Partnership Specialist

World Bank Group•Washington, DC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Partnerships Specialist for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) will be based in Washington, DC, and report to the Head of the Partnerships Division. The role leads and manages a diverse portfolio of work to advance the GEF partnership with IPLCs. As a central member of the Partnerships Division, the Specialist drives effective engagement with and support to IPLCs across the GEF family of funds and the GEF partnership. The position calls for a proactive professional able to exercise independent judgment, manage complex relationships, and deliver quality outputs with limited supervision. The Specialist advises on GEF practice, policy, and strategy; reviews relevant projects and programs; develops data and capacity-building approaches; coordinates with internal and external stakeholders; and leads engagement with the Indigenous Peoples’ Advisory Group (IPAG). The role also produces communications and knowledge products, manages events, and builds knowledge-sharing networks among GEF agencies and partners. Additional tasks may be assigned based on skills and organizational needs. The position supports a Financial Intermediary Fund and is subject to WBG Staff Directives and Procedures as well as the FIF’s governance framework and funding. This internal requisition is open to WBG and IMF staff only, including short-term and extended-term consultants or temporaries; applications from external candidates will not be considered.

Requirements

Master’s degree in environmental studies, anthropology, or another relevant discipline.
At least five years of professional experience in environment, IPLCs, international development, or another relevant area.
Ability to work independently on complex tasks, exercise sound judgment, and propose solutions to moderately complex problems with limited oversight.
In-depth knowledge of GEF strategic priorities, operations, and partnership landscape.
Intercultural competence and sensitivity, particularly with IPLCs, and ability to build trust and manage relationships across diverse cultural contexts.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including producing high-quality reports, policy notes, and other substantive written products, and clearly and persuasively communicating complex ideas to diverse audiences.
Strong project management skills and a track record of independently leading projects, managing multiple priorities, and delivering results against demanding timelines.
Proficiency with PowerPoint, Excel, and Word, and ability to use technology tools to enhance analytical and communication outputs.
Strong client focus, interpersonal and teamwork skills, collaborative attitude, and a record of building and sustaining effective relationships with internal and external counterparts at the working level.
Strong command of written and spoken English.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in one or more additional relevant languages.
Experience working in fragile, conflict-affected, and violent (FCV) contexts; candidates are encouraged to highlight relevant experience where applicable.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and refinement of GEF practice, policy, and strategy to increase meaningful IPLC participation, and advise GEF staff.
Review projects and programs of high relevance to IPLCs, provide substantive assessments, and recommend improvements and opportunities.
Design and manage systems to collect and analyze data on IPLC participation in GEF projects, and translate findings into recommendations.
Develop and lead capacity-building initiatives for GEF staff on IPLC issues, including curricula, tools, and resources.
Serve as the primary contact and substantive focal point for internal and external stakeholders on IPLC issues, including complex and sensitive matters.
Design and lead external engagement opportunities, including roundtables, consultations, and outreach initiatives.
Represent GEF policies and practices to external stakeholders, negotiating and seeking common ground on complex or contested issues.
Lead GEF engagement with Inclusive Conservation Initiative teams in project development and implementation, providing technical guidance and ensuring quality outputs.
Plan and manage regular virtual and in-person IPAG meetings, including agendas, substantive documents, and follow-through on action items.
Design and facilitate meaningful IPAG participation in GEF activities, identifying opportunities and managing logistics.
Serve as the primary liaison with IPAG on relevant GEF topics and manage sensitive communications with independent judgment.
Work with IPAG direction to develop papers, policy notes, and other substantive materials, coordinating inputs and preparing final versions for senior review.
Lead the development and production of communications materials on GEF projects and activities, including publications, social media content, and technical briefs, in coordination with Communications specialists.
Design and manage events from conceptualization through execution.
Build and sustain knowledge-sharing networks among GEF agencies and partners, including tools and frameworks to systematize learning.
Review and edit materials for technical accuracy, consistency, and inclusive language and imagery, and guide junior staff performing similar tasks.