing frontier research.
- Overseeing the office budget, conferences, the Economics Seminar Series, and the MENA regional studies program.
- Co-managing with the Chief Economist the group’s workflow, staffing decisions and task assignment.
- Ensuring the timeliness of completion and quality of office products; Providing/consolidating comments on major Bank products such as the Global Economic Prospects (GEP)/World Development Report (WDR).
- Mentoring staff to best reach their potential.
- Facilitating knowledge flow with both the regional economists and the global practices:
- Providing intellectual and technical leadership to ensure the quality and relevance of all bank products and services.
- Supporting the RVP and Country Directors on country policy dialogue as needed.
- Supporting the effort to raise the office and World Bank profile in regional fora, maintaining linkages with academic, policy and government institutions.
- Representing MNACE, especially when the Chief Economist is not available, in ROC meetings (Regional Operations Committee), WBG Chief Economist council meetings, as needed. Participating to as a key member and intellectual leader of the MNA Regional Management Team (RMT) while the Chief Economist is a member of the Regional Leadership Team.
Selection Criteria
- Ph.D. in Economics (or related field, with proven expertise in open-economy macroeconomics) with at least 12 years of professional experience. Strong preference for concentration on open-economy macroeconomics and trade.
- Proven track record of research published in refereed journals in the areas of open macro and trade and of delivery of high quality analytical and advisory services. Personal leadership in shaping and leading new agendas.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex analyses to non-specialist audiences. Fluency in Arabic or French desirable but not essential.
- Proven ability to share knowledge and experience, and to identify and disseminate best practices in a modern media environment, and to navigate sensitive and complex political environments.
- Substantive senior level professional/managerial experience in research and/or public/private/academic organization.
- Ability and willingness to work collaboratively in a corporate team environment and to lead by influence.
- Experience as mentor and advisor.
- Demonstrated leadership values and exemplification of competencies, as referenced below.
- Leadership of Self: Role model the change and values for WBG; Demonstrate courage of convictions, ownership and self-mastery within the organization in accordance to our values.
- People Leadership: Lead and inspire staff to perform and deliver for better results; Help others achieve their fullest potential through coaching and mentorship.
- Collaborative Leadership: Be mutually accountable for entire WBG’s corporate targets and success; Work across WBG and with clients and partners to achieve better results.
- Client Solutions Leadership: Be the leading provider of development solutions for country clients; Provide leadership in both knowledge generation and knowledge sharing.
- Decisive Leadership: Take informed risks and make decisions in a transparent manner resulting in transformative impact for clients; Commit to decisions once they have been made.
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.
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