Research Economist, Washington

Closing Date: Tuesday, 08 June 2010

More jobs by tag: Advisory Services; Capital Markets; Data Analysis; Database Management; Financial Institutions; Financial Services; Good Practices; Microfinance; Oral Communication; Social Sciences

World Bank
1818 H St NW
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 473-1000
Job # 101135
Job Title Research Economist
Job Family Financial Sector
Location Washington, DC
Appointment International Hire
Job Posted 25-May-2010
Closing Date 08-Jun-2010
Language Requirements English [Essential]
Appointment Type
Background / General description
CGAP is an independent policy and research center dedicated to advancing financial access for the world's poor. It is supported by over 30 development agencies and private foundations who share a common mission to alleviate poverty. Housed at the World Bank, CGAP provides market intelligence, promotes standards, develops innovative solutions and offers advisory services to governments, microfinance providers, donors, and investors. Access to financial services is a fundamental tool for improving a family’s well-being and productive capacity. Access to financial services empowers the poor by reducing their vulnerability, and offering them opportunities to improve their lives. CGAP works toward a world in which poor people are considered valued clients of their country’s financial system. We aim to help build efficient and equitable local financial markets that serve all poor people with convenient and affordable financial services. Position Description. We are looking for a highly motivated research economist to join CGAP’s data and research group. The job requires a mix of operational and research skills, a strong knowledge in financial economics and exposure to issues concerning access to finance.
Duties and Accountabilities
# Ensure that CGAP has a robust analytical platform for data mining that pulls together various CGAP surveys and research databases. Develop and safeguard standards to maintain data integrity and quality.
# Provide guidance on quantitative surveys, data analysis and research methodology to CGAP’s thematic teams.
# Identify new developments and trends in access to finance, including what new research questions and data gaps are emerging. Define the type of information and data that has value for CGAP’s audiences.
# Produce new analytical work for microfinance practitioners, policymakers, donors, investors, and other stakeholders
# Proactively develop relationships with other organizations that produce respected data and research on access to finance to leverage CGAP’s capacity and forge strategic partnerships. Necessary Skills and Experience:
# Analytical mind and strategic thinker.
# Demonstrated ability to create new content that responds to emerging issues and demand as appropriate.
# Strong analytical background, familiar with econometric techniques, statistical analysis software (STATA), and database management tools. Experience in micro-level statistical analysis with household data, analysis of financial institutions.
# Demonstrated ability to write in a clear, compelling, and concise fashion.
# Awareness of international microfinance good practices and current debates in microfinance. Field experience and familiarity with capital markets development a strong plus.
# Background in economics, business administration, or social sciences with a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience
# Team player and self-starter.
# Strong oral communication, and presenting skills; fluency in English. French or Spanish a plus.
# Willingness to travel occasionally for participation in conferences and field missions.
Selection Criteria
# Master's required, PH.D preferred
# Minimum 3 to 5 years practical/research experience
# Microfinance-related research strongly preferred
# Some experience coordinating research across teams/consensus-building. 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.

For more info go here http://unjobs.org/vacancies/1274880090649