Senior Social Development Specialist

The World Bank Group

285d

About The Position

The Senior Social Development Specialist will be based in Washington, D.C. and will co-lead the Social Development operational portfolio and analytical work related to women's economic empowerment (WEE), gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response, and community and local development (CLD) in Nigeria, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The Specialist may provide support to SD led operations in other countries in the region. The Specialist may also provide technical and analytical support on broad social development themes including social inclusion; social cohesion and resilience; and fragility, conflict and violence. The specialist will report to the SAWS1 SD Practice Manager.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master's or PhD) in relevant social science (e.g., Sociology, Anthropology, Economics, and Political Science) or related fields.
• A track record in project leadership and management experience with World Bank IDA and/or IBRD lending operations or comparable project management experience with other large-scale development institutions.
• Demonstrated skills and experience (at least 8 years) in WEE; CLD; and FCV contexts.
• A track record of leading high-quality analytical work on social development topics.
• Experience working in fragile and conflict-affected environments.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams and multicultural environments.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills in English.
• Working knowledge of French (Oral and Written) is highly desirable.

Nice To Haves

• Skills and experience in GBV prevention and response, climate change, social inclusion, and social risk management.
• A peer-reviewed publication record on social development topics.
• Experience in applying emerging and disruptive technologies and innovations to development engagements.

Responsibilities

• Lead or co-lead the implementation of active, complex WEE operations in Nigeria and Liberia.
• Lead policy dialogue related to WEE, GBV Prevention and Response, CLD, and broader social development topics with key clients.
• Help clients to develop, pilot and scale Locally Led Climate Action operational approaches; digital savings applications for women's groups; and financial linkages with banks.
• Lead rigorous impact evaluations and thematic studies of WEE operations and special studies.
• Advise task teams and counterparts on technical options for social development programs and operations.
• Lead missions and supervise Bank-financed projects as a technical expert and/or Task Team Leader.
• Play a key role in implementing the Unit's sector strategy.
• Support in handling complex technical, institutional and program implementation issues regarding social development.
• Contribute to develop new areas of focus and operational business around social development issues.
• Participate in cross-practice teams responsible for the preparation of policy notes, Country Partnership Frameworks, sector studies, and research and policy development activities.
• Work independently under the general direction of the Practice Manager.
• Supervise the work of consultants and technical specialists.
• Lead analytical work; generate 'think pieces' and 'best practice' papers.
• Develop relationships with key donors and other parts of the World Bank Group.
• Fundraise to support operations and analytical work.
• Promote knowledge exchange among the WEE, GBV and CLD projects.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits including a retirement plan.
• Medical, life and disability insurance.
• Paid leave, including parental leave.
• Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Master's degree