Lead Economist

Overview

The Lead Economist will provide intellectual leadership and strategic oversight of economic and policy engagement across the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei. The role involves leading analytical and advisory work on macroeconomic policy, growth, and fiscal and structural reform.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the preparation of flagship analytical products, including core economic diagnostics.
• Develop and apply rigorous quantitative and qualitative analytical frameworks.
• Synthesize cross-country lessons and global knowledge.
• Contribute to regional and global knowledge products.
• Serve as the Bank's primary economic spokesperson and trusted advisor to senior government counterparts.
• Lead high-level policy dialogue on fiscal reform, growth strategy, and job creation.
• Represent the World Bank in senior-level forums.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Provide economic leadership and quality assurance for lending operations.
• Contribute to Country Partnership Frameworks and Systematic Country Diagnostics.
• Support the design and implementation of technical assistance and capacity-building programs.
• Lead and manage a team of economists and researchers.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance team culture.
• Contribute to the recruitment, onboarding, and professional development of junior staff.
• Disseminate research findings through publications, policy briefs, blogs, and public events.
• Engage proactively with media, think tanks, and the broader research community.

Required Experience

At least 12 years of relevant professional experience in economic research, policy advisory work, or related fields, with a demonstrated track record of impact, along with experience at least in two regions, or a combination of regional and corporate assignment. Deep expertise in at least two of the following areas: fiscal policy and management, macroeconomic modeling, structural transformation, trade and competitiveness, labor markets and jobs. Demonstrated experience managing high-level policy dialogue with senior government officials. Track record of producing high-quality, policy-relevant research and analytical products. Ability to enhance the quality of Bank products. Proven ability to lead, team work, 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. Demonstrated maturity and ability to mentor and incentivize teams, inspire trust with counterparts, and work in culturally diverse environments. Solid written and oral communication skills.

Qualifications

Advanced degree (PhD or Master's) in Economics, with a strong specialization in macroeconomics, fiscal policy, or development economics.

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