Economist, OCE/PSEMC

About the Project

Through the Private Sector Engagement Modernization Contract (PSEMC), Dexis supports the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID's) PSE Hub to expand and deepen collaboration with the private sector, and foster conditions that enable the private sector to advance development outcomes.. The PSE Hub works to transform and modernize how USAID does development by institutionalizing USAID's PSE policy and delivering capacity- and systems-building support for PSE across all sectors, operating units, and countries where USAID operates. PSEMC provides technical assistance and capacity building to USAID Missions, Bureaus, and Independent Offices in support of PSE.

About the Position

Dexis is seeking an Economist to support USAID's independent Office of the Chief Economist's (OCE's) Macroeconomic Policy Engagement Team. The Office of the Chief Economist (OCE)-led by the Agency Chief Economist-brings stronger economic theory and evidence to bear on the Agency's work. Toward this end, OCE's three-pillar strategy centers on: (1) promoting the use of cost-effectiveness evidence in Agency decision-making; (2) promoting the generation of cost-effectiveness evidence that the Agency is uniquely placed to catalyze; and (3) providing macroeconomic analysis and advice to Agency leadership. Specifically, the Economist will support a top USAID priority of helping countries avoid or address sovereign debt crises and their crippling effects on investment, trade, and private capital mobilization.

The position will be based in Washington, D.C. working in USAID's headquarters office. Availability for up to 20 percent of time in travel status is required. Ad hoc telework arrangements for 1-4 days per pay period may be available.

Responsibilities

The Economist will provide guidance, analysis, and expertise on a range of macroeconomics policy issues. They will assist in providing counsel to the OCE's operations; support the OCE in strengthening the USAID economics community; support the OCE's efforts to recruit and develop new Agency economic expertise; serve as a liaison and POC to USAID Missions, Bureaus, and staff on development macroeconomic issues; and execute related functions and responsibilities such as:

• Monitor global economic and financial conditions as relevant to USAID policies and the Agency's economic growth and private sector engagement strategies;
• Support in responding to Mission and other Operating Unit (OU) requests for macro-related information and activity design. This will include but is not limited to coverage of technical areas such as sovereign debt, public financial management, private sector engagement, blended finance, and economic governance;
• Conduct economic policy analysis using methods such as debt sustainability analysis, trend analysis, cross-country comparisons, computed general equilibrium modeling, regulatory impact assessments, and related techniques.
• Apply macroeconomic theory and historical experience to evaluate macroeconomic risks in partner country economies and their implications for private sector activity and growth;
• Inform and support the development of USAID strategies to ensure macroeconomic considerations are incorporated.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Master's degree and a minimum of 3 - 8 years of progressively responsible experience in international development related to macroeconomics, public financial management (PFM), and/or domestic resource mobilization (DRM);
• OR a bachelor's degree and at least 5 -10 years of progressively responsible experience in international development related to macroeconomics, PFM and/or DRM.
• Expertise must include the use of development assistance to strengthen government revenue (e.g., revenue policy or administration), PFM (e.g., budgeting, internal control, audit, or other), and/or debt management in developing countries.
• Experience conducting at least one specific type of analysis related to macroeconomics, including but not limited to: debt sustainability analysis, trend analysis, cross-country comparisons, computed general equilibrium modeling, regulatory impact assessments.
• Demonstrable experience working successfully as an individual and as part of a team.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to produce and edit written documents in English.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
• All candidates must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Facilities Access Clearance or higher-level security clearance.

Preferred

• Previous experience working on DRM or PFM projects in one or more USAID partner countries.
• Experience conducting multiple types of analysis related to macroeconomics, including but not limited to: debt sustainability analysis, trend analysis, cross-country comparisons, computed general equilibrium modeling, regulatory impact assessments.
• Experience working for or closely with multilateral or international financial institutions such as but not limited to: the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, etc.
• Active Facilities Access Clearance or Secret-level Clearance.

All applicants are measured on how they foster a climate of respect in interactions with others, value differing perspectives, and treat others in a fair, equitable, and culturally sensitive manner. All employees and consultants are expected to value diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in performing everyday duties and responsibilities.

Dexis is committed to compensating its employees fairly and equitably. Salary is based on the level of expertise a position calls for, and the mastery that a candidate brings to the role. Dexis will consider a range of experience for this role, as outlined in the qualifications, starting at a range of $95,000 to $115,000. Higher salaries can be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates.