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.

Specific Unit Description – Regional Environmental and Social Standards Adviser (RSA) within South Asia Region Operational and Knowledge Services (SAROS).

The South Asia Region comprises eight countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) and approves about 40 new projects each fiscal year. The Regional Environmental and Social Standards Adviser (RSA) is part of the South Asia Region Operational and Knowledge Services (SAROS) unit, within the Office of the Regional Vice President for the South Asia Region.

The RSA team is overseeing the application of the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) policy and standards, and compliance with the social safeguards policies in the Bank’s lending instruments, particularly Investment Project Financing (IPF) and Program for Results (PforR) operations. The RSA team is comprised of about 5 multi-disciplinary team members of environmental and social specialists and works in close collaboration with project teams in Headquarters and in field offices in South Asia.

Duties and Responsibilities

The RSA team is seeking a results-driven JPA, whose responsibilities will be to support the RSA team in the following:

• reviewing project documents with especial attention to social aspects (interest and understating of environmental issues is a plus) and their alignment with the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework policy and standards, as well as the Bank’s safeguard policies and international good practices;
• assisting in promoting social sustainability and inclusion aspects into project design and implementation;
• supporting the use of sound environmental and social assessment methodologies in impact assessments and identifying mitigation measures in supported projects;
• supporting the RSA team in reviewing relevant ESF documents, such as Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), Environmental and Social Management Framework and Plans (ESMFs and ESMPs), Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEPs), etc;
• participating in knowledge and learning initiatives and preparing knowledge and learning materials that draws on ESF application in the South Asia Region and support training on same to task teams;
• contributing as required to the broader work of the Region and the Development Effectiveness Unit on improving environmental and social sustainability.

Selection Criteria

This position is suited to a candidate who is highly motivated, is able to prioritize and pays attention to detail. The Environmental and Social Standards JP must demonstrate ability to carry out tasks as part of a multi-disciplinary team; capacity to meet strict deadlines.

• University Degree or Master’ degree in relevant discipline
• Experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience) in environmental and social sciences (e.g. Biology, Ecology, Geography, Environmental Policy, Environmental Engineering, Sociology, Anthropology, Sustainable Development Studies, or related discipline);
• Team oriented professional with strong communication skills and capacity to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines;
• Excellent oral, communications and inter-personal communications skills are essential. English fluency with excellent writing, editing and oral skills. Proficiency in one or more of the Bank’s other official languages;
• Fast learner and willingness to study the World Bank’s Environment and Social Policies and standards (ESF and social safeguards operational policies) quickly and learning on the job.

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.