Statistician – Economics
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Location:
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Salary:negotiable / YEAR
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Job type:FULL_TIME
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Posted:5 hours ago
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Category:
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Deadline:10/10/2024
JOB DESCRIPTION
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 poverty on a livable planet. 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. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org
The World Bank Development Data Group (DECDG), part of the Development Economics Vice Presidency, is dedicated to maximizing the value of development data to further the World Bank Group’s goal of eradicating extreme poverty and promoting prosperity on a sustainable planet. Inspired by the World Development Report 2021: Data for Better Lives, DECDG aims for a future where data drives decisions that enhance the well-being of the poor and marginalized. By providing global data public goods, conducting innovative research, forming partnerships, and leveraging specialized technical expertise, DECDG ensures that development data are high-quality, accessible, and extensively used and reused for worldwide development impact.
The Director of DECDG also holds the title of Chief Statistician of the World Bank Group, offering strategic vision for the institution’s work and innovations in development data and statistics. The Chief Statistician’s key responsibilities include: (i) leading and encouraging the adoption of standards and best practices for data and statistics within the World Bank; (ii) championing data innovations by advising Senior Leadership on significant data and statistics initiatives, setting strategic priorities for World Bank data governance, and nurturing collaboration among partners on data and statistics priorities; and (iii) representing the World Bank in global discussions and forums on data and statistics.
A dedicated team within DECDG, the Office of the Chief Statistician (DECCS), supports these efforts. Recently, the Office of the Chief Statistician has formulated a World Bank Group Policy on Development Data Quality, designed as a framework for data quality assurance, quality control, and quality improvement. Development data refers to data produced or disseminated by the Bank to facilitate international development or any related activities, excluding Bank Corporate data. To facilitate the implementation of this Policy, the Office of the Chief Statistician is developing technical guidance and tools for use by Bank staff and interested external parties.
We are looking for a highly qualified applied Statistician to join the Office of the Chief Statistician. The selected individual will be instrumental in advancing the Bank’s statistical standards and methodologies, in contributing to the establishment and application of best practices for social and economic statistics, and in supporting the Bank-wide implementation of the Policy on Development Data Quality. The Statistician will assist in developing, assessing, documenting, and disseminating standards and methods, and in promoting the adoption of statistical standards and best practices across the World Bank Group. Additionally, the role involves participating in the review processes of statistical products and processes. Finally, the Statistician will help create training materials and deliver training programs both within the Bank and in client countries.
Roles and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
-Contribute to the development or adaptation of statistical standards and methodologies for social and economic statistics in accordance with international best practices.
-Collaborate with other departments to ensure the implementation of robust statistical methods in the collection, processing, analysis, and dissemination of data within the Bank’s decentralized data ecosystem.
-Contribute to designing and implementing statistical and data quality assurance processes across the organization’s data outputs.
-Participate in independent evaluations concerning the statistical methods and standards utilized by the Bank for processing development data relative to best practices. These evaluations will emphasize developing and documenting model-based estimates of development data in selected significant Bank products. Notable products include high-profile flagship reports, inputs into the design of World Bank operations, and formal guidance on producing model-based estimates.
-Create tools to verify the quality of input data used by the Bank for generating statistical estimates in key Bank products.
-Develop tools for responsibly evaluating and applying innovative statistical estimation methods from academia in settings relevant to key Bank products.
-Provide expert advice on using statistical software, particularly focusing on R and/or Python.
-Contribute to training and capacity-building initiatives within the organization and with external partners.
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-Participate in international forums on statistical methodologies and quality standards.
-Occasionally, and upon request from operational departments of the Bank, conduct statistical analyses using advanced methods to support critical projects and policy-making efforts.
-Participate as and when relevant in other activities of DECDG.
The position is based in Washington, DC, USA. Candidates who are not willing to relocate to the Washington DC area should not apply.
Selection Criteria
•Master’s degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Social Sciences, or a related field with a significant applied and quantitative focus. PhD is highly preferred.
•At least 5 years of relevant professional experience or an equivalent blend of education and work experience.
•Extensive knowledge and familiarity with various applied statistical methods. Experience applying AI or machine learning techniques to statistical data, along with familiarity with geospatial data and the integration of geographic datasets in social and economic statistics, is highly advantageous.
•Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing statistical techniques and standards within social and economic contexts.
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•Proven proficiency in statistical quality assurance frameworks and procedures.
•Strong understanding of survey methodologies, administrative data systems, and methods for integrating multiple data sources.
•Advanced skills in R and/or Python for data analysis, statistical modeling, and reproducible research. Experience in developing R packages or Python libraries is an asset.
•Exceptional analytical thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and meticulous attention to detail.
•Excellent communication skills in English, including the ability to convey complex statistical concepts to non-technical audiences.
•Ability to operate effectively in a multicultural, international setting and collaborate across departments and regions.
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.
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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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