World Bank is Recruiting for Lead Economist

Job # 100564

Job Title Lead Economist

Job Family Economic Policy

Location Abuja, Nigeria

Background / General description
Note: If the selected candidate is a current Bank Group staff member with a Regular or Open-Ended appointment, s/he will retain his/her Regular or Open-Ended appointment. All others will be offered a 3 year renewable term appointment.

The Africa Poverty Reduction and Economic Management Department (AFTP3) is seeking a GH level Lead Economist for the Nigeria country program to be posted in Abuja, Nigeria in January 2010. The Lead Economist will provide strategic advice to the country director and lead the economic dialogue with the Nigerian authorities and development partners. S/he would would also lead high-profile lending operations and Analytic and Advisory Activities (AAA) and provide intellectual leadership and quality assurance for the PREM team covering Nigeria, which currently consists of 4 additional economists, all located in Abuja.

The Lead Economist will:

- Provide stategic advice on PREM matters to the country director and the country management unit;

- Execute and/or guide a broad range of lending and non-lending tasks, including a federal TA project, state-level DPOs, and analytic work on growth and poverty;

- Provide intellectual leadership for the Nigeria PREM team, including quality assurance and coaching and mentoring of junior staff, in consultation and under supervision of the Sector Manager ;

- Build close and cordial relationships with key federal level and state level government counterparts to ensure high impact of analytic work;

- Ensure the integration of key PREM thematic areas (growth, governance, poverty reduction and gender) in the country work program and multi-sector approaches;

- Engage with the broader country team to enhance the rigor of advice on cross- cutting and sectoral issues in support of the growth and poverty reduction agenda;

- Actively promote dialogue and close working relationships with the IMF and the donor community for these countries, as well as with civil society;

- Carry out the work program in a way that helps build capacity.

Selection Criteria
The position requires a motivated and seasoned economist with strong analytical and interpersonal skills, significant leadership experience in operational and analytic support to the client drawing on diverse teams, and a commitment to the agenda reflected in the Africa Action Plan.

In addition the incumbent shall have:
*Post graduate degree in economics, preferably Ph.D., with at least 12 years of relevant experience or Master’s degree with a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience.
*Demonstrated effectiveness in conducting policy dialogue on economic issues with senior government officials, the private sector, donor representatives and civil society;
*Proven experience in Bank operations in one or more areas covered by PREM--economic management, public sector management, gender, and poverty.
*Ability to gain the trust and respect of country counterparts, while maintaining objectivity and clear focus on the Bank's mission;
*Ability to enhance the quality of Bank products through early guidance, constructive feedback, encouraging innovation and risk taking, and establishing links with other networks and relevant partners;
*Excellent written and verbal communications skills to be an effective Bank spokesperson in a range of fora;
*Proven ability to lead, work in teams, mentor staff, inspire staff commitment to technical excellence and teamwork, and resolve conflicts constructively;
*Ability to juggle numerous competing demands and priorities, respond quickly to country and management requests, and set priorities for self and others.
*Good working knowledge of English is essential

The World Bank Group is committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality, culture and educational background. Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.


Application Deadline
15th April, 2010

How To Apply
Click Here To Apply Online