(Senior) Research Economist

Background

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The Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) is seeking a (Senior) Research Economist. This is a Level C (senior) or Level D professional (international) staff position, based on ADBI standards depending on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. The position will lead in the conduct of economic research and contribute substantially to the production and dissemination of research outputs and publications. The position will provide policy advice to middle to top-level policymakers and government officials in the Asia-Pacific region.

The required specializations are:

• microeconomics and development economics, with a preferable focus on empirical and experimental economics, or
• macroeconomics and financial economics, with a preferable focus on open-economy stabilization, international trade and capital flows.

For this position, familiarity with advanced econometrics would be an advantage.

See ADBI’s research program.

Responsibilities

Economic research work

• Contribute substantially to ADBI publications and ADBI conferences/workshops.
• Lead in implementing an economic research program of the Department under the supervision of the Vice Chair of Research.
• Carry out independent work and produce high-quality research publications regularly.

Knowledge management

• Take a lead role in research dissemination and networking.
• Lead the organization of ADBI conferences as part of ADBI’s knowledge management.
• Participate in activities organized with ADB Headquarters and/or other international organizations or development partners.
• Submit research articles for publications and comments to ADBI blog on own initiative.

Staff supervision

• Take the role of task manager and supervisor for the work of research team members (e.g. consultants and research associates).
• Supervise the performance of reporting staff, providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance.

Core competencies

Technical knowledge and skills

• Demonstrated expertise in economic and development theories, with a strong understanding of their application to policy-oriented research.
• Strong theoretical and applied expertise in econometrics, complemented by demonstrated proficiency in machine learning and quantitative and spatial analytical tools, including Python, Stata, EViews, R, and ArcGIS.
• Able to apply technical skills in a team leadership role to resolve and manage complex issues in relation to development policy.
• Able to apply advanced knowledge of statistics and/or econometrics in economic research and analysis.
• Able to use technical expertise to advise and support developing member countries (DMCs) in conducting economic and policy analyses.

Client orientation

• Has a high level of understanding of the needs of key clients in DMCs (e.g. ADB Headquarters, government agencies of DMCs, other international organizations, think tanks, private sector parties, NGOs).
• Applies highly developed skills to support internal and external client groups.
• Seeks feedback from clients on the effectiveness of support provided.

Achieving results

• Focuses on achieving work-related deadlines to meet the expected results of the Department.
• Regularly monitors the progress of work assignments to meet performance targets on time.
• Prioritizes work to achieve maximum results.
• Delivers high-quality, policy-relevant research and publishes findings in leading field-specific and economics journals

Working together

• Develops team working skills of reporting staff.
• Motivates the team to work effectively, inclusively and respectfully together and with others outside the team.
• Works cooperatively with ADB Headquarters and other ADBI staff to resolve difficulties and conflicts in relation to priority areas and strategies.

Learning and knowledge sharing

• Develops innovative processes with staff for knowledge and information sharing.
• Empowers staff under supervision to make continuous improvements.
• Encourages the team to share their learning and knowledge.

Selection criteria

• A university degree in Economics at the Ph.D. or equivalent level.
• Suitability to undertake the responsibilities mentioned above at the required level.
• At least 7-8 years (or 10-12 years for senior level position), of relevant professional experience.
• Evidence of high-quality research output, including peer-reviewed journal publications, working papers, policy reports, edited volumes, monographs, and other knowledge products that contribute to policy debates in developing and emerging economies.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing survey-based, experimental, quasi-experimental, or applied econometric research in developing country contexts.
• Strong quantitative, analytical and conceptual skills in economics.
• Demonstrated expertise in conducting applied economic research and analysis relating to development issues and policy in developing and emerging economies.
• Demonstrated ability to manage research projects to coordinate multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams of researchers and manage conferences.
• Knowledge of social and economic development issues facing ADB’s developing member countries.
• Strong diplomatic skills to interact with senior officials, ADB member countries, and representatives from other international agencies, private sector, and civil society.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English with the ability to present research results in non-technical terms.
• Experience in working in a leading national/regional/international think tank or similar institution is desirable.
• Experience and interest in information technology, blogs, knowledge management and results-based management.
• Experience in working in several ADB DMCs is desirable.

Immediate reporting relationships

Supervisor: Dean or Vice Chair of Research

Application procedure

This is a special fixed term staff position based in Tokyo for an initial term of 3 years. At the ADBI’s sole option, the appointment may be extended on an exceptional basis for a further fixed term (generally up to 2 years). Conversion into a regular indefinite appointment is precluded. A special fixed term appointment will automatically and without prior notice expire at   the end of the original or extended term.

ADBI offers an internationally competitive compensation package based in US Dollars (paid in Japanese Yen). Salaries and expatriate benefits are generally free of tax except for citizens of some countries.

Applicants must be nationals of one of ADB’s member countries. International and regional experience will be taken into consideration.

Applicants are invited to apply online. Please attach a cover message, CV, and Personal History Form.

Applications should be submitted no later than 30 September 2026 at 17:00pm Tokyo time.

Upon submission, please wait for your application to load. Once completed, you will be redirected to a thank you page. Do not submit your application multiple times.

Women are encouraged to apply.

No telephone or e-mail submissions.

Only short-listed candidates will be notified.