(Senior) Economist
Job #: req33561 Organization: IFC Sector: Economics Grade: GG Term Duration: 3 years 0 months Recruitment Type: International Recruitment Location: Kyiv,Ukraine Required Language(s): English, Ukrainian Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 7/4/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTCDescription
The IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity in a sustainable way. For more information, visit .
The IFC 2030 strategy is focused on mobilizing private capital at scale to create more and better jobs in emerging markets. The strategy rests on four interconnected pillars: shifting IFC’s role from primarily holding investments to acting as a distribution platform that attracts institutional capital; expanding equity investments by building specialized platforms and managing associated risks; strengthening support for MSMEs by directly investing in promising firms and leveraging digital platforms; and transforming internal operations by enhancing investor relations, building specialized skills, and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration across the World Bank Group.
The IFC’s Country Advisory and Economics unit for Europe (CEUAE) is seeking to recruit a (Senior) Economist to be based in Kiev to support WBG country engagement in Ukraine with strong emphasis on mobilizing private capital for reconstruction and growth, driving financial and private sector development, and supporting Ukraine’s integration in European markets and value chains. The role reports to CEUAE manager based in Paris, and the selected candidate will work closely with a team of economists and advisory specialists in the unit, as well as with the rest of IFC’s country team.
Duties and Accountabilities:
• Provide thought leadership and strategic advice on post-conflict economic recovery and private sector revitalization, aligning IFC’s investments and advisory services with broader national recovery goals.
• Serve as the focal point in Kyiv for private and financial sector policy issues, ensuring that IFC’s interventions are grounded in sound economic diagnostics and contribute to long-term resilience and growth.
• Shape WBG country strategies and diagnostics—such as Country Private Sector Diagnostics (CPSDs) and Country Partnership Frameworks (CPFs)— as well as ad hoc studies focusing on priority topics, such as MSME revitalization, access to finance, and capital markets development.
• Support the design of investment operations and upstream engagements in various sectors, including infrastructure, housing, industry, and finance that are critical to post-war recovery and job creation.
• Advise on policy reforms and market-building efforts that attract private capital for reconstruction and growth in key sectors (. energy, transport, agribusiness, urban development), for domestic and foreign investment as well as through public-private partnerships.
• Help develop the use of blended finance, de-risking tools, and risk-sharing mechanisms to catalyze private investment.
• Collaborate across the World Bank Group—particularly with MIGA and IBRD—on joint recovery efforts that integrate public and private sector solutions and accelerate sustainable reconstruction.
• Engage with government and central bank officials, private sector leaders, and development partners to advocate for reforms and investments that support inclusive recovery and long-term competitiveness, positioning IFC as a key partner.
• Mentor and guide junior economists and IFC colleagues working on recovery-oriented diagnostics, policy engagement, and investment support.
Selection Criteria
• Advanced degree in Economics, Finance or related fields with at least 8 (Economist) or at least 10 years (Senior Economist) of relevant professional experience; PhD in economics is desirable but not required.
• A track record of relevant analytical work, especially diagnostics and studies of the private and financial sector at macro-, sector-, and/or micro- levels. Good understanding of the interdependence between various sectors of an economy, financial market dynamics, and capacity to integrate micro and sectoral issues with the overall economic policy framework.
• Minimum of 5-8 years of working at increasing levels of responsibility on private and financial sector development issues in the public sector (. ministry, central bank or other real sector regulatory bodies), private sector, and/or international organizations, with a strong track record of results.
• Deep knowledge of Ukraine’s public and private sectors, and of economic and political economy dynamics in the country in general and in key sectors.
• Ability to translate economic and policy analysis into concrete country and sector strategies / programs/ reforms.
• Experience with policy dialogue, lending operations (including policy-based and investment lending) and delivering technical assistance programs and solutions to the clients.
• Experience in evaluating impact of the legal/regulatory environment related to private and financial sector.
• Familiarity with IFC and WBG country engagement processes and instruments is desirable.
• Strong writing skills, including the ability to write quickly and concisely on a variety of topics in a well-structured manner.
• Excellent written and spoken English and Ukrainian.
• Strong communication skills, including ability to interact with internal stakeholders within the WBG, policy makers in IFC’s client countries, and participate in policy development initiatives in collaboration with the WB / MIGA / external stakeholders.• Demonstrated interpersonal skills, proven ability to work effectively as a team leader and team member, build and maintain relationships with colleagues, manage junior staff and maintain collaborative relationships with stakeholders.
• A proven ability to work flexibly on a range of assignments, adjust to changes in schedule and priorities, and juggle concurrent tasks effectively and efficiently.
WBG Culture Attributes:
1. Sense of Urgency – Anticipating and quickly reacting to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful Risk Taking – Taking informed and thoughtful risks and making courageous decisions to push boundaries for greater impact.
3. Empowerment and Accountability – Engaging with others in an empowered and accountable manner for impactful results.
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.