Research Analyst (Economics)

Job Description

Research Analyst (Economics) ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT

Found below is the Opportunity Profile for the position of Research Analyst (Economics), in the Economics Department at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). The profile consists of a description of the job, the qualifications and competencies required, and a brief description of the Bank. Additional information on the Bank may be obtained from the Bank’s website (www.caribank.org).

Before you proceed to apply, please consider the following requirements:

1. You must be a national of one of CDB’s member countries.
2. You will be required to produce evidence of any educational and professional qualifications to support your application if you are selected for an interview.
3. All appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks and references.

CDB is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex or religion. In order to be considered for this position, you must submit the following items:

1. A cover letter addressed to the Deputy Director, Human Resources, outlining how your experience and qualifications match the profile described; and
2. A résumé or CV indicating nationality, and including the names and contact information (telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) for four persons who know you and your work well enough to comment on your suitability for this role.

CDB fully respects the need for confidentiality of information supplied and assures you that your background and interest will not be discussed with anyone including references, without your prior consent.

Please submit your résumé online, as indicated on the CDB website, with the required information in Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) format, in English. The deadline for submission of applications is March 8, 2017 at 23:00 hrs EST.

We thank you for your interest.

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INTRODUCTION

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB/the Bank) is seeking motivated, open-minded, and self-directed individuals to assume the position role of Research Analyst in the Economics Department. The successful candidates will be based at CDB’s headquarters in St. Michael, Barbados.

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

CDB is a regional multilateral development bank which was established in October 1969 to contribute to the harmonious economic growth and development of the member countries in the Caribbean Region and to promote economic cooperation and integration among them, having special and urgent regard to the needs of the less-developed members of the Region. CDB began operations in January 1970 and has become a leading catalyst for providing development financing, technical assistance and policy advice to its Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) for the reduction of poverty.

CDB’s member countries are Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, the British Virgin Islands, Canada, the Cayman Islands, Colombia, Dominica, Germany, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Montserrat, The People’s Republic of China, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the United Kingdom and Venezuela.

CDB is committed to the objectives of sustainable development in all of its dimensions. It promotes the achievement of inclusive growth and supports initiatives that strengthen BMCs’ resilience to external economic shocks and the effects of natural hazards and that address gender equality, poverty reduction and inequality and environmental sustainability.

CDB adheres to the highest standards of integrity, ethics, compliance, transparency and accountability with zero tolerance for fraud, corruption, money laundering, financing of terrorism and similarly corrosive conduct. CDB also works to ensure that the projects it finances do not cause environmental or social harm.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Economics Department is accountable for the formulation of country strategies to guide the Bank’s financial and Technical Assistance (TA) operations in the BMCs. It is also responsible for monitoring and analysis of economic, social and political developments in the BMCs; policy advice and reporting on relevant industrial sectors, social and environmental sectors; and training in economic management.

THE ROLE

The Research Analyst (Economics) performs professional level analytical work in a variety of assignments in support of the work of the Economics Department and assists the Economists with project research, analysis and reporting responsibilities. The Research Analyst (Economics) will be responsible for data reporting, analysis, and project coordination. Holders of the Research Analyst (Economics) role will have the opportunity to:

work closely with the economists including the Management of the Department (Director and Deputy Director) on pertinent economics research that is relevant to the challenges facing Caribbean economies;

gain a deeper understanding of development economics and development banking and the impact of the work CDB does.

work collaboratively with internationally experienced professionals from the Caribbean region and our member countries; and

gain insights into economic management and policy advice with a regional employer of choice.

The Bank’s programme combines learning, structured development, and theoretical concepts thus offering a real opportunity with genuine responsibility for career progression at an early stage.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Research Analyst (Economics) will be required to deliver timely, high quality economic research on issues affecting the Bank’s BMCs and the global economy. They will engage in quantitative and qualitative economics research, statistical data and information aggregation, analysis and modelling, preparation policy briefs, research papers, presentations and speeches, and will also play a role in the assessment of the economic and social risks in CDB’s BMCs. Specifically, the Research Analyst (Economics) will be required to:

1. Collect and process economic and statistical data using methods of quantitative and qualitative analysis and modelling.
2. Compile, analyse, and report data, applying models and statistical techniques to explain economic phenomena, and forecast trends or patterns that could guide future decisions on important Bank matters and provide policy advice.
3. Formulate recommendations, policies or plans to solve economic problems.
4. Work closely with the statistical function of the Economics Department in developing and updating macroeconomic models for the Department’s surveillance work.
5. Work closely with economists on policy-based loans and country strategy papers.
6. Present their own work and research findings, and share and disseminate technical knowledge with internal and external audiences through, for example, technical reports or publication of articles.
7. Provide background material and research that will assist the Director with policy advice to policymakers.
8. Prepare communications from the Economics Department including policy briefs, presentations, seminars and speeches.
9. Lead projects assigned by the Director or Deputy Director.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES Technical Grounding and Expertise

The Research Analyst (Economics) must have:

• A first degree.
• A Master’s degree in Economics.
• 1 years’ work experience; and
• A strong understanding of development issues.

The Research Analyst (Economics) must have the ability to conduct detailed research and analysis that can result in constructive findings that would form the basis for addressing the root cause of economic problems facing CDB’s BMCs and the global economy. The Research Analyst (Economics) must be detailed and results-oriented and demonstrate a positive attitude and a high level of enthusiasm for the role and the field of Economics.

Function-Specific Competencies

The Research Analyst (Economics) should have the following attributes:

• Ability to effectively apply statistical concepts to analysis.
• Ability to deliver timely, high-quality outputs that meet the specified brief.
• Ability to demonstrate strong critical thinking skills.
• Ability to communicate and listen effectively.
• Ability to organise, interpret and present information in a meaningful way to diverse audiences.
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of ethical behaviour.
• Flexibility and willingness to travel as required.

Core Technical Skills

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word and Excel, PowerPoint, Access and statistical packages such as SPSS.
• Strong time management skills.
• Excellent research skills.
• Excellent writing skills.

Organisational Competencies

Our people need to demonstrate a defined set of core skills and behaviours. We refer to these as our organisational competencies. They are integral to who we are as an organisation. Candidates are also assessed for these competencies within our recruitment process to benchmark their skills and behaviours. The successful candidate should have a high level of proficiency in the following competencies:

Leadership

Strategic Focus, Analytical Thinking, Stress Management, Developing Others, Building Strategic

Partnerships, Inspiring Trust, Fostering Creativity, Knowledge Capture and Sharing, Resiliency, Facilitating Change, Negotiating and Dialogue; and

Core

A Strong Client Focus, Drive for Continuous Development, Excellent Communication Skills,

Teamwork, Integrity and Results Orientation.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

This is a full-time position with the successful candidates being contracted on a two-year basis initially.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.