ET Consultant – Data Scientist/Applied Economist

The World Bank is seeking an Extended Term Consultant – Data Scientist/Applied Economist to work within the EAWF2 team supporting the Africa West and Central Region. The role involves applied research and operational support to inform project design, policy dialogue, and communication of results to clients and management.

Responsibilities

• Produce firm-level and macro-financial analysis to identify constraints to private sector growth and shape lending operations and advisory engagements across Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and CEMAC programs
• Work with large firm-level datasets and trade data to perform analytics and applied research projects
• Draft analytical notes, background papers, and evidence-based narratives to support reforms and investments and demonstrate portfolio impact
• Contribute to preparation and supervision of lending operations and advisory engagements to ensure technical findings inform project design and implementation
• Synthesize knowledge by connecting research findings and country diagnostics to operational recommendations
• Prepare briefs, presentations, and inputs for dialogue with management, government counterparts, and development partners; coordinate with regional and global teams including IFC and MIGA
• Track financial stability and access to finance developments and reforms in client countries, produce presentations, and liaise with global teams to improve monitoring tools and methodologies

Requirements

• A recently completed Master's degree (or equivalent) in Economics, Finance, Public Policy, or a related field; a PhD is a plus
• 3-5 years of demonstrated experience with firm-level, bank-level, or similar micro-data analysis, gained through academic research, a thesis, an internship, or prior work experience
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills (including knowledge of relevant statistical tools, such as Stata and/or R), with curiosity and the drive to learn how to translate data into clear, policy-relevant narratives
• Involvement in impact evaluations (including randomized controlled trials) would be a plus
• Knowledge of using AI tools to automate data analysis, generation of dashboard, and literature review would be highly valued
• Solid understanding of constraints to growth of the private sector and associated financial sector development challenges in low- and middle-income countries, including familiarity with the relevant academic literature and key policy debates
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; working knowledge of French is highly desirable
• Genuine interest in private sector development, jobs, competitiveness, and financial sector development issues in Sub-Saharan Africa (ideally proven by past experiences in the region or similar relevant settings), and enthusiasm for building a career at the intersection of research and operations
• A proactive, self-starting attitude and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, multicultural team environment
• Strong client orientation, integrity, and commitment to the World Bank Group's mission of ending extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity on a livable planet

Skills

• Microdata Analysis
• Quantitative Analysis
• Statistical Analysis
• STATA
• Impact Evaluation
• Randomized Controlled Trials
• AI Data Automation
• Dashboard Generation
• Literature Review
• Private Sector Development
• Banking Sector Development
• Policy Analysis
• Economic Research
• Data Science
• Applied Economics
• Written Communication
• Oral Communication

Languages

English, French