Senior Economist

Senior Economist

Job #

req37400

Organization

World Bank

Sector

Economics

Grade

GG

Term Duration: 3 years 0 months

Recruitment Type

International Recruitment

Location

Pretoria,South Africa

Required Language(s)

English

Preferred Language(s)

Closing Date

7/10/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org

The Global Practice for Fiscal Policy and Growth (FPG)

The FPG Global Practice leads the World Bank Group’s dialogue and engagement with clients in macroeconomics, fiscal policy, trade, competition and investment. FPG links the macroeconomic dialogue with programs focused on expanding the role of the private sector in economic development. In our day-to-day engagement with countries, we support Ministries of Finance, Trade, Economy and Production in their pursuit of reform agendas conducive to strengthening inclusive growth led by the private sector.

South Africa Country Engagement and FPG Team

South Africa’s size and ties to the region underscore the importance of its economic, political, and social development to the stability and growth of Eastern and Southern Africa. South Africa’s political transition is known as one of the most remarkable political feats of the past century. The ruling African National Congress (ANC) had driven the policy agenda since 1994, though recent elections have become more contested, illustrated by coalition politics, particularly in metropolitan areas.

Since 2019, the Government of South Africa has embarked on a new socio-economic transformation program to restore macroeconomic stability, accelerate growth, and make growth more inclusive. In line with the Government priorities, a new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) is under preparation aiming to help South Africa implementing “Operation Vulindlela”, a joint South African Presidency and National Treasury designed to accelerate structural reforms, remove economic bottlenecks and spur economic growth and job creation. The upcoming South Africa CPF marks a deeper and growing World Bank Group’s engagement in the country.

The FPG team plays a key role in supporting the government in identifying solutions so that South Africa can break away from its current low-level equilibrium of modest economic growth, high unemployment, and one of the highest inequality levels in the world. Considering the legacy of apartheid, a unique feature of South Africa is its dichotomous structure, with an advanced urban economy coexisting with a rudimentary one comprised of townships and informal settlements. While boosting the potential of the advanced economy is essential, on its own, this will not deliver inclusive growth unless the township economy develops. Achieving impact requires a robust policy dialogue at both the national and sub-national levels.

As Senior Country Economist, you will lead or co-lead the policy dialogue on macro-fiscal, growth, trade, and investment issues, working closely with the Country Director, and supporting the FPG policy dialogue in Southern Africa. The FPG team based in South Africa is comprised of a Lead Economist, and a Senior Economist. The FPG program in Southern Africa includes lending operations including Development Policy Operations, technical assistance, and highly visible analytics and economic surveillance work, including regional flagships. We are looking for a skilled and energetic Senior Country Economist who is passionate about tackling complex development challenges, comfortable working in a fluid operating environment, has technical breadth and depth, with strong results and integrative orientation, and effective policy dialogue skills.

Duties and Accountabilities

• Lead or contribute to FPG core deliverables including Development Policy Operations and other lending operations, core advisory services and analytics (ASAs) including Public Finance Reviews (PFRs), Regional Flagships, Economic Updates and policy notes and technical notes on a wide range of issues. These include fiscal policy, domestic revenue mobilization, natural resources revenue management, economic diversification, public investment management, economic transformation and jobs, and fiscal decentralization.
• Lead or participate in the design, preparation and dissemination of analytical economic work and reporting, including bi-annual economic updates, macroeconomic modelling/forecasting, ASAs and various briefs;
• Lead and coordinate the policy dialogue on macroeconomic and fiscal policy and economic growth issues with the authorities, with the IMF and economic departments of other development agencies and non-government stakeholders
• Where relevant, advise sector teams and government authorities on the macroeconomic implications of sector policies and investment decisions, including in the selection and execution of public investments;
• Provide analytical inputs for and advise the Country Management Unit (CMU) on country strategic engagement and economic policy issues, including through active participation in key review meetings;
• Support the analytical work program of the Country Management Unit (CMU), including implementation of the Country Partnership Frameworks (CPFs);
• Support the Practice Manager and the GP with corporate demands, quality control of deliverables, and the preparation of ad-hoc briefs;
• Contribute to the interpretation of analytical findings, formulation of key messages, and identification of policy implications and recommendations that are supported by the evidence;
• Contribute to the drafting of presentations, memos, reports, notes, blogs, and analytical findings as per business needs

Note : This internal requisition is open to WB 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.

Selection Criteria

• At least Masters degree in Economics and 8 years of relevant experience.
• General Economic Knowledge and Analytical Skills - Possesses Cross-country knowledge in economic specialty and demonstrates ability to link the macro, institutional, and micro-level behaviors; able to support findings/policy recommendations with credible analysis and tools.
• Knowledge and Experience in Development Arena – Translates technical and cross-country knowledge into practical applications and contributions to country and sector strategies; interacts with clients at the policy level.
• Policy Dialogue Skills - Anticipates needs and requests in the field and conducts independent policy discussions with representatives of the government and non-government partners.
• Integrative Skills – Understands relevant cross-sectoral areas how they are interrelated; able to undertake cross-sectoral work in lending and non-lending operations.
• Macroeconomic Skills and Country Economics Experience - Able to translate technical analyses of macroeconomic, debt, trade, fiscal policy, and growth linkages into policy recommendations and cross-country lessons.
• Written and Verbal Communication - Demonstrates the ability to influence and persuade others to accept ideas and suggestions (such as counterparts in government, international partner organizations, academia, and Bank colleagues, senior staff and managers).

WBG Culture Attributes

• Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
• Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
• 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.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC including our values and inspiring stories.