Head of Project Economics (Base in Beijing)

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank invites applications for the Head of Project Economics in the Economics Department. The role leads a team to assess the economic viability of AIIB-financed projects and to work closely with investment teams to underpin financing decisions.

We seek an experienced economist with a Ph.D. in economics, a strong track record in quantitative research, and excellent English communication skills.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree, preferably a Ph.D., in economics.
• Good track record of research including quantitative work on development issues.
• Excellent command of oral and written English.
• Strong people skills and ability to work with a diverse, multicultural team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the project economics team in the Economics Department, providing analytical leadership and supporting day-to-day project screening and approvals.
• Support investment teams to conduct in-depth cost-benefit analyses of infrastructure projects or review third-party CBAs.
• Support multiple impact assessment studies per year for AIIB projects.
• Support AIIB’s or the department’s publications.
• Build analytical capacity around projects and sector-level economics, and contribute to the network of research.
• Provide guidance to the team and support the growth of junior economists.
• Perform other assignments as required by senior management.

Skills

Analytical leadership

Team management

Quantitative research

English proficiency

Education

Ph.D. in economics

Job description

Head of Project Economics

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank whose mission is financing Infrastructure for Tomorrow in Asia and beyond-infrastructure with sustainability at its core. We began operations in Beijing in 2016 and have since grown to 110 approved members worldwide. We are capitalized at USD100 billion and AAA-rated by the major international credit rating agencies. Collaborating with partners, AIIB meets clients’ needs by unlocking new capital and investing in infrastructure that is green, technology-enabled, and promotes regional connectivity.
The Economics Department is responsible for economic thought leadership and analysis at AIIB, which includes macroeconomic monitoring, analysis of country and sector infrastructure needs, debt sustainability, and project economics. The department is responsible for AIIB’s annual flagship publication, Asian Infrastructure Finance. The department also supports investment operations in the Bank.
The Head of Project Economics will join the Economics Department and lead a team to conduct rigorous assessments of and/or review the economic viability of projects financed by AIIB. The candidate is expected to work closely with investment teams to support such assessments and reviews as well as provide strong analytical leadership to project-related economic issues.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the project economics team in the Economics Department, providing analytical leadership and supporting the department in managing day-to-day processes related to project screening and project approvals.
• Support investment teams to conduct in-depth cost benefit analysis (CBA) of infrastructure projects, or critically review the CBA of third parties, in support of AIIB’s financing decisions.
• Support two to three impact assessment studies per year for AIIB projects.
• Support AIIB’s or the department’s publications.
• Build up the suite of analytical capacity in the Bank, especially around projects and sector-level economics.
• Contribute to the network of research.
• Provide guidance to the team, and support the growth of junior economists.
• Perform any other assignments as required by senior management.

Requirements:

• Advanced university degree, preferably a Ph.D., in economics. The candidate is expected to have a good track record of research, including quantitative work, on development issues.
• Minimum 8-10 years of relevant professional experience. Good knowledge of practices in various international financial institutions will be welcomed.
• Strong knowledge of the methodologies of project assessments and in-depth knowledge on infrastructure sectors will be welcomed.
• Strong people skills and ability to work with a diverse, multicultural team.
• Excellent command of oral and written English.
• Candidates with a track record of working in international organizations or international think tanks on similar functions will be preferred.

AIIB is committed to diversity, transparency, and inclusion. We believe our strength comes from having a team with the right diverse skills, experiences, and abilities selected through a merit-based competitive process. We actively encourage applications from people from both within and outside AIIB members, regardless of nationality, religion, gender, race, disability, or sexual orientation.

Join in AIIB’s mission to promote sustainable infrastructure investments and to improve social and economic outcomes in Asia and beyond.

Previous experience and qualifications will determine the grade and job title at which successful applicants will enter AIIB.

ALL CURRENT VACANCIES * Closing Date: All opportunities close at 11:59 p.m. (GMT 8) on the dates listed.
** Job Type: Recruitment of staff is conducted through a merit-based competitive selection process. AIIB shall strive to provide employment opportunities open to all suitably qualified applicants, regardless of religion, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation or nationality.