ETHIOJOBS | World Bank is Hiring! (Economics & Finance) Positions in Addis Ababa
The World Bank Group, one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, has announced two prestigious, international leadership vacancies based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This is a rare opportunity for senior-level experts to lead high-impact economic and financial sector programs in one of the most dynamic and strategically important regions in Africa.
The Bank is seeking a Lead Economist and a Lead Financial Sector Specialist to join its team covering Ethiopia, Sudan, and South Sudan. These roles are central to supporting the region’s ambitious economic reforms and private sector-led growth. If you are a seasoned professional with a PhD or Master’s degree and over a decade of experience, this is your chance to shape development policy at the highest level.
About the Job
Why These Roles Matter: A Pivotal Moment for the Region
These are not typical advisory roles. The individuals selected will be at the forefront of the World Bank’s engagement during a period of significant transformation. Ethiopia is undergoing a profound economic revitalization, opening its economy to the private sector. Sudan has recently cleared its arrears, unlocking major new development financing, while South Sudan is showing prospects for stability and growth.
As a Lead Specialist, you will:
- Guide National Economic Strategy: Provide high-level advice to governments and stakeholders on macroeconomic, fiscal, and financial sector policies.
- Lead High-Impact Operations: Oversee the design and implementation of major World Bank lending instruments, including Development Policy Operations (DPOs).
- Shape the World Bank’s Vision: Lead analytical work and country engagement strategies that define the Bank’s priorities in the region.
- Mentor a Team of Experts: Provide guidance and leadership to a team of economists and specialists working across the country portfolio.
Position 1: Lead Economist
This role is for a top-tier macroeconomist who will lead the economic policy dialogue and analytical work program for the country management unit.
- Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the economic dialogue in Ethiopia, Sudan, and South Sudan, coordinating with internal and external partners.
- Provide guidance for and lead the preparation of Development Policy Operations and other lending instruments.
- Oversee the production of key analytical reports like Country Economic Memorandums.
- Mentor a group of economists and serve as a spokesperson on economic issues.
- Selection Criteria:
- PhD in Economics with at least twelve (12) years of relevant professional experience.
- Strong analytical skills in macroeconomic and fiscal management.
- Proven experience leading high-impact DPOs and a deep understanding of Bank procedures.
- Strong client-orientation and diplomatic skills.
Position 2: Lead Financial Sector Specialist
This role is for a senior financial expert who will lead the dialogue and reform agenda for the financial sector, focusing on stability, inclusion, and private sector development.
- Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the World Bank’s policy dialogue on financial sector development, including banking, capital markets, and financial inclusion.
- Provide technical leadership for lending operations and advisory services aimed at modernizing the financial system.
- Guide analytical work such as Financial Sector Assessments and Country Private Sector Diagnostics.
- Advise governments on financial stability, bank resolution, and regulatory reforms.
- Selection Criteria:
- PhD or Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, or a related field with at least twelve (12) years of relevant professional experience.
- Deep expertise in financial stability, financial inclusion, and capital markets development.
- Experience designing and implementing World Bank Group lending or advisory projects.
- Proven ability to engage with senior officials in central banks and ministries of finance.
How to Apply
Application Deadline: Friday, October 24, 2025 (at 11:59 PM UTC)
With the deadline just over a week away, interested and qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
The application process is exclusively online through the World Bank’s official careers portal.
- Prepare Your Application: Ensure your CV and cover letter are updated to reflect the selection criteria.
- Visit the Careers Portal: Go to the World Bank’s official career website.
- Find the Position: Search for the relevant job number to find the detailed vacancy announcement.
- For the Lead Economist, search for Job #req34596.
- For the Lead Financial Sector Specialist, search for its specific job number (e.g., #reqXXXXX).
- Submit Your Application: Follow the instructions to complete and submit your application before the deadline.
