Urban Specialist
Apply NowCompany: The World Bank Group
Location: Washington, DC 20011
Description:
Urban Specialist
Job #:
req32723
Organization:
World Bank
Sector:
Urban
Grade:
GF
Term Duration:
3 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment
Location:
Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s):
English
Preferred Language(s):
English
Closing Date:
4/24/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank consists of two entities - the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA). It is a global development cooperative owned by 189 member countries. As the largest development bank in the world, the World Bank provides loans, guarantees, risk management products, and advisory services to middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries, and coordinates responses to regional and global challenges. For more information, please visit www.worldbank.org.
Infrastructure Vice Presidency
Globally, one billion people live more than 2 kilometers from all-weather roads, 685 million people lack electricity, and nearly 4 billion people lack internet access. Access to basic infrastructure services is critical for creating economic opportunities for the poor. The Infrastructure (INF) Vice Presidency within the World Bank is charged with developing sustainable solutions to help close infrastructure gaps in developing and emerging economies. It currently consists of four global departments: Energy & Extractives (EEX); Transport (TRA); Urban, Resilience and Land (URL), and Global Infrastructure Finance Department. It oversees the Bank's work across energy and transport sectors, urban development, as well as efforts to promote energy transition, low-carbon transportation, livable cities, disaster risk resilience, land management, and quality infrastructure services through public-private partnerships. Infrastructure represents around $110 billion of the Bank's portfolio.
For more information: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/infrastructure
Global Department for Urban, Resilience and Land (IDUGD)
IDUGD covers a wide gamut of topics including: (i) supporting the development of green, inclusive, resilient and productive cities, including harnessing urbanization to contribute to growth and poverty reduction, and strengthening local governments' capacity to plan, finance and deliver services and infrastructure investments; (ii) promoting efficient, well-coordinated spatial and territorial development; including strengthening rural-urban linkages and developing-lagging regions; (iii) strengthening disaster risk management policies, institutions and regulations and mainstreaming resilience across development sectors including risk assessment and mapping, risk reduction (including urban flood management, stormwater drainage, coastal management, and retrofitting of infrastructure), disaster preparedness (including hydromet services, early warning systems, and civil defense), risk financing (including CAT-DDO), and resilient reconstruction and recovery (including post-disaster damage and needs assessment); (iv) post-conflict reconstruction and recovery; (v) strengthening land tenure, management and information systems; and (vi) supporting the development of national and sub-national spatial data infrastructure and supporting the development of geospatial information.
IDUGD Global Programs Unit
The IDUGD Global Programs Unit supports IDUGD through the design and implementation of the global programs that support the development of: (i) knowledge & innovation, and (ii) partnerships, convening and advocacy. The Global Programs include three Umbrella Trust Funds that catalyze donor support as well as stand-alone TFs and other Global Programs. The unit also hosts several key partnerships with funding agencies (bilateral donors, multilateral agencies) as well as non-funding partners (academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and civil society).
The Global Partnership for Results-Based Approaches (GPRBA), formerly known as the Global Partnership on Output-Based Aid (GPOBA), provides support to design and implement innovative interventions to improve quality and access of urban infrastructure and services using results-based approaches. Established in 2003 and part of GPURL, GPRBA supports the work of building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities, using innovative RBF instruments to help address the many development challenges that the world faces today. By linking payments to actual results achieved and its explicit and unique pro-poor focus, GPRBA fosters inclusive development and helps address service delivery gaps arising from the challenge of increased urbanization in developing countries. It creates financial incentives for service providers to extend basic services specifically to low-income communities, while also providing incentives for consumers in these communities to access the services.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
The Urban Specialist will work under the supervision of the Global Programs Practice Manager (or his/her designee), in close coordination with the Task Team Leaders of tasks to which s/he is assigned.
The Urban Specialist will be responsible for the following:
Support the GPRBA in its analytical, operational, and corporate work.
Support municipal finance analytical work and operations.
Analyze knowledge gaps on RBF approaches in IDUGD business lines such as municipal finance, urban resilience, solid waste management, land, housing, public buildings, etc.
Support the development of global knowledge products and analytical work on IDUGD business lines to support operations and develop new business opportunities on RBF; including supervising the work of consultants and technical specialists to ensure consistency and conformity to Bank standards; evaluate studies and sector-related project documentation.
Provide technical advisory support to operational task teams on RBF approaches such as urban performance grants
Support preparation and implementation support of operations related to municipal finance, including participation in missions.
Support management of GPRBA Umbrella Trust Fund (TF) program including monitoring and evaluation, processing of legal and financial transactions, preparation and review of grant proposals, consultation on technical issues, preparation of annual and progress reports and project briefings, quality control of deliverables
Support preparation of key documents, including GPRBA's Partnership Council Meeting documents, Annual Report, monitoring reports, and project documents, as needed.
Support communication and correspondence with donors and development partners for GPRBA.
Support organization and implementation of knowledge sharing activities in the Global Department and contribute specific knowledge related to GPRBA.
Support organization and implementation of training and knowledge sharing activities related to municipal finance and contribute specific knowledge related to municipal finance.
Perform other duties and functions as assigned by the Practice Manager and Task Team Leaders.
Selection Criteria
The Urban Specialist would have the following qualifications:
Master's degree in technical fields relevant to urban economics, urban and regional planning, public policy, geography, municipal finance, infrastructure engineering, political science, international development or related field
At least five years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience in field related to urban planning, municipal infrastructure, municipal finance, urban resilience, urban economics, or related field
Experience in working on results-based financing
Experience in working on World Bank financed projects operations on municipal financing, particularly in the fields of results-based financing, such as urban performance grants
Experience in working on World Bank analytic activities in the area of urban and/or local government finance
Demonstrated knowledge of World Bank's policies and practices, including institutional, operational, and technical issues related to the Bank's project cycle
Experience in working on TFs including monitoring and evaluation and reporting of TF programs, processing of legal and financial transactions, preparation and review of grant proposals, implementation of Bank-executed TF grant activities, etc.
Effective interpersonal skills and excellent team player
Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills
Proven capacity to deliver quality results on time and demonstrate quality in work products.
Strong work ethic and ability to work independently.
Good organization and planning skills, a proven eye for detail
Demonstrate excellent and effective command of English both in verbal and written forms.
This internal requisition is open to WBG and IMF staff only (including short-term and extended term consultants/ temporaries). External candidates are requested not to apply. In case an external candidate applies, their application will not be considered.
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 #:
req32723
Organization:
World Bank
Sector:
Urban
Grade:
GF
Term Duration:
3 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment
Location:
Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s):
English
Preferred Language(s):
English
Closing Date:
4/24/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank consists of two entities - the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA). It is a global development cooperative owned by 189 member countries. As the largest development bank in the world, the World Bank provides loans, guarantees, risk management products, and advisory services to middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries, and coordinates responses to regional and global challenges. For more information, please visit www.worldbank.org.
Infrastructure Vice Presidency
Globally, one billion people live more than 2 kilometers from all-weather roads, 685 million people lack electricity, and nearly 4 billion people lack internet access. Access to basic infrastructure services is critical for creating economic opportunities for the poor. The Infrastructure (INF) Vice Presidency within the World Bank is charged with developing sustainable solutions to help close infrastructure gaps in developing and emerging economies. It currently consists of four global departments: Energy & Extractives (EEX); Transport (TRA); Urban, Resilience and Land (URL), and Global Infrastructure Finance Department. It oversees the Bank's work across energy and transport sectors, urban development, as well as efforts to promote energy transition, low-carbon transportation, livable cities, disaster risk resilience, land management, and quality infrastructure services through public-private partnerships. Infrastructure represents around $110 billion of the Bank's portfolio.
For more information: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/infrastructure
Global Department for Urban, Resilience and Land (IDUGD)
IDUGD covers a wide gamut of topics including: (i) supporting the development of green, inclusive, resilient and productive cities, including harnessing urbanization to contribute to growth and poverty reduction, and strengthening local governments' capacity to plan, finance and deliver services and infrastructure investments; (ii) promoting efficient, well-coordinated spatial and territorial development; including strengthening rural-urban linkages and developing-lagging regions; (iii) strengthening disaster risk management policies, institutions and regulations and mainstreaming resilience across development sectors including risk assessment and mapping, risk reduction (including urban flood management, stormwater drainage, coastal management, and retrofitting of infrastructure), disaster preparedness (including hydromet services, early warning systems, and civil defense), risk financing (including CAT-DDO), and resilient reconstruction and recovery (including post-disaster damage and needs assessment); (iv) post-conflict reconstruction and recovery; (v) strengthening land tenure, management and information systems; and (vi) supporting the development of national and sub-national spatial data infrastructure and supporting the development of geospatial information.
IDUGD Global Programs Unit
The IDUGD Global Programs Unit supports IDUGD through the design and implementation of the global programs that support the development of: (i) knowledge & innovation, and (ii) partnerships, convening and advocacy. The Global Programs include three Umbrella Trust Funds that catalyze donor support as well as stand-alone TFs and other Global Programs. The unit also hosts several key partnerships with funding agencies (bilateral donors, multilateral agencies) as well as non-funding partners (academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and civil society).
The Global Partnership for Results-Based Approaches (GPRBA), formerly known as the Global Partnership on Output-Based Aid (GPOBA), provides support to design and implement innovative interventions to improve quality and access of urban infrastructure and services using results-based approaches. Established in 2003 and part of GPURL, GPRBA supports the work of building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities, using innovative RBF instruments to help address the many development challenges that the world faces today. By linking payments to actual results achieved and its explicit and unique pro-poor focus, GPRBA fosters inclusive development and helps address service delivery gaps arising from the challenge of increased urbanization in developing countries. It creates financial incentives for service providers to extend basic services specifically to low-income communities, while also providing incentives for consumers in these communities to access the services.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
The Urban Specialist will work under the supervision of the Global Programs Practice Manager (or his/her designee), in close coordination with the Task Team Leaders of tasks to which s/he is assigned.
The Urban Specialist will be responsible for the following:
Support the GPRBA in its analytical, operational, and corporate work.
Support municipal finance analytical work and operations.
Analyze knowledge gaps on RBF approaches in IDUGD business lines such as municipal finance, urban resilience, solid waste management, land, housing, public buildings, etc.
Support the development of global knowledge products and analytical work on IDUGD business lines to support operations and develop new business opportunities on RBF; including supervising the work of consultants and technical specialists to ensure consistency and conformity to Bank standards; evaluate studies and sector-related project documentation.
Provide technical advisory support to operational task teams on RBF approaches such as urban performance grants
Support preparation and implementation support of operations related to municipal finance, including participation in missions.
Support management of GPRBA Umbrella Trust Fund (TF) program including monitoring and evaluation, processing of legal and financial transactions, preparation and review of grant proposals, consultation on technical issues, preparation of annual and progress reports and project briefings, quality control of deliverables
Support preparation of key documents, including GPRBA's Partnership Council Meeting documents, Annual Report, monitoring reports, and project documents, as needed.
Support communication and correspondence with donors and development partners for GPRBA.
Support organization and implementation of knowledge sharing activities in the Global Department and contribute specific knowledge related to GPRBA.
Support organization and implementation of training and knowledge sharing activities related to municipal finance and contribute specific knowledge related to municipal finance.
Perform other duties and functions as assigned by the Practice Manager and Task Team Leaders.
Selection Criteria
The Urban Specialist would have the following qualifications:
Master's degree in technical fields relevant to urban economics, urban and regional planning, public policy, geography, municipal finance, infrastructure engineering, political science, international development or related field
At least five years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience in field related to urban planning, municipal infrastructure, municipal finance, urban resilience, urban economics, or related field
Experience in working on results-based financing
Experience in working on World Bank financed projects operations on municipal financing, particularly in the fields of results-based financing, such as urban performance grants
Experience in working on World Bank analytic activities in the area of urban and/or local government finance
Demonstrated knowledge of World Bank's policies and practices, including institutional, operational, and technical issues related to the Bank's project cycle
Experience in working on TFs including monitoring and evaluation and reporting of TF programs, processing of legal and financial transactions, preparation and review of grant proposals, implementation of Bank-executed TF grant activities, etc.
Effective interpersonal skills and excellent team player
Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills
Proven capacity to deliver quality results on time and demonstrate quality in work products.
Strong work ethic and ability to work independently.
Good organization and planning skills, a proven eye for detail
Demonstrate excellent and effective command of English both in verbal and written forms.
This internal requisition is open to WBG and IMF staff only (including short-term and extended term consultants/ temporaries). External candidates are requested not to apply. In case an external candidate applies, their application will not be considered.
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.