Senior Economist

Job #: req36511
Organization: World Bank
Sector: Economics
Grade: GG
Term Duration:  3 years 0 months
Recruitment Type: International Recruitment
Location: Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s): English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date: 5/12/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? 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. Please visit www.worldbank.org.
The Trade Policy and Facilitation Unit (WKPTT) is part of the Prosperity Vice-Presidency. In WKPTT, we are responsible for delivering analytic, advisory, financial and convening services in the areas of trade policy, trade facilitation, logistics and connectivity, and regional integration. 
WKPTT is hiring a Senior Economist to contribute to analytical and technical assistance engagements as well as contribute to World Bank lending operations on trade policy issues in low- and middle-income countries across different regions. The focus will be on advising countries on ways to improve their domestic and external competitiveness by streamlining non-tariff measures (NTMs) and improving quality infrastructure (QI). The selected candidate will work at the intersection of trade policy and regulatory reform, providing analytics and policy advice to client governments and stakeholders.
Duties and Accountabilities
The successful candidate will work to strengthen the World Bank Group’s trade work program, including but not limited to:
• Provide expert policy advice to governments on identifying, assessing, and reducing trade-distorting NTMs — both technical and non-technical — and advise on standards and regulatory alignment and harmonization strategies at the country and regional levels to facilitate trade and improve market access.
• Support client countries in strengthening their quality infrastructure systems, including national standards bodies, metrology institutes, accreditation bodies, and conformity assessment institutions, to improve product safety, quality, and compliance with export market regulations.
• Lead and/or contribute to analytical studies and rigorous research on trade policy, NTM streamlining, quality infrastructure improvements, and regional integration challenges.
• Support regions by participating in policy dialogue with client countries and in lending projects initiated by country teams, including the preparation of briefs, PowerPoint presentations, and policy notes for internal and external audiences, as well as review and commenting on key documents, consultations, and stakeholder engagement activities through lending and non-lending activities.
• Lead and/or participate in the development of new knowledge products and instruments — including toolkits for analytical work and country-wide policy design — that can be mainstreamed into country work.
• Support the Practice Manager and the Global Practice with corporate demands and quality control of deliverables.
• Lead and/or participate in knowledge-sharing and learning activities of the Trade Policy and Facilitation Unit, and organize and contribute to dissemination activities, conferences, workshops, and learning programs; present the team's work at internal and external knowledge exchange events.
• Participate in and expand the scope of partnerships established with other units and organizations active in the area of trade policy and trade competitiveness.
• Oversee and review the work of junior team members and consultants.

Selection Criteria

• Masters or Advanced Degree in relevant field (economics, trade, trade law), with at least 8 years of relevant professional experience on trade and competitiveness issues (or PhD degree in relevant field, and at least 5 years of relevant professional experience);
• Strong understanding of technical and non-technical non-tariff measures, including their classification, measurement, and impact on trade costs.
• Demonstrated expertise in quality infrastructure issues, including accreditation systems, conformity assessment procedures, standardization, and metrology, both at the country and regional level. 
• Proven experience advising governments or private sector entities on compliance with export market regulations, including the necessary changes to quality infrastructure.
• Experience working in or with developing and emerging economies, particularly in Africa, Asia, or Latin America, is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with demonstrated ability to interpret complex regulatory data and understand the intricate linkages between regulatory frameworks and their impacts on trade flows and competitiveness.
• Deep familiarity with international trade frameworks and agreements, including WTO agreements on SPS and TBT, international standards, best practices in quality infrastructure, and the ability to translate technical regulatory concepts into actionable policy insights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality analytical reports, policy notes, and presentations for diverse technical and non-technical audiences. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly results and policy prescriptions for maximum impact.
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and engage with a wide range of counterparts at technical and policy levels.
• Proficiency in English required; working knowledge of French, Spanish, or Portuguese is an advantage.

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.

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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.