Lead Economist

Job #:
req38263

Organization:
MIGA

Sector:
Economics

Grade:
GH

Term Duration:
4 years 0 months

Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment

Location:
Washington, DC,United States

Required Language(s):
English

Preferred Language(s):

Closing Date:
9/17/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

The Economics and Sustainability Group (MIGES), oversees MIGA's country and project risk assessment, analysis of development impact of individual projects and MIGA's portfolio, evaluates and monitors project compliance with environmental, social, and integrity policies, and leads the development of MIGA's research agenda. Joining the MIGA's Economics team (MIGEC) you will be accountable for assessing country and project risk, assessing development impact of proposed guarantee projects and coordinating MIGA's representation in and contribution to the WBG's country engagement strategies.

Duties and Accountabilities

Lead MIGEC [and coordinate MIGES] contribution to MIGA product innovation initiatives.

a. In close collaboration with MIGOP, MIGFR and MIGLC, lead MIGEC and coordinate MIGES contribution to MIGA product innovation initiatives, leveraging WBG and/or relevant private sector experience as applicable.

b. In pursuing innovative product design and underwriting approaches, balance MIGA's strategic growth objectives and development of new product and portfolio/underwriting approaches with principles of prudent risk management, and alignment with risk rating methodologies.

c. In pursuing innovative product design and underwriting approaches, balance MIGA's strategic growth objectives and development of new product and portfolio/underwriting approaches with MIGA's and the WBG's and overarching development objectives (including as reflected in WBG Strategic Initiatives (e.g. M300, Agriconnect) and the WBG Corporate Scorecard), and with the need for MIGA to be able to obtain necessary client reporting to calculate and report development results achieved through such initiatives under the WBG Scorecard and Targets.

Oversee and provide guidance on Project Risk and Development Impact Analysis for Financial Sector projects:

a. For projects in the Capital Optimization and Non-Honoring State-owned Banks product categories, oversee and guide Risk Management Officers' and MIGEC Structuring-Lead Senior Risk Management Officers' (SRMOs) risk due diligence, with a focus on identifying and assessing project-specific risks and proposing / structuring relevant mitigants, in coordination with and under final oversight from MGEC Sector Manager. Provide quality-control and guidance on relevant written sections to the early screening, underwriting and board papers.

b. For projects in the Capital Optimization and Non-Honoring State-owned Banks project categories, oversee and guide Risk Management Officers' and MIGEC Structuring-Lead SRMOs' development impact / economic analysis, with a focus on maximizing development impact and reportable results under the WBG Scorecard. For the latter, oversee and guide close engagement with MIGA operational teams, supporting necessary client interaction including identification of necessary access to relevant due diligence information and commitment to ongoing client reporting requirements during underwriting, in coordination with and under final oversight from MGEC Sector Manager. Provide quality-control and guidance on relevant written sections to the early screening, underwriting and board papers.

c. Chair IMPACT Committee discussions for projects in above product categories via delegation from MIGEC Sector Manager, as requested.

Oversee and provide guidance on Country Risk Rating Analysis with a focus on specific regions:

a. Provide oversight and guidance on RMOs' country risk rating analysis for PRI ratings for specific regions. Work with RMOs and provide input into country risk rating analysis ahead of quarterly rating committees.

c. Lead discussions at MIGA's country rating committee, with a focus on countries in assigned regions, as requested by MIGEC Sector Manager.

d. Represent MIGA as voting member at CROCR non-PCT rating committee discussions, as requested.

Oversee and provide guidance on WBG Country Engagement Model / One WBG Coordination:

a. Oversee and provide guidance to RMOs on their work on the WBG's country engagement process with client countries in specific regions, focusing on the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) process, as well as the Country Climate Development Report (CCDR) and Country Private Sector Diagnostic (CPSD) process, which contribute to defining the WBG's engagement strategy for a given country. Ensure consistency in representation of MIGA's and the WBG Guarantee Platform's roles and priorities in a given country (including through dialogue with MIGOP Regional leadership), expected contribution in the Results Framework, and role in the Financing and Implementation Arrangements.

b. Oversee and provide quality assurance for briefing material prepared by RMOs for Management ahead of Concept Note, ROC and Board discussions.

c. Alongside the MIGA co-TTL, represent MIGA in CPF Concept Note and ROC discussions [and potentially CPF Board Discussions], represent MIGA at WBG Annual Business Planning Exercise (ABPE) discussions as requested.

d. Co-chair CPF Concept Note and ROC meetings on behalf of MIGA, via delegation, as requested.

Other:

a. Lead ad-hoc assignments, including leading elements of the work program on the continuous development of the Economic Unit's internal processes, policies, procedures and frameworks including in the context of the World Bank's Evolution Roadmap.

b. Lead the preparation of briefing material and presentations for senior management for external/internal engagements as required.

c. Support the MIGEC Sector Manager in leading the MIGEC team and in developing MIGEC talent to support WBG mission and vision. Support MIGEC Sector Manager in driving a positive MIGEC team culture of mutual support and trust, leveraging each other's' strengths and experience, and support coherence and implementation of defined team structure. Support MIGCS VP and MIGES Director and MIGEC Sector Manager in driving follow-up on Staff Engagement Survey priorities in MIGA and more broadly - including contributions to MIGA task forces on culture and business process review, as requested.

d. Assist in other project or strategy related activities as the need may arise.

Selection Criteria
• Master's degree in Economics, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration/Policy with a minimum of 12-15 years of relevant work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Extensive experience in an international private sector dealing with project structuring and country risk preferred;
• Financial products structuring expertise;
• Very strong analytical skills and a proven, multi-year track record of achieving high-quality substantive results in the field of risk management and development impact assessment, with recognition for excellence and innovation;
• Experience with financial and/or econometric modeling techniques, including in the areas of sovereign credit risk;
• Deep knowledge of global economic and political developments and evolving trends in global capital markets;
• In-depth experience of structural reforms and linkages in key areas, such as fiscal and monetary policy/sustainability, management of economic volatility, trade analysis, and sources of growth analysis;
• Deep understanding of and experience in the assessment of public finance and all the determinants of a sovereign's willingness, and ability to honor payment commitments;
• Outstanding ability to assess country risk factors, particularly for risks faced by private investors in developing countries;
• Substantial experience in developing and applying approaches and methodologies to assess development impact of private and public investment projects in developing countries;
• Good understanding of the political risk insurance and guarantee business and products;
• Excellent interpersonal skills: openness to feedback, new ideas, and ability to collaborate with colleagues to find solutions for various challenges;
• Excellent verbal and written English language skills are essential.
• Willingness to travel, occasionally on short notice.

Note: This internal requisition is open to WBG and IMF staff only (including short-term and extended term consultants/ temporaries). External candidates are requested not to apply. In case an external candidate applies, their application will not be considered.

WBG Culture Attributes:

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

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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