Economist/Senior Economist (Data Science)
Job Vacancy | Thursday, April 13, 2023
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
This is a special fixed-term appointment for a period of three (3) years following Section 3.1 (c.) of Administrative Order No. 2.01 (“Recruitment and Appointment’). This appointment is not convertible to a regular appointment. It may be extended on exceptional basis for a further fixed period at the option of ADB. This appointment is open to internal and external applicants.
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 Statistics and Data Innovation (SDI) Unit under the Office of the Chief Economist and Director General (EROD) within the Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department (ERCD). ERCD, led by the Bank’s Chief Economist and Director General, supports the Bank’s mission by providing cutting-edge research, macroeconomic forecasts, producing statistical databases, undertaking country diagnostic studies and other analytical work. EROD spearheads the development of new research workstreams as well as coordinates the work of ERCD.
To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.
Job Purpose
The Economist / Senior Economist (Data Science) will play a key role in building up capacity in the use of Big Data analytics in development research and policy within ADB. The incumbent will contribute to the research work of the department, including self-directed research using very large datasets of high-frequency data; participate in data analytics with internal stakeholders; conduct knowledge sessions and training workshops for ADB departments and external clients in developing member countries; contribute to the preparation of ERCD’s annual flagship publications; and support the Advisor and Head, Statistics and Data Innovation Unit in areas of quantitative analyses, technical assistance (TA), administrative matters, and work plans. The incumbent will report to the Advisor and Head, Statistics and Data Innovation Unit and will supervise National Staff and Administrative Staff.
Responsibilities
Knowledge Creation
- Undertakes quantitative (econometric and machine learning) analyses in assigned projects, including data processing and model applications using appropriate software; assists in the preparation of ERCD publications, working papers, journal manuscripts, ADB briefs and documents for Management.
Knowledge Dissemination
- Contributes to relevant ERCD capacity building activities, both internally within ADB and in developing member countries; and assists in the preparation of training materials for courses.
Operations Support
- Leads data science projects which are relevant to ADB operations, from project design, data management and preprocessing to analyses of findings.
Economic Research and Operational Support
- Undertakes quantitative (econometric and machine learning) analyses in assigned projects, including data processing and model applications using appropriate software;
- Contributes to/leads the design and implementation of research outputs and publications, including ADB’s flagship publications, thematic reports, policy briefs, working papers, and publications in high-quality peer-reviewed journals;
- Leads data science and other quantitative projects which are relevant to ADB operations, from project design, data management and preprocessing to analyses of findings;
Project Management
- Oversees and implements the design, implementation and administration of technical assistance projects for DMCs on empirically rigorous policy analysis across a broad range of areas; supervises research associates and project analysts in completion of work to the highest quality and in timely manner.
Data Governance and Knowledge Management
- Supports the development of data governance within ERCD and ADB
- Contributes to the dissemination of ADB knowledge outputs and publications.
- Supports the capacity building work of ERCD, including participating/leading in the development and delivery of internal and external training programs for ADB staff and relevant government officials.
- Undertakes collaborative research, dissemination, networking, and capacity building activities with specialists across a global network of knowledge institutions and with other ADB knowledge and operations departments.
- Participates/leads relevant internal and external training and conferences and other activities for advocacy, dissemination, and knowledge building.
Staff supervision
- Provides leadership and support to reporting staff.
- Participates in/leads multi-disciplinary teams and ensure the overall quality of their work.
- Supervises the performance of teams and individuals, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.
- Provides coaching and mentoring to teams and individuals and ensure their on-going learning and development.
Qualifications
Relevant Experience & Requirements
- A post-graduate degree (preferably Doctorate level) in Economics or Data Science, with strong background in analysis of very large datasets of high-frequency data and at least 5 years specialized experience relevant to the position may be considered. Experience in different types of big data (satellite-based, geospatial, natural language, etc.) is a distinct advantage.
- Suitability to undertake the responsibilities mentioned above at the required level.
- At least 8 years of work experience with international experience working in several countries.
- Evidence of high-quality research output and track record of publications in international peer-reviewed professional economics and/or data science journals.
- Strong quantitative, analytical, and conceptual skills in economics.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills to work successfully with colleagues and clients. Able to work collaboratively as a productive member of a team, and the willingness to learn, are essential.
- Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for International Staff Levels 4 and 5.
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.
