Asian Development Bank – Senior Economics Officer

Application closes on 12 April 2023, 11:59 p.m. (2359 Manila Time, 0800 GMT). For more information, visit https://www.adb.org/careers/230096

Overview

Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines and is composed of 68 members, 49 of which are from the Asia and Pacific region. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. ADB combines finance, knowledge, and partnerships to fulfill its expanded vision under its Strategy 2030.

ADB only hires nationals of its 68 members.

The position is assigned in the Macroeconomic Research Division (ERMR) within the Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department (ERCD), which undertakes a range of policy research and capacity building work to foster economic and social development in the Asia Pacific region. ERMR leads the annual flagship publication Asian Development Outlook (ADO) and its Update, monitors regional economies and capital markets, develops tools for better macroeconomic monitoring and forecasting, and contributes to policy-relevant research on macroeconomic topics.

Job Purpose

The Senior Economics Officer will build-up the technical capacity of the division by accomplishing assignments with broader responsibilities or greater technical depth, encompassing department-wide accountabilities; contribute to the economic research work of the department, including self-directed research and the flagships Asian Development Outlook (ADO) and Asia Bond Monitor (ABM); provide technical leadership among the team of economics officers; technical assistance (TA) processing and administration; and contribute to department-wide initiatives that increase the profile of the department’s research work within ADB. The incumbent will report to designated International Staff.

Responsibilities

Economic Research Work

• Contributes and assists in preparation of technical economic research including: the 4 issues of the Asian Development Outlook (ADO), Asia Bond Monitor (ABM), technical assistance-funded research projects, and ad hoc economic studies.
• Provides research support, analyzes economic data using statistical software and pursues self-directed and co-authored research work, including data collection, database management, statistical analysis, and data presentation; review and analysis of related economic literature; and clear, logical presentation of ideas and empirical results.
• Prepares supporting materials for dissemination of research work and provide research support in the preparation of various briefing notes for Management and data requests from other departments.

Flagship Publications

• Facilitates and manages the development and dissemination of the April, July, September, and December issues of the ADO, as well as ABM.
• Supports the preparation of ADO country chapters, global and regional outlook, and thematic report.
• Coordinates preparation of data, tables/charts, and check country chapters for consistency. Prepares regional summaries, provide support briefings to Management the Board, and other regional departments on ADO and related issues.

Technical Leadership and Training

• Provides technical backstopping on macroeconomic analysis and quantitative methods to other economics officers, operations assistants, and local consultants.
• Coordinates with the ERCD front office and Culture and Talent Division (BPCT) to design and deliver training courses on econometric methods relevant for ERMR’s research work.

Technical Assistance Processing and Implementation

• Provides technical and administrative support in planning, processing, and implementing TA projects from conceptualization to completion, by drafting concept papers and TA reports; preparing cost estimates; selecting/evaluating consultants; regularly monitoring TA budgets; arranging conferences and workshops under the TA; communicating and liaising with consultants, cooperating agencies, and other ADB departments/offices; assisting the processing of TA study outputs for publication; and preparing TA completion reports as may be assigned by International Staff.

Database Management

• Maintains computer-based information systems and programs for economic analysis and econometric modeling by determining information requirements, coordinating with data sources and users, and generating output reports. This includes data collection, database management, advanced analytics—including data mining and exploration, machine learning, deep learning, big data analytics, and data visualization—when possible.

Others

• Assists in the preparation of the divisional budget, as needed; conducts ad hoc research, and assists in developing and organizing staff learning programs.
• Performs other assignments as may be assigned by supervisor and reflected in the incumbent’s work plan.

Qualifications

Relevant Experience & Requirements

• Master’s degree in economics, statistics or data science preferably with advanced training in econometrics.
• At least 8 years work experience in related field, with some experience in economic research.
• Good knowledge and understanding of macroeconomics, economic policy issues, and development trends in the region.
• Good knowledge and understanding of official statistics, applied statistical/econometric techniques, and other related analytical tools.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the research process.
• A high level of analytical and conceptual skills.
• Excellent skills in verbal and written English, preferably with demonstrated economic research writing ability.
• Proficiency in using spreadsheets, statistical/econometric software (particularly Stata/Eviews and Matlab), database applications, and knowledge in implementing automated routines.
• Skills in data science, knowledge of Python, R, Stata, APIs, and other business intelligence and analytical tools an advantage.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills to work successfully with colleagues and clients.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teams as a constructive team member.
• Please refer to link the for ADB Competency Framework for National Staff Levels 3.

General Considerations

The selected candidate, if new to ADB, is appointed for an initial term of 3 years.

ADB offers competitive remuneration and a comprehensive benefits package. Actual appointment salary will be based on ADB’s standards and computation, taking into account the selected individual’s qualifications and experience.

ADB seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities to work in an inclusive environment. ADB encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities. Women are highly encouraged to apply.

Please note that the actual level and salary will be based on qualifications of the selected candidate.