The World Bank data analytics and tools group is looking for a part-time consultant to help implement state-of-the-art forecasting models of economic activity using the news media. The project will be led in collaboration with the IMF research department and will build on existing projects including:
News Sentiment and Cross-Country Fluctuations
Media Sentiment and International Asset Prices
The candidate’s responsibilities include but are not limited to:
* Conducting a thorough review of the empirical literature interested in forecasting (and nowcasting) standard measures economic activity (GDP, unemployment, etc..) using large data inputs (i.e. Big data)
* Collecting data and implementing time series forecasting (and nowcasting) models (i) in a reproducible way and (ii) using standard packages (R, Python, or Matlab)
* Collaborating on the production of a peer-reviewed research paper
* Collaborating on the production of a global public good dataset similar to
http://www.policyuncertainty.com/
http://www.thebillionpricesproject.com/
Ideal candidate:
* PhD student (3 years or more) in Economics, Applied Statistics, or Machine Learning
* Strong knowledge of (i) standard economic statistics (ii) time series forecasting and nowcasting models based on high-dimensional/large datasets (e.g. factor models) and/or real time data (e.g. mixed frequency data).
* Strong coding experience in Python, R, or Matlab
* Drive to produce high quality analytical work
* Dynamic, independent and self-motivated
* Strong interpersonal skills
* Knowledge of GitHub standards is a plus
