Senior Economist

Senior Economist

Economic Policy

Dili, Timor-Leste

International Hire

Closing Date 10-Mar-2011

Language Requirements English [Essential]

Background / General description

The East Asia and Pacific Region presents a dramatic illustration of
the principal global dynamics, opportunities, and risks of the 21st
century. After making the fastest progress in growth and poverty
reduction of any region around the world in the last fifteen years,
some countries in the region are poised to become middle-income, and
some are preparing to join the small group of high-income countries.
Such rapid transformation is leading to the largest shift in
rural-to-urban population in human history, generating rising
inequality within and across countries, and leaving individuals and
sub-national regions behind in the dash for prosperity. Meanwhile, the
slowdown in global growth threatens these gains and countries across
the region are being forced to address the consequences for
macroeconomic stability, employment and poverty, while re-thinking
their development strategies and adjusting to changed growth
prospects.

In the East Asia and Pacific Region, the PREM side of EASPR/FP is
responsible for the Bank’s work on economic policy, public sector
reform, governance, and poverty analysis for this dynamic and rapidly
evolving region. In close consultation with field-based Country
Directors and in partnership with other network departments and the
governance hub, EASPR/FP provides policy and implementation advice as
well as financial support to our client countries through a range of
instruments that includes analytical work, technical assistance,
lending, and supervision. In addition, EASPR/FP conducts studies and
analyses of issues that cut across countries and require regional
cooperation, liaising closely with organizations such as ASEAN and
APEC; monitors economic developments through periodic country economic
updates; and partners with other departments within the region and
across the Bank, as well as with relevant institutions in the region,
to address key challenges facing our clients.

East Asia and Pacific PREM is highly decentralized with well over 60
percent of staff (international and local, bank budgeted and trust
funded) located in the country offices. On the PREM side, the Sector
Director, supported by sector manager, provides overall leadership for
carrying out the Department’s work program. Country Lead Economists
(one per country management unit) are accountable for the timely
delivery of country-based work programs and have responsibility for
managing the budget, management of IRS and LRS field office staff
working on their respective countries, and quality control. Thematic
lead economists for public sector, poverty, and economic policy
facilitate communities of practice and provide strategic leadership in
their respective areas.

Timor-Leste

East Asia and Pacific PREM is looking to recruit a Senior Economist to
be based in Dili, Timor-Leste. Timor-Leste is a country that is
seeking to overcome numerous challenges of poverty, isolation,
vulnerability to external shocks and natural disasters, and the legacy
of violent conflict. The project portfolio is modest, but
complemented by a variety of analytical and advisory activities.
There is a strong focus on partnership with other donors through
SWAPs, co-financing, and trust funds. Given the unique challenges and
variety of partnerships in this group of countries, developing
innovative approaches to support the countries in meeting their needs
and objectives is essential.

Timor-Leste’s economy has recovered rapidly since the crisis of 2006.
The recovery was driven by a rapid increase in government spending
fuelled by a surge in petroleum receipts, and a relatively large
international presence. The government is finalizing a wide ranging
Strategic Development Plan with the aim to rapidly develop
Timor-Leste’s economy. Challenges that the government faces in
implementing this strategy include a substantial scaling up of public
investment, prudent management of the Petroleum Fund, and ensuring
medium-term fiscal sustainability. This is a critical time for the
country, and provides an opportunity for the Bank to play a
significant role in informing the economic policy dialogue.

The PREM team in Dili has an exciting and fast moving work program.
In recent years, this has included: (i) leading a major Public Finance
Management reform program through a multi-donor trust fund; (ii) AAA
such as a Diagnostic Trade Integration Study and civil service review;
(iii) ‘just in time’ analytical inputs on topics ranging from poverty
analysis to fiscal policy; (iv) regular macroeconomic reporting and
monitoring; and (v) technical assistance on institutional reform in
the Ministry of Finance. The government wants to accelerate the
delivery of quality public services but faces capacity constraints.
It has access to advice from a wide range of different sources
including private consultancies, investment firms, the UN, IFIs and
others. The PREM team has to ensure timely and relevant advice in a
rapidly evolving environment.

Duties and Accountabilities

The Senior Economist plays a central role in the Timor-Leste country
program. (S)he would play a lead role in managing client engagement
and the provision of technical advice on country economic issues,
reporting to the Lead Economist for the Pacific, PNG and Timor-Leste
based in Sydney. The Senior Economist plays a coordinating role for
the PREM team in Dili, and is also the Team Leader for the Planning
and Financial Management Capacity Building Program (PFMCBP).
Specific duties and accountabilities include to:

• Provide intellectual leadership and high-quality technical advice
on matters related to economic policy and public finance management.

• Provide high quality technical advice as required in response to
on-demand requests from the Government of Timor-Leste, often drawing
expertise from different parts of the Bank group.

• Monitor and report on economic developments.

• Contribute to or lead AAA (ESW and TA) on economic and public
finance issues, including managing multi-disciplinary teams.

• Provide analytical inputs in relevant sections of country
strategies, sector reports, and operational documents.

• Lead PFMCBP supervision missions ensure regular dialogue with the
Minister and senior managers in MOF to address bottlenecks to Program
implementation.

• Promote greater PFM/PEM diagnostic work in collaboration with other
donors to monitor developments in PFM reform and advise the government
more effectively.

• Maintain regular links with peers in the Bank and with stakeholders
in Timor-Leste (academics, donors, think tanks, civil society) to
promote cross learning, draw in technical expertise and disseminate
analysis.

• Coordinate and deliver CPIA and PCPI processes.

• Represent the World Bank, as needed, at public forums and meetings.

Selection Criteria

• Minimum Education: MA/MS in Economics.

• Minimum Years of Directly Relevant Experience: 8.

• Sound understanding of macroeconomic policy issues, especially
public finance, and knowledge of relevant data sources.

• Familiar with the current debates, issues, and approaches in the
global thinking on growth and poverty reduction.

• Familiarity with structural reforms and linkages to key areas, such
as fiscal policy/sustainability, management of economic volatility,
trade analysis, and sources of growth analysis.

• High degree of motivation, initiative, flexibility, reliability and
diplomacy.

• Strong analytical background and an ability to address public
expenditure management, particularly in the context of small, fragile,
and resource rich economies. Knowledge of and experience working in
fragile states is a strong preference.

• Direct experience in capacity-building activities and dialogue with
government officials is a plus.

• Superb interpersonal skills. Ability to collaborate effectively
with multidisciplinary bank staff teams, governments, NGOs and donors,
while being diplomatic and sensitive to cultural, political and gender
issues.

• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability
to present complicated analyses to non-specialist audiences.

• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure. Ability to work
within tight deadlines and budgets to produce high quality products.

Strong GF candidates are also encouraged to apply

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.