Junior Professional Associate, World Bank

(1)  The World Bank, Washington, DC, has a Junior Professional Associate (JPA) opening the Global Monitoring and Aid Effectiveness Unit in the Office of the Chief Economist and Senior Vice President (DECVP).  The Chief Economist’s front office provides intellectual leadership and direction to the Bank’s overall development strategy and economic research agenda at global, regional and country levels.  The JPA will work with the Global Monitoring Report team.
The Global Monitoring Report is an annual report prepared jointly with the IMF that forms the basis for ministerial discussions at the Spring Meetings of the IMF and World Bank.  It provides an assessment of country progress toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and assesses the contribution of donors, the international financial institutions, and developing countries in advancing the MDGs (see www.worldbank.org/gmr2007).  In addition there is a special focus area for each report that deepens monitoring capacity and discussion priorities for advancing the agenda.  The 2008 Global Monitoring Report will have a special focus on Millennium Development Goal 7: Ensuring Environmental Sustainability.  The concept note for the Report is under preparation for discussion with the Board around September 2007, and work on the report will be

The JPA program offers talented young people the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of development aid and the mission of the Bank.  In return, it provides the World Bank with a replenishing supply of strong research and analytical skills.

• The JPA program offers a two-year, non-renewable appointment at the World Bank headquarters in Washington D.C.
• Applicants can not have reached 29th birthday at Entry on Duty.

Job description:

 

The Junior Professional Associate will provide substantive research, analytical, and statistical assistance in support of economic work underlying the Global Monitoring Report 2008 and research on aid effectiveness.

• Independently researches and analyzes a wide variety economic and sector topics such as but not limited to: comparative use and assessment of environmental sustainability indicators; effectiveness of international financial aid mechanisms; aid allocation and its determinants, etc.
• Assists the Global Monitoring Unit with the analysis, evaluation and, preparation of data, as well as the formulation of conclusions and recommendations.
• Writes parts of the Global Monitoring Report independently and participates in drafting technical working papers that serve as the analytical background of the report.
• Works independently, seeking guidance and instruction on complex assignments.

Selection Criteria:

• Master’s degree in relevant area of expertise (economics, public policy, public administration).
• Proven ability to work effectively in small teams.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently, and to work in a dynamic fast-paced work environment.
• Excellent quantitative skills including econometrics, knowledge of STATA, excel, etc…
• Very strong communication skills, including the ability to write concisely.
• Work experience is a plus.

Interested candidates should send resume and cover letter ASAP to Brendan Fitzpatrick (bfitzpatrick@worldbank.org) and Sachin Shahria (sshahria@worldbank.org) with subject line “GMR JPA applicant.”  Lead Economist Mark Sundberg is the hiring manager.