Social Protection Specialist
Apply NowCompany: The World Bank Group
Location: Washington, DC 20011
Description:
Social Protection Specialist
Job #:
req32339
Organization:
World Bank
Sector:
Social Protection
Grade:
GF
Term Duration:
4 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment
Location:
Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s):
English
Preferred Language(s):
English
Closing Date:
4/1/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.
People Practice Group (PPG)
The WBG is the largest provider of development finance and solutions for human development working with high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries to develop country-tailored solutions for human development under the themes of education, health, social protection, jobs and gender. The PPG coordinates with other Practice Groups to ensure a coordinated and integrated approach to development challenges, and through the World Bank Regional Units is expected to deliver the strongest and most pertinent support to our client countries.
The Social Protection (SP) Global Practice
Social Protection Global Practice assists individuals and families, especially the poor and vulnerable, in coping with crises and shocks, finding employment, investing in children's health and education, and safeguarding the elderly. The World Bank Group champions efficient social protection as a cornerstone in its mission to end poverty and promote shared prosperity. Efficient social protection includes social assistance through cash transfers (particularly for children), benefits and support for working-age individuals facing maternity, disability, work injuries, or unemployment, and pension coverage for the elderly. This assistance is delivered through social insurance, tax-funded benefits, social assistance services, public works programs, and other schemes designed to guarantee basic income security while enhancing opportunities for sustainable economic inclusion.
The Social Protection Global Practice delivers Analytical and operational approaches and evidence-based solutions to help individuals and families manage risk, cope with chronic/transitional poverty, and access better livelihoods. These include:
Strategy, analysis, financing and design of programs delivering social safety nets/social assistance through cash transfers, public works programs, social services, and fee waivers.
Advisory and analytical services on design and delivery of contributory transfers (including old-age pensions, unemployment insurance, disability and survivor benefits), and their fiscal sustainability (including budget support for transitions).
Analysis, design and delivery of labor market and youth employment programs (with a focus on supply side interventions and intermediation policies), as well as policy advice on labor market regulations and interventions.
The Atlas of Social Protection: Indicators of Resilience and Equity (ASPIRE)
The Atlas of Social Protection: Indicators of Resilience and Equity (ASPIRE) is the World Bank's premier compilation of Social Protection indicators to analyze the scope and performance of Social Protection programs. ASPIRE provides indicators for over 140 countries and more than 3,000 programs based on both program-level administrative data and national household survey data. ASPIRE provides country and regional level information, allowing comparability and benchmarking of SP program performance. The ASPIRE database is available in WB DataBank, WB Data Catalog, and ASPIRE Portal.
The rationale for ASPIRE is threefold: (i) it intends to meet the demand for harmonized data by generating, updating and disseminating comparable indicators on SPL to support evidence-based policies and programs. (ii) ASPIRE contributes to expanding the standardization efforts by augmenting existing global survey standardization projects such as the Global Monitoring Database (GMD). (iii) ASPIRE aims to generate knowledge for the dialogue with statistical offices for improving household surveys on SP and filling data gaps.
ASPIRE outcomes are to (i) create a comprehensive and harmonized set of indicators on social protection based on different data sources; (ii) strengthen the World Bank's and external clients' capacity to collect, analyze, and share SPL data; (iii) produce knowledge to improve the quality of survey and administrative data on SPL; and (iv) make SP data harmonization and coordination a priority in the global international agenda.
HSPGE is seeking to hire a Social Protection Specialist to support the ASPIRE work program. The position is based in Washington, DC. The successful candidate will report directly to the HSPGE Practice Manager and join an energetic ASPIRE team.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Social Protection Specialist will:
Oversee the ongoing update of ASPIRE performance indicators by integrating new country data and surveys as they are released. As the Social Protection Specialist, you will lead the strategic data mining of extensive household survey datasets to generate reliable, comparable insights into the distributional and poverty impacts of social protection programs. In this role, you will identify relevant programs within the surveys, standardize and harmonize the associated data files, maintain meticulous documentation, and ensure rigorous quality control through systematic revisions and consistency checks.
Direct the strategic update of the ASPIRE administrative database by ensuring the systematic collection and validation of critical data on social protection programs, with an emphasis on social expenditure and beneficiary metrics. As the Social Protection Specialist, you will lead cross-functional collaboration with SPJ Global Practice teams at both headquarters and country offices to secure and verify key information. Additionally, you will drive initiatives to source supplementary data from government and reputable secondary channels, ensuring a comprehensive and robust database update.
Develop and manage a prioritized pipeline for updating surveys and datasets, ensuring that new country data and the latest available information are integrated promptly. In this role, the Social Protection Specialist will lead a continuous, strategic review of both administrative and household survey sources-including the WB Microdata Catalog, Datalib Web, and NSO websites-to proactively identify and validate data for processing into ASPIRE.
Drive the dissemination of ASPIRE indicators by strategically expanding and managing the ASPIRE external portal. Oversee a structured biannual update process, ensuring that comprehensive ASPIRE data and metadata are prepared for DataBank integration. Collaborate closely with DECDG to refine portal updates and spearhead the upcoming upgrade, thereby enhancing the platform's functionality and reach.
Oversee the production of country briefs, policy reports, co-author ASPIRE flagship publications, and collaborate as a co-author on additional reports on a regular basis. Contribute substantially to State of Safety Nets Report, technical papers, manuals and methodological notes training materials and contribute to their dissemination
Address key flagship and ad hoc corporate requests across the Global Engagement Unit. In addition, respond to demands from regional colleagues on specific indicators requests.
Contribute to building close working relationships with internal and external clients. The Social Protection Specialist will work closely with SP ASPIRE regional focal points and SP TTL to gather and validate ASPIRE classification and expenditure indicators. S/he will collaborate with colleagues in Poverty GP and DECDG. The Social Protection Specialist will nurture these collaborations and will contribute to the dialogue to strengthen data collection and harmonization efforts.
Selection Criteria
Master's degree in relevant social science - economics, public policy, public administration, or other field related to development and social protection, with a minimum 8 years of work experience.
Strong quantitative skills, data management and data analysis. Experienced user of statistical and econometrics software (STATA, SPSS, ADePT). Excellent and efficient programmer in STATA.
Extensive experience processing household survey data, cleaning and harmonizing datasets and managing large databases.
Knowledge of ASPIRE methodology and ASPIRE in indicators.
Ability to conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis, and prepare succinct narratives based on the analysis.
Demonstrated ability to apply a practical approach to problem solving, produce high quality work outputs, effectively prioritize, and adapt to competing and unexpected demands.
Be familiar with the World Bank processes and operational policies.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks and to deliver high-quality work within deadlines. Ability to take initiative and work independently.
A proven team player with the ability to work well in a small team. Display good interpersonal communication and diplomacy skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Fluency in additional languages is a plus.
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.
This internal requisition is open to WBG andIMF staff only (including short-term and extended term consultants/temporaries). External candidates are requested not to apply. In case anexternal candidate applies, their application will not be considered.
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 #:
req32339
Organization:
World Bank
Sector:
Social Protection
Grade:
GF
Term Duration:
4 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment
Location:
Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s):
English
Preferred Language(s):
English
Closing Date:
4/1/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.
People Practice Group (PPG)
The WBG is the largest provider of development finance and solutions for human development working with high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries to develop country-tailored solutions for human development under the themes of education, health, social protection, jobs and gender. The PPG coordinates with other Practice Groups to ensure a coordinated and integrated approach to development challenges, and through the World Bank Regional Units is expected to deliver the strongest and most pertinent support to our client countries.
The Social Protection (SP) Global Practice
Social Protection Global Practice assists individuals and families, especially the poor and vulnerable, in coping with crises and shocks, finding employment, investing in children's health and education, and safeguarding the elderly. The World Bank Group champions efficient social protection as a cornerstone in its mission to end poverty and promote shared prosperity. Efficient social protection includes social assistance through cash transfers (particularly for children), benefits and support for working-age individuals facing maternity, disability, work injuries, or unemployment, and pension coverage for the elderly. This assistance is delivered through social insurance, tax-funded benefits, social assistance services, public works programs, and other schemes designed to guarantee basic income security while enhancing opportunities for sustainable economic inclusion.
The Social Protection Global Practice delivers Analytical and operational approaches and evidence-based solutions to help individuals and families manage risk, cope with chronic/transitional poverty, and access better livelihoods. These include:
Strategy, analysis, financing and design of programs delivering social safety nets/social assistance through cash transfers, public works programs, social services, and fee waivers.
Advisory and analytical services on design and delivery of contributory transfers (including old-age pensions, unemployment insurance, disability and survivor benefits), and their fiscal sustainability (including budget support for transitions).
Analysis, design and delivery of labor market and youth employment programs (with a focus on supply side interventions and intermediation policies), as well as policy advice on labor market regulations and interventions.
The Atlas of Social Protection: Indicators of Resilience and Equity (ASPIRE)
The Atlas of Social Protection: Indicators of Resilience and Equity (ASPIRE) is the World Bank's premier compilation of Social Protection indicators to analyze the scope and performance of Social Protection programs. ASPIRE provides indicators for over 140 countries and more than 3,000 programs based on both program-level administrative data and national household survey data. ASPIRE provides country and regional level information, allowing comparability and benchmarking of SP program performance. The ASPIRE database is available in WB DataBank, WB Data Catalog, and ASPIRE Portal.
The rationale for ASPIRE is threefold: (i) it intends to meet the demand for harmonized data by generating, updating and disseminating comparable indicators on SPL to support evidence-based policies and programs. (ii) ASPIRE contributes to expanding the standardization efforts by augmenting existing global survey standardization projects such as the Global Monitoring Database (GMD). (iii) ASPIRE aims to generate knowledge for the dialogue with statistical offices for improving household surveys on SP and filling data gaps.
ASPIRE outcomes are to (i) create a comprehensive and harmonized set of indicators on social protection based on different data sources; (ii) strengthen the World Bank's and external clients' capacity to collect, analyze, and share SPL data; (iii) produce knowledge to improve the quality of survey and administrative data on SPL; and (iv) make SP data harmonization and coordination a priority in the global international agenda.
HSPGE is seeking to hire a Social Protection Specialist to support the ASPIRE work program. The position is based in Washington, DC. The successful candidate will report directly to the HSPGE Practice Manager and join an energetic ASPIRE team.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Social Protection Specialist will:
Oversee the ongoing update of ASPIRE performance indicators by integrating new country data and surveys as they are released. As the Social Protection Specialist, you will lead the strategic data mining of extensive household survey datasets to generate reliable, comparable insights into the distributional and poverty impacts of social protection programs. In this role, you will identify relevant programs within the surveys, standardize and harmonize the associated data files, maintain meticulous documentation, and ensure rigorous quality control through systematic revisions and consistency checks.
Direct the strategic update of the ASPIRE administrative database by ensuring the systematic collection and validation of critical data on social protection programs, with an emphasis on social expenditure and beneficiary metrics. As the Social Protection Specialist, you will lead cross-functional collaboration with SPJ Global Practice teams at both headquarters and country offices to secure and verify key information. Additionally, you will drive initiatives to source supplementary data from government and reputable secondary channels, ensuring a comprehensive and robust database update.
Develop and manage a prioritized pipeline for updating surveys and datasets, ensuring that new country data and the latest available information are integrated promptly. In this role, the Social Protection Specialist will lead a continuous, strategic review of both administrative and household survey sources-including the WB Microdata Catalog, Datalib Web, and NSO websites-to proactively identify and validate data for processing into ASPIRE.
Drive the dissemination of ASPIRE indicators by strategically expanding and managing the ASPIRE external portal. Oversee a structured biannual update process, ensuring that comprehensive ASPIRE data and metadata are prepared for DataBank integration. Collaborate closely with DECDG to refine portal updates and spearhead the upcoming upgrade, thereby enhancing the platform's functionality and reach.
Oversee the production of country briefs, policy reports, co-author ASPIRE flagship publications, and collaborate as a co-author on additional reports on a regular basis. Contribute substantially to State of Safety Nets Report, technical papers, manuals and methodological notes training materials and contribute to their dissemination
Address key flagship and ad hoc corporate requests across the Global Engagement Unit. In addition, respond to demands from regional colleagues on specific indicators requests.
Contribute to building close working relationships with internal and external clients. The Social Protection Specialist will work closely with SP ASPIRE regional focal points and SP TTL to gather and validate ASPIRE classification and expenditure indicators. S/he will collaborate with colleagues in Poverty GP and DECDG. The Social Protection Specialist will nurture these collaborations and will contribute to the dialogue to strengthen data collection and harmonization efforts.
Selection Criteria
Master's degree in relevant social science - economics, public policy, public administration, or other field related to development and social protection, with a minimum 8 years of work experience.
Strong quantitative skills, data management and data analysis. Experienced user of statistical and econometrics software (STATA, SPSS, ADePT). Excellent and efficient programmer in STATA.
Extensive experience processing household survey data, cleaning and harmonizing datasets and managing large databases.
Knowledge of ASPIRE methodology and ASPIRE in indicators.
Ability to conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis, and prepare succinct narratives based on the analysis.
Demonstrated ability to apply a practical approach to problem solving, produce high quality work outputs, effectively prioritize, and adapt to competing and unexpected demands.
Be familiar with the World Bank processes and operational policies.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks and to deliver high-quality work within deadlines. Ability to take initiative and work independently.
A proven team player with the ability to work well in a small team. Display good interpersonal communication and diplomacy skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Fluency in additional languages is a plus.
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.
This internal requisition is open to WBG andIMF staff only (including short-term and extended term consultants/temporaries). External candidates are requested not to apply. In case anexternal candidate applies, their application will not be considered.
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.