Economist

Economist

Job #:	req38043
Organization:	World Bank
Sector:	Economics
Grade:	GF
Term Duration:	3 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:	Local Recruitment
Location:	Kabul,Afghanistan
Required Language(s):	English
Preferred Language(s):	Dari, Pashto
Closing Date:	8/26/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. 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. Visit  www.worldbank.org.

Regional Context

The Middle East and North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan Region serves twenty two countries across different income groups, of which fourteen are active/potentially active IBRD/IDA borrowers (Afghanistan, Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Syria, West Bank and Gaza, Tunisia, and Yemen), with a total of 251 projects and over $51 bn in total commitment. Eight are users of the Region's non-lending services, mostly on a reimbursable basis (Bahrain, Kuwait, Libya, Malta, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates).  The mission of the region is to foster sustainable growth with a focus on job creation and poverty reduction, economic and social inclusion, and good governance. The region attaches importance to creating a supportive work environment based on the values of teamwork, transparency, trust, and client service, underlined by professional excellence. The region places high value on diversity.

With an expanded regional strategy, the World Bank aims to help the region weather the current crises, move from stabilization to transformation, unlock its vast economic potential of youth and women, develop its human capital to adapt to global megatrends, and foster innovation (https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/region/mena)

Background and General Description

If you are ready to make an impact in a uniquely challenging country context, we are looking for a dedicated, adaptive, and innovative economist to join our Afghanistan team. The Afghan economy is adjusting to a “new normal” following the August 2021 events, which brought about a significant economic contraction and regressions in development gains. After contracting significantly, the economy has reached an inflection point and is likely plateauing around a low-level equilibrium, with significant challenges to achieving sustained and inclusive growth.

In the current challenging and uncertain environment, the Bank remains committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan and is closely monitoring the economic and social developments. In this context, the EPPS team plays a critical role in delivering highly visible and innovative macroeconomic surveillance and growth analytics, including monthly economic monitors, the bi-annual Afghanistan Development Update, just-in-time reports, and broader growth diagnostics. The work involves extensive engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, including the domestic and international private sector, academic institutions, think tanks, and the international community. In close collaboration with other EFI GPs, the EPPS team also helps shape and coordinate analytical work programs focused on critical structural and developmental issues, including trade, financial sector, and fiscal issues. As Afghanistan’s context and the World Bank’s operating environment continue to evolve, the responsibilities of the economist may also adapt to meet emerging needs and priorities. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the macroeconomic monitoring and surveillance of Afghanistan’s economy and support the preparation of the monthly Economic Monitor, bi-annual Afghanistan Development Updates (ADU), and Just-in-Time analytical reports;

• Develop a local network for the collection and maintenance of necessary datasets for the macroeconomic and governance surveillance and analysis, including real sector, prices, budget, and expenditures, debt, revenue mobilization, the balance of payment, trade, and monetary statistics, etc.;

• Support technical dialogue and outreach with key stakeholders, including government counterparts, development partners, academia, think tanks, and communities of practice, and contribute to the design and implementation of technical assistance, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building initiatives;

• Contribute to corporate processes such as preparing the Country Policy and Institutional Assessment (CPIA) and the development of macroeconomic projections and scenarios using relevant analytical tools and models;

• Contribute to EPPS core ASAs, such as “Afghanistan Futures” and other work programs;

• Support the engagement in economic dialogue and assistance that could support a sustainable recovery in the country;

• Support the TTL(s) in designing and implementing policy actions for engagement;

• Engage actively with relevant communities of practice, both within and outside the World Bank, to promote knowledge exchange, strengthen analytical collaboration, and disseminate key findings on Afghanistan’s economic developments; and

• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in responding to evolving priorities and work program requirements in a highly dynamic operating environment.

Selection Criteria

The position requires a motivated professional with a Master’s degree or above (Ph.D. preferred) in Economics from a reputable university and at least five years of relevant work experience, with a focus on macroeconomic policy and strong interpersonal and team working skills. Previous work experience in the Ministry of Finance or Central Bank will be strongly preferred.

• Ability to work flexibly on a range of assignments, showing a strong drive for results and the ability to adjust to and prioritize among a variety of complex evolving tasks;

• Strong analytical and conceptual skills and ability to lead or contribute to analytical tasks;

• Capacity to understand the political economy and institutional set up within the country;

• Understanding of Bank policies and practices related to macroeconomic and fiscal management work;

• Knowledge of econometric and statistical analysis techniques and related principles underlying Bank economic work;

• Previous macroeconomic policy work experience in Afghanistan will be preferred;

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to develop effective relations within and outside the Bank; and

• Strong written and verbal communication, with a command of the English language. Knowledge of local languages, particularly Dari and/or Pashto, would be an advantage.

Note: This internal requisition is open to WBG 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.

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
3. 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.