Economics Officer

Job Purpose

By applying technical knowledge in economics, the Economics Officer conducts economic analysis and forecasting; monitors economic and political progress; as well as maintain and manage database for the assigned Resident Mission (RM). The Officer also assists the RM in administration of macroeconomic and technical assistance (TA) projects.

Expected Outcomes

Contributes to the RM by completing a variety of tasks assigned, covering all or a combination of the following functions:

Monitoring and Analysis of Macroeconomic Performance and associated Policy and Program Development

• Monitors and assess economic and associated sector and policy developments by:
  • Assuming main responsibility covering macroeconomic indicators, financial sector performance, and private sector investments on a regular basis;
  • Assessing critical constraints in macroeconomic, financial sector and private investment performance and recommended remedial measures including enabling environment, legal and institutional reforms, and capacity developments,
  • Maintaining contacts with government offices, private sector organizations, academic/ research institutions, international agencies and other entities to obtain operationally relevant publications and data;
  • Coordinating with other development partners (DPs) in the above areas.

• Maintains and updates a comprehensive database on the economy tracking indicators by:
  • Understanding data requirements from senior staff of ADB, mission leaders, co-financiers and other DPs;
  • Collating and summarizing statistical data from relevant sources;
  • Verifying the validity and accuracy of data;
  • Preparing and updating information and data, based on internal and external stakeholders’ requirements

  • Conducts economic analyses and forecasts by developing and refining economic models for forecasting and policy simulation, and supports macroeconomic analysis including:

    o Preparation of notes and research papers; and

    • Compilation, analysis, and reporting of data to explain economic phenomena and forecast market trends, applying mathematical models and statistical technique.
    • Contributes to economic bulletins and country and regional cooperation profiles.

    • Contribution to Country Strategy and Program Development, and Project (including TA) Preparation, Processing, and Implementation for the Relevant Sectors/ Themes:

      - Assists in developing ADB’s country assistance strategy and programs for macroeconomic performance management, financial sector, and private sector development, including the enabling policy, regulatory, and institutional framework;

      - Assists in developing effective roadmaps for development of the above sectors/ themes, and provides advice for their step-by-step advancement and capacity development;

      - Assists in preparation, processing, and administration of loan/grant and technical assistance (TA) projects in the areas of overall macroeconomic monitoring including statistics, medium-term development planning, public sector management, financial sector, and private sector development;

      • Supports implementation of assigned TAs by
        • Providing administrative support in the recruitment and contract administration of consultants;
        • Organizing tripartite meetings; and
        • Preparing relevant correspondence.

      Others:

      • Works as NRM’s focal point for knowledge management, supports NRM’s economic, thematic, and sector work, including authoring the Nepal Chapter of the Asian Development Outlook reports;
      • Supports relevant sections (macroeconomic performance, financial sector, private sector development, enabling environment, etc.) of the country performance assessments under ADB’s Performance Based Allocation Policy;
      • Participates in and organizes seminars and workshops as required to disseminate findings of relevant TAs and economic/sector work supported by ADB.
      • Undertakes other tasks pertaining to ADB’s operations as assigned and reflected in the incumbent’s work plan.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in economics with strong background in applied economic theory/quantitative methods and policy work, preferably with advanced training. Master’s degree and above will be a strong advantage.

Relevant Experience

Work experience

- At least 6 years' relevant experience in applied economic theory/quantitative methods and policy work

- Experience in applying expertise in an international setting.

Technical knowledge

- Proven application of expertise within a specific area of ADB's operations (economic, sector or thematic), or breadth across multiple areas with in-depth knowledge within one area, in particular macroeconomic modeling, financial sector performance, and private sector development (through project financing and institutional finance);

- Able to utilize and share relevant knowledge to benefit the broader ADB community;

- Familiar with local language and institutions;

- Effective report-writing and communication skills in English and the national language (as required);

- Proficient in ADB standard software programs and information technologies.

People and leadership skills

- Able to liaise and work effectively with government officials within own work location

- Able to work collaboratively with teams as a constructive team member

Strong oral and written communication skills in English

Core Competencies

Application of Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Applies updated advancements in own knowledge area to relevant tasks
• Applies knowledge and practical skills to independently perform some complex tasks
• Conveys the need to use updated project approaches

Client Orientation

• Delivers Divisional contributions across a variety of products and services to meet the needs of different clients
• Proposes options to clients that may better meet their needs than current approaches
• Defines and delivers to agreed standards with clients

Achieving Results and Problem Solving

• Conducts detailed research and analysis to determine appropriate methods for addressing the causes of issues
• Self-monitors achievement of results according to work plans
• Identifies different stakeholder needs and desired outcomes when planning for outcomes
• Independently solves problems and makes recommendations

Working Together

• Maintains collaborative relationships within the Department
• Works effectively with diverse colleagues in own and other Divisions and Departments
• Flexibly alters positions and adjusts previously stated points of view to support the group consensus
• Follows through on team priorities in the absence of a team leader

Communication and Knowledge Sharing

• Checks with audience’s level of understanding and awareness of required follow up actions
• Consistently seeks and addresses feedback on own performance
• Creates knowledge products endorsed for wider distribution
• Independently amends and clarifies messages and documents

Innovation and Change

• Actively supports work improvement and/or organizational change by work and deed
• Develops and adopts change plans to support Division initiatives on which one works
• Considers current and future client needs in proposing ideas
• Vocalizes early support for change
• Recommends inputs to new policies, systems and processes in immediate work area

Immediate Reporting

Supervisor: Designated International Staff and senior National Staff

We encourage diversity in our workplace and support an inclusive environment.

Instructions

The vacancy is for a local position with a local remuneration package. It is open only to nationals and residents of Nepal.