Senior Economist - Climate Policy, Regulatory and Institutional Reforms (Based in Beijing, China)

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 providing thought leadership within AIIB and ensuring economic sustainability of projects financed by AIIB. The department is organized around five pillars: (a) macroeconomics and finance (b) project economics and finance (c) research and development impact (d) crosscutting issues, including climate (e) ecosystem development to build collaborations and networks.

The Economics Department is looking to hire senior economists to support AIIB’s policy-based lending to support climate change commitments of Members. Successful candidates will be part of interdepartmental teams that initiate, implement and monitor climate-focused policy-based lending to Member economies. Their role will include:

• Assessing and designing economic policies, institutions, frameworks, regulations and reforms aimed at advancing national climate plans and promoting investment into related infrastructure, both public and private.
• Engaging in and maintaining related in-country policy dialogue.
• Assessing macroeconomic and budget frameworks for policy-based lending.

They will also contribute to other core functions of the Economics Department. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Providing solid country-specific analysis on policies, institutions, regulations and frameworks related to climate change, climate transition, green infrastructure investment (public and private)—and the necessary reforms, as well as assessing the adequacy of macroeconomic and budget frameworks for policy-based lending.
• Engaging country authorities in policy dialogues on the above issues.
• Designing policy measures and parameters for AIIB policy-based financing; monitoring progress, and conducting post hoc assessment of lending operations.
• Supporting the Economics Department to advance research and thought leadership, particularly on climate and environmental issues.
• Conducting or leading fresh research to bring new perspectives on climate change mitigation and adaptation.
• Contributing to the Bank’s project operations by conducting macroeconomic monitoring, cost-benefit analysis and assessing development impact.

Requirements:

• An experienced economist with a postgraduate degree in economics (PhD is preferred), and minimum 10 years of relevant experience in international organizations, investment banks, think-tanks, government agencies or financial institutions.
• Strong expertise and experience in climate change relevant disciplines (e.g., energy economics, environment economics, sustainable development, climate change modelling, climate finance, transition planning, business environment, green investment, etc.).
• Experience in macroeconomic and fiscal policy setting as pertains to policy-based lending would be a plus.
• An academic research record in climate economics or policy relevant publications would be a bonus.
• Experience in applied climate policy setting and country dialogues are key requirements.
• Experience in policy-based financing, grant making, target setting and monitoring would be preferred.
• A good understanding of specific countries NDCs, institutional context, governance and reform agenda and experience with infrastructure projects would be a bonus.
• Ability to deal effectively and diplomatically with country authorities.
• Excellent communication skills, oral and written English.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a proven track record to work independently and in a team setting, and to adapt and work under tight deadlines and in a multicultural environment.

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 us and help create a prosperous and sustainable Asia while growing your career in a diverse and innovative environment.