Economist - ADB - Manila, Philippines

Ofc. of Regional Economic Integration, Office of Regional Economic Integration

Closing Date: 1 February 2013 , 5:00 p.m. (1700 Manila Time, 0900 GMT)

 

Job Purpose:

Contribute to the development of strategies and approaches to facilitate trade and investment in developing member countries (DMCs) of ADB and support to ADB’s regional cooperation and integration (RCI) strategy. . Provide support in the design and implementation of regional technical assistance projects to promote trade and investment. Conduct strategic research work in trade and investment and areas that cut across macroeconomic management and trade policy. Represent OREI in internal and external networks on trade policy and trade facilitation. Work with broad policies and objectives, working directly with clients, with supervision for critical tasks.

Expected Outcomes

a. Strategy and Planning
- Contribute to the identification of new directions and approaches to improve ADB’s capacity for promoting trade and investment;
- Support technical and operational matters on trade policy;
- Contribute to new or innovative approaches to policy, research, and operational issues.
b. Regional Economic Integration
- Contribute to OREI’s support for trade and investment facilitation to various regional forums such as Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), ASEAN+3, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), East Asia Summit (EAS), Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), and Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC);
- Provide support to ADB Management and other departments on trade and investment related matters;
- Develop, process, and implement complex regional technical assistance projects/assignments on trade policy.
c. Knowledge Sharing and Management
- Undertake economic and sector work (including preparing reports and special studies) on issues related to trade regimes and trade policy (e.g. multilateral versus bilateral arrangements and agreements);
- Conduct research on trade facilitation; and dismantling of behind-the-border constraints that impede trade and investment; production networks; development of economic corridors; development of logistics centers;
- Contribute to OREI’s regional economic and financial reports such as the Asia Economic Integration Monitor;
- Contribute write-ups and other materials for the Asia Regional Integration Center website;
- Design special training programs on trade policy, trade facilitation and investment promotion.
d. External and Internal Networks
- Liaise with DMC Governments, regional institutions (such as ASEAN and SAARC Secretariats), and other international institutions on trade policy and investment promotion;
- Develop partnership with global and regional institutions that deal with trade (e.g. World Trade Organization and World Customs Organization);
- Strengthen ADB supported networks such as the Asian International Economists Network (AIEN).

e. Staff Supervision
- Provide leadership and support to reporting staff
- Supervise the performance of reporting staff, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance
- Ensure the ongoing learning and development of reporting staff

Educational Requirements:

A Master’s degree, or equivalent, in Economics or other related fields. University degree in Economics combined with specialized experience in similar organization/s, may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree

Relevant Experience And Other Requirements:

- Suitability to undertake the responsibilities mentioned above at the required level
- At least 8 years of relevant professional experience
- Strong analytical and research capabilities and problem-solving skills
- Demonstrated ability to use quantitative methods, including econometric analysis
- Ability to liaise with Management and staff at all levels
- Ability to interact effectively with senior government officials and staff of other international organizations
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
- International experience working in development in several countries

Core Competencies:

Application of Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Regularly shares knowledge on new international best practice trends in comparator situations
• Proactively applies relevant international best practices to own work
• Convinces others to adopt international best practice by explaining the situational relevance and benefits

Client Orientation

• Helps colleagues work effectively with clients in different contexts and from diverse backgrounds and country situations
• Adapts own approach and style when interacting with clients, as opposed to requiring them to adapt
• Draws upon international best practice in exploring solutions with clients
• Confirms the clients’ understanding and agreement before progressing

Achieving Results and Problem Solving

• Draws on own and others’ multi-country experience to identify viable courses of action when conducting analyses
• Helps internal and external clients achieve quality results beyond presenting problems and precedent
• Highlights possible solutions for project issues based on relevant multi-country and/or multi-client experience
• Regularly contributes insights and experiences to colleagues in the Division to help them achieve quality results
• Overcomes unexpected difficulties and challenges to produce desired outcomes

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 the 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 based on lessons and multi-country experience
• 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 Relationships / Other Information:

• Supervisor: Senior Director, OREI
• The following staff positions may be supervised by the incumbent:
• Administrative Staff
• National Staff 

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