The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is seeking to recruit an Economist for the Economics Department. The successful candidate will be based at CDB’s Office located in St. Michael, Barbados.
ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT
The Economics Department is accountable for the formulation of country strategies to guide the Bank’s financial and Technical Assistance (TA) operations in the Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs). It is also responsible for monitoring and analysis of economic, social and political developments in the BMCs, policy advice and reporting on relevant industrial sectors, social and environmental sectors, and training in economic management.
THE ROLE
Reporting to the Deputy Director, Economics Department, the Economist continuously monitors economic, social and political developments affecting or involving the Bank’s BMCs for which he/she is responsible. In addition, the Economist analyses such developments and provides a continuing flow of reports, opinion and advice on the optimal allocation and use of resources (including finance and technical assistance) to address development and economic management issues from the points of view of the BMCs and the Bank.
The Economist is also responsible for economic research and related activities aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Bank’s operations and interventions in its BMCs. This involves identifying, initiating, undertaking, executing and/or commissioning of studies on priority areas of economic research and the dissemination of research output.
KEY RESPONSIBLITIES
The job will require the Economist to:
- Report on economic performance and prospects of assigned BMCs by monitoring and analysing social, economic, political, international and other developments.
- Prepare periodic reports, issue briefs, risk analyses, sectoral reviews and undertake country missions as required.
- Hold policy discussions with senior officials in the assigned countries and advise the officials on a range of macroeconomic policies as well as institutional policy and other measures to enhance economic performance.
- Undertake research geared at identifying and evaluating emerging policy issues for applicability and relevance to developing countries, in general, and BMCs, in particular.
- Prepare/develop country-specific macroeconomic models, macroeconomic projections and Debt Sustainability Assessments with a view to examining issues of economic, fiscal and external debt sustainability and recommending approaches, solutions and reforms to evolving economic challenges.
- Recommend and keep under review an overall Bank-assistance programme for BMCs, comprising capital projects, policy-based loans, capacity development and policy advice to support the BMCs’ development objectives, through the co-ordination and preparation of strategic documents, such as Country Strategy Papers, briefs, and participation in Project Appraisal Missions.
- Coordinate the preparation of appraisal reports for the Bank’s policy-based lending.
- Assist in commissioning research on development issues and monitor research contracts to ensure that standards acceptable to CDB are maintained.
- Assist in the sourcing, compilation, maintenance, analysis and dissemination of social, economic and related statistics to assist the Bank in delivering its services to its BMCs and to the region, and in managing its internal operations effectively and efficiently.
- Assist in the identification and mitigation of risks in the execution of the responsibilities of the role.
QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES
The Economist must have superior client orientation and inter-personal skills with the proven ability to work cooperatively with multi-disciplinary teams both within and external to the Bank. The successful candidate will have the ability to undertake technical research and to provide sound analysis to guide decision-making. The Economist is expected to actively seek knowledge needed to complete assignments and share knowledge with others, communicating and presenting information in a clear, logical and organised manner.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Essential
The successful candidate is required to have:
- A first degree in a relevant discipline augmented by a master’s degree in a field of Economics, relevant to development.
- A minimum of five years’ relevant experience as a professional Economist.
- Sound knowledge of the socio-economic development issues, policies and strategies of the countries of the Caribbean.
Desirable
- Demonstrated proficiency in quantitative modeling, econometrics and statistical techniques to support economic analysis and policy formulation.
- Ability to engage effectively with Bank member country authorities.
- Professional experience in the following sectors/areas:
Macroeconomic forecasting
Debt sustainability analysis
Econometric analysis
Trade
COMPETENCIES
Function-Specific Competencies
The Economist should have strong proficiency in the following competencies:
- Ability to demonstrate technical expertise in the formulation, design, conduct and management of economic research, macroeconomic policy-based programme design and/or the appraisal of Technical Assistance projects.
- Ability to organise, interpret and present information in a meaningful way to diverse audiences.
- Excellent representational skills that will enhance the profile of the Bank.
- Ability to effectively apply statistical and economic concepts to analysis and to provide input to project teams’ preparation of loan/grant financing proposals.
- Ability to collaborate with other team members and contribute productively to the team’s work and output through peer review.
Behavioural Competencies
|
Competency |
Definition |
|
Acting as a Champion for Change |
Actively identifies problems and opportunities for change and implements solutions where appropriate. Maintains effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or the work environment; and supports people in their efforts to try new things. |
|
Acting Decisively |
Moves quickly to make decisions and commits to a clear course of action; comfortable making decisions based on partial information; willing to take risks in order to maintain momentum; shows a strong bias toward action. |
|
Acting Strategically |
Aligns day-to-day activities around broader organisational goals and objectives; prioritises resources based on the strategic objectives of the organisation; recognises and rewards people based on how their actions support the broader needs of the organisation. |
|
Championing Customer Needs |
Calls attention to issues that impact customer satisfaction; views situations from the perspective of customers; encourages people to think about customers when making decisions and develops and sustains productive customer relationships. |
|
Communicating Effectively |
Consistently communicates with clarity and thoroughness to optimise audience understanding. Communicates information in a clear, concise, and timely manner. Demonstrates effective speaking and presentation skills. |
|
Delivering High Quality Work |
Critically reviews work processes to ensure quality; addresses problems that could impact quality; makes sure project deliverables and services meet all requirements and expectations; does not make the same mistakes twice. |
|
Displaying Technical Expertise |
Keeps his/her technical skills current; effectively applies specialised knowledge and skills to perform work tasks; understands and masters the technical skills, knowledge, and tasks associated with his/her job; shares technical expertise with others. |
|
Driving for Results |
Bottom-line oriented and pushes self and others to achieve results. Keeps current on project status; makes sure people are aware of project status and what they need to do to keep things moving; redirects project resources and activities to overcome setbacks; elevates project concerns to senior levels of leadership when appropriate. |
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
This is a full-time position with the successful candidate being contracted on a two-year basis in the first instance, with the possibility of renewal. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. A pension plan, life and medical insurances are included in the benefits package.
- Before you proceed to apply, please consider the following requirements:
- You must be a national of one of CDB’s member countries.
- You will be required to produce evidence of any educational and professional qualifications to support your application if you are selected for an interview.
- All appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks and references.
CDB is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex or religion.
CDB fully respects the need for confidentiality of information supplied and assures you that your background and interest will not be discussed with anyone including references, without your prior consent.
The deadline for submission of applications July 13, 2020 at 11:59 pm AST.
More Information
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