Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. 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, increasing shared prosperity and promoting sustainable development. 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, please visit www.worldbank.org

Junior Professional Associates – Program Description

The Junior Professionals Associate Program (JPA) offers an exceptional opportunity for recent graduates to embark on a professional journey, providing a three-year contract with valuable work experience within a diverse and dynamic environment and the potential of field work experience. The program is an excellent platform to sharpen your existing skills and to develop new ones, all while gaining a profound understanding of the challenges associated with reducing poverty and fostering shared prosperity on a livable planet.

We will provide you with the opportunity to gain entry-level professional experience in a premier development institution, on an Extended Term Consultant (ETC) contract with benefits. For more information, please visit www.worldbank.org/careers/jpa

The following are minimum requirements to be eligible for the JPA program:

• Be 32 years of age or younger
• Hold a bachelor’s degree
• Be fluent in English

The JPA program at the World Bank is a highly competitive initiative. Candidates who are being actively considered for positions may be required to present academic transcripts and professional references. The World Bank’s Human Resources team and hiring team will reach out exclusively to individuals selected for assessment and interviews.

Positions may be in any of the World Bank’s offices worldwide.

South Asia Office of the Chief Economist at the World Bank

The South Asia Chief Economist’s (SARCE) Office is the principal advisor to the regional Vice President. The Office provides a range of analytical resources to the regional front office and represents it in internal and external meetings of experts. It collaborates with researchers and policy makers in the countries and promotes local debate on policy issues through the discussion of evidence-based analyses. We lead the preparation of flagship publications of the region, deliver a bi-annual publication on current economic developments, and produce several self-standing volumes every year on topics of interest for the region as a whole. The Office has responsibility for analysis and research on regional issues including economic integration. We also oversee the analytical work of the Vice Presidency, providing guidance and inputs as needed. The Office contributes to the development of regional and country strategies, constructs regional databases, coordinates the annual Country Policy and Institutional Assessments (CPIA) for the region, and participates in the preparation and review of broader World Bank products, including corporate flagship publications and inputs for high-level international meetings. We provide support to country teams as needed, interacting with Global Practices and Cross Cutting Solution Areas on behalf of the region. The Office also assists on policy advice, supporting the preparation of selected credits and loans on demand, and contributing to the organization of workshops and conferences.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the SARCE Management Team, the JPA will work closely with SARCE staff on the following areas:

• Contribute to the preparation of research papers, reports (especially the biannual publication South Asia Development Update), and policy and briefing notes to help the team effectively communicate priorities and initiatives in a structured manner.

• Conduct systematic, critical reviews and syntheses of relevant theoretical and empirical literature on policy issues in South Asia.

• Manage and analyze data, create charts, maps, and tables using advanced data visualization tools.

• Participate in the planning, coordination, and delivery of internal and external events, including completing background analysis, research, outreach to relevant teams/colleagues, and coordinating logistics.

• Communicate with SARCE colleagues on work status, foreseeable problems, and processes.

• Provide additional administrative, operational, research, communications, and other analytic support to team members.

Selection Criteria

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. economics, finance, business administration, public policy, or another field related to development) and one to two years of relevant experience.
• Excellent writing skills and capacity to prepare briefs and presentations.
• Demonstrated analytical skills and excellent communications skills, including the ability to summarize large volumes of data/research.
• Full proficiency in data handling and ability to work quickly in Excel, particularly with creating data-driven visuals and using advanced formulas e.g. pivot tables.
• Ability to carry out research and analytical tasks on a wide range of policy issues, review and interpret information/data, identify trends and issues, and recommend actions/solutions.
• Proven ability to work both independently and with people with a diverse set of backgrounds, with minimal supervision and with high levels of accuracy, sometimes under tight time pressure.
• Disciplined organizational skills and reliability in completing tasks.
• Proficiency in English (both verbal and written).
• Field experience in developing countries, especially in South Asia Region, is a plus.

Diversity and Inclusion

The World Bank continually searches for qualified individuals with a diverse set of backgrounds from around the globe. 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, color, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. Individuals with different abilities may be provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions and support in receiving other workplace accommodations.

Poverty has no borders, neither does excellence. We succeed because of our differences and we continuously search for qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds from around the globe.