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.
Background and Context:
The Independent Evaluation Group (IEG)’s mission is to improve World Bank Group (WBG) development results through excellence in evaluation. IEG is responsible for the assessment of the relevance, efficacy, and efficiency of WBG operational policies, programs and activities, and their contribution to development effectiveness. IEG’s evaluations aim to enhance accountability and learning to inform the formulation of new (and course corrections of ongoing) core work of the WBG.
IEG is directly responsible for:
IEG’s organizational structure comprises: The Office of the Director General, Evaluation (IEGDG) which includes the Methods Advisory Function (IEGMA); the Human Development and Economic Management Department (IEGHE); the Finance, Private Sector and Sustainable Development Department (IEGSP); and the Knowledge and Communications Department (IEGKC). Through the VP and Director General of Evaluation (DGE), IEG reports directly to the Board of Executive Directors.
Methods Advisory Function
IEG’s objective is to help the WBG meet its goals and enhance its development effectiveness through timely, robust evaluation. In 2016, as part of its organizational renewal, IEG’s Methods Advisory Function (IEGMA) was established to help deepen the quality and credibility of IEG evaluation work. The Methods Advisory Function consists of a small centrally located team of data scientists and methodologists managed by the Head of methods.
• Advising IEG staff on the best available evaluation methods to address specific evaluation questions and supporting teams in the implementation of those methods.
• Quality assuring IEG’s evaluation products and advising the IEG’s leadership on the credibility and rigor of evaluation plans and reports.
• Ensuring consistent and efficient use of data in evaluations through support to IEG’s data arrangements, systems, and staffing of analysts.
• Researching, generating, piloting and promoting innovative evaluation methodologies including the application of data science and artificial intelligence in the practice of evaluation.
• Through a learning program, supporting the development of evaluation skills among IEG staff and ensuring that internal and external audiences understand and appreciate the rationale for IEG’s evaluation methodologies and approaches.
• Sharing IEG’s methodological knowledge and know-how with the broader international evaluation community, including but not limited to other members of the Evaluation Cooperation Group
Duties and responsibilities:
Embedded in the IEGMA and under the guidance of the Head of Methods, the successful candidate will:
• Provide advisory support to evaluation teams. The Data Scientist will provide specialized methodological and data support to evaluation teams, including:
o Helping evaluation teams develop their sampling/selection approaches, plan for econometric analysis, develop qualitative data collection and analysis plans (e.g., interview or case-based design), or any other mixed-methods approach
o Advising evaluation teams on their data management, processing and analysis practices
o Coaching evaluation teams on the use of specialized software or tools (e.g, content analysis software, statistical packages)
o Developing Job Aids, Checklists, Guidance, Written examples of applications to further assist evaluation teams in implementing the evaluation design.
• Foster the use of innovative evaluation methods. The Data Scientist will help test and validate the use of innovative methods in the context of IEG evaluations (e.g., application of advanced analytics on administrative, survey or media data, Machine Learning or AI-enabled approaches)
• Contribute to evaluation staff capacity development. The Data Scientist will support the delivery of trainings, clinics, and other learning events aimed at enhancing IEG’s staff evaluation skills. In particular, the Data Scientist will support the design and rollout of the Foundations of Evaluation Design curriculum related to the use of specialized methods and evaluation design principles (e.g., sampling, reproducibility, data processing and analysis, counterfactual and configurational causal approaches, etc.)
• Contribute to the review of evaluation approach papers and reports. The Data Scientist will review specialized methodological appendices and other parts of evaluation reports and approach papers (as needed) as part of IEG’s overall quality assurance process.
• Contribute to the publication of methods papers. The Data Scientist will contribute to writing, curating, reviewing and publishing methods papers that discuss the application of specific (innovative) methods in IEG evaluations.
• Contribute to the data collection and analysis activities of some evaluations. The Data Scientist will also take part in specific thematic, corporate or country program evaluation. As a team member, the Data Scientist will conduct data collection and analysis activities under the guidance of the evaluation Task Team Leader.
Selection Criteria
Educational Requirements and experience:
WBG Core Competencies:
Deliver Results for Clients: Achieves results and identifies mission-driven solutions for the client.
Collaborate Within Teams and Across Boundaries: Initiates collaboration across boundaries and broadly across WBG and brings differing ideas into the forefront.
Create, Apply and Share Knowledge: Creates, applies and shares knowledge from across and outside WBG to strengthen internal and/or external client solutions.
Make Smart Decisions: Recommends and takes decisive action.
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.