Senior Urban Specialist
Apply NowCompany: The World Bank Group
Location: Indianapolis, IN 46288
Description:
Senior Urban Specialist
Job #:
req32681
Organization:
World Bank
Sector:
Urban
Grade:
GG
Term Duration:
3 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment
Location:
Abuja,Nigeria
Required Language(s):
English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date:
4/24/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
The WorldBank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge fordeveloping countries; a unique global partnership of five institutionsdedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. With 189member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public andprivate sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data,research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent globalchallenges. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.
The"Urban, Resilience and Land" (URL) Global Practice
Urbanizationis occurring at an unprecedented pace. Cities generate 80% of global GDP andare key to job creation and the pursuit of shared prosperity. Yet one billioncity residents live in slums today, and by 2030 one billion new migrants willarrive in cities. This concentration of people and assets will exacerbate riskexposure to adverse natural events and climate change, which affects the poordisproportionately. The absence of secure land tenure underpins deprivation andis a major source of conflict in the urban and rural space. One and a halfbillion people live in countries affected by repeated cycles of violence. Inthe absence of services, participative planning and responsive institutions,these trends will result in increased poverty, social exclusion, vulnerabilityand violence. Finally, avoiding a 4-degree warmer world requires drasticallyreducing the carbon footprint of cities.
The WBG isin a unique position to support national and sub-national clients to: harnessurbanization and enable effective land management in support of both growth andpoverty reduction; foster social inclusion of marginalized groups; support theresponsiveness and fiscal, financial, and management capacities of localgovernments - cities, municipalities, and rural districts - to deliver localinfrastructure and decentralized services; strengthen resilience and riskmanagement related to natural disasters; reduce conflict and violence; scale-upaccess to finance for sub-national governments; and reduce the carbon footprintof cities. The WBG brings a combination of lending ($7-8 billion in annuallending to cities), analytical and advisory services (e.g., social inclusionflagship, urbanization reviews, Sendai dialogue), its growing portfolio ofreimbursable advisory services, its convening power (e.g., understanding riskand the land conferences), its leveraging capacity (e.g., guarantees and riskmitigation), and its ability to work with the private sector to tackle thechallenges at scale and to effect.
The URL GPcovers a wide gamut: (i) developing green, inclusive and resilient cities; (ii)enhancing urban and rural development through supporting and managing theurban-rural transition, assisting local development through developing landtenure, management and information systems; and (iii) assisting in disasterrisk management through issues of risk assessment, risk reduction (includingflood management, urban drainage, coastal management, and retrofitting ofinfrastructure), disaster preparedness (including hydromet services, earlywarning systems, and civil defense), risk financing (including Cat DDO), andresilient reconstruction (including post-disaster damage and loss assessment).
Regional andUnit Context
Urbanizationin Sub-Saharan Africa is occurring at an unprecedented pace. The share ofAfricans living in urban areas is projected to grow from 38 percent in 2016 toalmost 60 percent by 2040, translating to an additional 40,000 new urbancitizens every day until 2040. The region's urbanization rate, one of thehighest in the world, can lead to economic growth, transformation and poverty.However, many cities in Africa still have not fully captured the benefits ofurbanization and poorly managed urbanization have exacerbated existinginfrastructure challenges, resulting in increased inequality, urban poverty,proliferation of informal settlements and vulnerability to hazards. Adversenatural events present a serious obstacle for achieving sustainable social andeconomic development, particularly in vulnerable regions as Sub-Saharan Africa.Disaster affects the poor most severely; unplanned human settlements, unsafebuilding practices, high population densities, economic growth, andaccumulations of assets in risk prone areas has dramatically increased exposureto hazards and increased disaster loss. Climate changed has the potential tosignificantly worsen the situation.
To this end,the AFW Urban, Resilience and Land Units brings together a wide range ofimportant and interrelated development and financing instruments to supportnational and sub-national clients to: harness urbanization and enable effectiveland management in support of both growth and poverty reduction; foster socialinclusion of marginalized groups; support the responsiveness and fiscal,financial, and management capacities of local governments - cities,municipalities, and rural districts - to deliver local infrastructure anddecentralized services; strengthen resilience and disaster risk managementrelated to natural disasters; reduce conflict and violence; scale-up access tofinance for sub-national governments; and reduce the carbon footprint of cities.
Position context
The WestAfrica sub-region harbors some of Africa's protracted conflicts, rendering manyof its countries fragile. This creates a huge development challenge whichcompounded with other natural shocks like floods and droughts, impacts heavilyon the lives and livelihoods of people. But it also creates an opportunity towork closely with country leaders, civil society, development partners, andyoung people to chart a brighter course for the future. The WBG's experience inAfrica offers important source of insight, drawing on an array of lessonslearned from multi-sector operations in FCV or disaster-conflict nexussituations.
TheAFW Urban, Resilience and Land Units (IAWU4) brings together a wide range ofimportant and interrelated development and financing instruments to supportnational and sub-national clients to: harness urbanization and enable effectiveland management in support of both growth and poverty reduction; foster socialinclusion of marginalized groups; support the responsiveness and fiscal,financial, and management capacities of local governments - cities,municipalities, and rural districts - to deliver local infrastructure anddecentralized services; strengthen resilience and disaster risk managementrelated to natural hazards; reduce conflict and violence; scale-up access tofinance for sub-national governments; and reduce the carbon footprint ofcities.
IAWU4Unit is seeking a highly qualified and motivated Senior Urban Specialist (GG).The Senior Urban Specialist will be based in Abuja, Nigeria and will report tothe IAWU4 Practice Manager based in Accra. He/She will work on the Urban programin the area of urban development and infrastructure, with a particular focus onNigeria. He/She will be expected to provide technical support in operationaland analytical tasks, including but not limited to the preparation andimplementation of lending operations, operational and analytical projects,engagements across various global practices, and support the furtherdevelopment of the urban programs through a range of Bank instruments andengagement modalities. Given the multi-GP nature of the urban agenda, the SeniorUrban Specialist is expected to demonstrate the highest collaborativecompetencies, working with colleagues across the range of technical areaswithin the unit and, equally importantly, from other Global Practices.
Roles andResponsibilities
The Senior Urban Specialist'sresponsibilities will include, but will not be limited to the following:
Lead engagement in Urban sector through existing country program and provide technical support towards the promotion and implementation of the Urban resilience agenda, including through participation in our dialogue with clients and CMU.
Provide technical and thought leadership on Urban strategy development and portfolio management, including in maintaining engagement with a range of stakeholders within the Bank, and with clients and development partners in Nigeria.
Participate in, co-lead, and lead task operational and analytical activities including preparation and implementation support towards lending operations and development and implementation of cutting-edge analytical instruments and knowledge products.
Lead and contribute to regional and country level policy dialogue and just-in-time advisory work in climate resilience and adaptation, and urban resilience including cross-sectoral engagements such as Country Partnership Framework, CCDR and other CMU-led activities.
Work closely with national and sub-national clients to respond to Urban challenges through analytical work and lending operations, particularly in the areas of flood resilience, land, municipal finance, solid waste management, urban planning among others.
Help adapt global good practice to local context and advise government counterpart and Bank teams on matters related to green, resilient and inclusive urban development.
Supervise the work of consultants and technical specialists to ensure consistency and conformity to Bank standards; evaluate studies and sector-related project documentation.
Manage Trust Fund (TF) activities including preparation and review of grant proposals, consultation on technical issues, preparation of progress reports, project briefings, disbursements and quality control of deliverables.
Participate in professional development and knowledge sharing activities in the URL Global Practice, the GSGs, and contribute specific knowledge both within the assigned countries and in the World Bank.
Provide coaching mentoring on-the-job to junior team members, extended term consultants and junior professionals in the unit; and
Perform other duties and functions as assigned by the Practice Manager.
Selection Criteria
Advanced university degree (Masters) in a field relevant to urban development, such urban or regional planning, economics, geography, municipal finance, infrastructure engineering, public policy, political science, or a related field.
At least eight years of relevant experience in urban development program or urban infrastructure development, integrated multi sector operations.
Understanding of fragile and low-capacity context.
Supporting/providing leadership on stakeholder engagement.
Demonstrated leadership skills leading complex operations, sector policy and engagement strategies, and analytical works.
Demonstrated experience of bringing global knowledge, best practice international experience and fit for purpose innovation into operations and sector engagements.
Strong motivation to work in the urban, DRM, and land fields and ability to work flexibly and independently on a range of assignments, adjusting to and prioritizing a variety of complex evolving tasks.
Demonstrated relationship management skills with internal stakeholders (CMUs, PGs), external clients, and development partners.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to lead teams and function effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
High energy and demonstrated interest and experience in achieving impact through operational and analytical work.
Strong communication skills, including the ability to write quickly and concisely on a variety of topics in a well-structured manner and deliver complex concepts and messages orally in an understandable and compelling manner.
Excellent and effective command of English in verbal and written forms required.
WBG Core Competencies:
Drive for Results: Takes personal responsibility for producing high quality work, identifying and informing of risks, and delivering results for clients
Lead and Innovate: Brings new and different insight; applies critical thinking to current approaches, identifies areas for improvement and tries new solutions that drive results
Collaborate Within Teams and Across Boundaries - Keeps others fully informed to ensure integration and work consistency and displays a sense of mutuality and respect.
Create, Apply and Share Knowledge - Actively contributes to and readily applies WBG's body of knowledge for internal and/or external client solutions
Make Smart Decisions - Leverages available data and makes timely decision; seeks and analyzes facts, data and lessons of past experience to support sound, logical decisions regarding own and others' work.
Note: Ifthe selected candidate is a current World Bank Group Staff Member with aRegular or Open-Ended appointment, they will retain their Regular or Open-Endedappointment. If the selected candidate is a current World Bank Group StaffMember with a Term appointment that expires later than the end date of thisappointment, they will retain the duration of their current Term appointment.
World Bank Group Core Competencies
The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.
Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.
Job #:
req32681
Organization:
World Bank
Sector:
Urban
Grade:
GG
Term Duration:
3 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment
Location:
Abuja,Nigeria
Required Language(s):
English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date:
4/24/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
The WorldBank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge fordeveloping countries; a unique global partnership of five institutionsdedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. With 189member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public andprivate sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data,research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent globalchallenges. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.
The"Urban, Resilience and Land" (URL) Global Practice
Urbanizationis occurring at an unprecedented pace. Cities generate 80% of global GDP andare key to job creation and the pursuit of shared prosperity. Yet one billioncity residents live in slums today, and by 2030 one billion new migrants willarrive in cities. This concentration of people and assets will exacerbate riskexposure to adverse natural events and climate change, which affects the poordisproportionately. The absence of secure land tenure underpins deprivation andis a major source of conflict in the urban and rural space. One and a halfbillion people live in countries affected by repeated cycles of violence. Inthe absence of services, participative planning and responsive institutions,these trends will result in increased poverty, social exclusion, vulnerabilityand violence. Finally, avoiding a 4-degree warmer world requires drasticallyreducing the carbon footprint of cities.
The WBG isin a unique position to support national and sub-national clients to: harnessurbanization and enable effective land management in support of both growth andpoverty reduction; foster social inclusion of marginalized groups; support theresponsiveness and fiscal, financial, and management capacities of localgovernments - cities, municipalities, and rural districts - to deliver localinfrastructure and decentralized services; strengthen resilience and riskmanagement related to natural disasters; reduce conflict and violence; scale-upaccess to finance for sub-national governments; and reduce the carbon footprintof cities. The WBG brings a combination of lending ($7-8 billion in annuallending to cities), analytical and advisory services (e.g., social inclusionflagship, urbanization reviews, Sendai dialogue), its growing portfolio ofreimbursable advisory services, its convening power (e.g., understanding riskand the land conferences), its leveraging capacity (e.g., guarantees and riskmitigation), and its ability to work with the private sector to tackle thechallenges at scale and to effect.
The URL GPcovers a wide gamut: (i) developing green, inclusive and resilient cities; (ii)enhancing urban and rural development through supporting and managing theurban-rural transition, assisting local development through developing landtenure, management and information systems; and (iii) assisting in disasterrisk management through issues of risk assessment, risk reduction (includingflood management, urban drainage, coastal management, and retrofitting ofinfrastructure), disaster preparedness (including hydromet services, earlywarning systems, and civil defense), risk financing (including Cat DDO), andresilient reconstruction (including post-disaster damage and loss assessment).
Regional andUnit Context
Urbanizationin Sub-Saharan Africa is occurring at an unprecedented pace. The share ofAfricans living in urban areas is projected to grow from 38 percent in 2016 toalmost 60 percent by 2040, translating to an additional 40,000 new urbancitizens every day until 2040. The region's urbanization rate, one of thehighest in the world, can lead to economic growth, transformation and poverty.However, many cities in Africa still have not fully captured the benefits ofurbanization and poorly managed urbanization have exacerbated existinginfrastructure challenges, resulting in increased inequality, urban poverty,proliferation of informal settlements and vulnerability to hazards. Adversenatural events present a serious obstacle for achieving sustainable social andeconomic development, particularly in vulnerable regions as Sub-Saharan Africa.Disaster affects the poor most severely; unplanned human settlements, unsafebuilding practices, high population densities, economic growth, andaccumulations of assets in risk prone areas has dramatically increased exposureto hazards and increased disaster loss. Climate changed has the potential tosignificantly worsen the situation.
To this end,the AFW Urban, Resilience and Land Units brings together a wide range ofimportant and interrelated development and financing instruments to supportnational and sub-national clients to: harness urbanization and enable effectiveland management in support of both growth and poverty reduction; foster socialinclusion of marginalized groups; support the responsiveness and fiscal,financial, and management capacities of local governments - cities,municipalities, and rural districts - to deliver local infrastructure anddecentralized services; strengthen resilience and disaster risk managementrelated to natural disasters; reduce conflict and violence; scale-up access tofinance for sub-national governments; and reduce the carbon footprint of cities.
Position context
The WestAfrica sub-region harbors some of Africa's protracted conflicts, rendering manyof its countries fragile. This creates a huge development challenge whichcompounded with other natural shocks like floods and droughts, impacts heavilyon the lives and livelihoods of people. But it also creates an opportunity towork closely with country leaders, civil society, development partners, andyoung people to chart a brighter course for the future. The WBG's experience inAfrica offers important source of insight, drawing on an array of lessonslearned from multi-sector operations in FCV or disaster-conflict nexussituations.
TheAFW Urban, Resilience and Land Units (IAWU4) brings together a wide range ofimportant and interrelated development and financing instruments to supportnational and sub-national clients to: harness urbanization and enable effectiveland management in support of both growth and poverty reduction; foster socialinclusion of marginalized groups; support the responsiveness and fiscal,financial, and management capacities of local governments - cities,municipalities, and rural districts - to deliver local infrastructure anddecentralized services; strengthen resilience and disaster risk managementrelated to natural hazards; reduce conflict and violence; scale-up access tofinance for sub-national governments; and reduce the carbon footprint ofcities.
IAWU4Unit is seeking a highly qualified and motivated Senior Urban Specialist (GG).The Senior Urban Specialist will be based in Abuja, Nigeria and will report tothe IAWU4 Practice Manager based in Accra. He/She will work on the Urban programin the area of urban development and infrastructure, with a particular focus onNigeria. He/She will be expected to provide technical support in operationaland analytical tasks, including but not limited to the preparation andimplementation of lending operations, operational and analytical projects,engagements across various global practices, and support the furtherdevelopment of the urban programs through a range of Bank instruments andengagement modalities. Given the multi-GP nature of the urban agenda, the SeniorUrban Specialist is expected to demonstrate the highest collaborativecompetencies, working with colleagues across the range of technical areaswithin the unit and, equally importantly, from other Global Practices.
Roles andResponsibilities
The Senior Urban Specialist'sresponsibilities will include, but will not be limited to the following:
Lead engagement in Urban sector through existing country program and provide technical support towards the promotion and implementation of the Urban resilience agenda, including through participation in our dialogue with clients and CMU.
Provide technical and thought leadership on Urban strategy development and portfolio management, including in maintaining engagement with a range of stakeholders within the Bank, and with clients and development partners in Nigeria.
Participate in, co-lead, and lead task operational and analytical activities including preparation and implementation support towards lending operations and development and implementation of cutting-edge analytical instruments and knowledge products.
Lead and contribute to regional and country level policy dialogue and just-in-time advisory work in climate resilience and adaptation, and urban resilience including cross-sectoral engagements such as Country Partnership Framework, CCDR and other CMU-led activities.
Work closely with national and sub-national clients to respond to Urban challenges through analytical work and lending operations, particularly in the areas of flood resilience, land, municipal finance, solid waste management, urban planning among others.
Help adapt global good practice to local context and advise government counterpart and Bank teams on matters related to green, resilient and inclusive urban development.
Supervise the work of consultants and technical specialists to ensure consistency and conformity to Bank standards; evaluate studies and sector-related project documentation.
Manage Trust Fund (TF) activities including preparation and review of grant proposals, consultation on technical issues, preparation of progress reports, project briefings, disbursements and quality control of deliverables.
Participate in professional development and knowledge sharing activities in the URL Global Practice, the GSGs, and contribute specific knowledge both within the assigned countries and in the World Bank.
Provide coaching mentoring on-the-job to junior team members, extended term consultants and junior professionals in the unit; and
Perform other duties and functions as assigned by the Practice Manager.
Selection Criteria
Advanced university degree (Masters) in a field relevant to urban development, such urban or regional planning, economics, geography, municipal finance, infrastructure engineering, public policy, political science, or a related field.
At least eight years of relevant experience in urban development program or urban infrastructure development, integrated multi sector operations.
Understanding of fragile and low-capacity context.
Supporting/providing leadership on stakeholder engagement.
Demonstrated leadership skills leading complex operations, sector policy and engagement strategies, and analytical works.
Demonstrated experience of bringing global knowledge, best practice international experience and fit for purpose innovation into operations and sector engagements.
Strong motivation to work in the urban, DRM, and land fields and ability to work flexibly and independently on a range of assignments, adjusting to and prioritizing a variety of complex evolving tasks.
Demonstrated relationship management skills with internal stakeholders (CMUs, PGs), external clients, and development partners.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to lead teams and function effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
High energy and demonstrated interest and experience in achieving impact through operational and analytical work.
Strong communication skills, including the ability to write quickly and concisely on a variety of topics in a well-structured manner and deliver complex concepts and messages orally in an understandable and compelling manner.
Excellent and effective command of English in verbal and written forms required.
WBG Core Competencies:
Drive for Results: Takes personal responsibility for producing high quality work, identifying and informing of risks, and delivering results for clients
Lead and Innovate: Brings new and different insight; applies critical thinking to current approaches, identifies areas for improvement and tries new solutions that drive results
Collaborate Within Teams and Across Boundaries - Keeps others fully informed to ensure integration and work consistency and displays a sense of mutuality and respect.
Create, Apply and Share Knowledge - Actively contributes to and readily applies WBG's body of knowledge for internal and/or external client solutions
Make Smart Decisions - Leverages available data and makes timely decision; seeks and analyzes facts, data and lessons of past experience to support sound, logical decisions regarding own and others' work.
Note: Ifthe selected candidate is a current World Bank Group Staff Member with aRegular or Open-Ended appointment, they will retain their Regular or Open-Endedappointment. If the selected candidate is a current World Bank Group StaffMember with a Term appointment that expires later than the end date of thisappointment, they will retain the duration of their current Term appointment.
World Bank Group Core Competencies
The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.
Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.