Trade Specialist

Job #: req36427
Organization: World Bank
Sector: Other
Grade: GF
Term Duration:  3 years 0 months
Recruitment Type: International Recruitment
Location: Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s): English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date: 4/30/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

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. Please visit www.worldbank.org.
The Trade Policy and Facilitation Unit (WKPTT) is part of the Prosperity Vice-Presidency. In WKPTT, we are responsible for delivering analytic, advisory, financial and convening services in the areas of trade policy, trade facilitation, logistics and connectivity, and regional integration.
WKPTT is hiring a Digital Trade Expert to contribute to analytical and technical assistance engagements as well as contribute to World Bank lending operations on digital trade issues in low- and middle-income countries across different regions. The focus will be on advising developing countries on ways to increase their participation in international trade in digital services and e-commerce and boost the social and economic benefits stemming therefrom.
Duties and Accountabilities
The successful candidate will work to strengthen the World Bank Group’s digital trade work program, including but not limited to:
• Contribute to analytical studies and regional and country reports on digital trade policies, performance, regulatory practices, existing landscape.
• Contribute to Development Policy Lending Operations, Investment Lending Operations, and Technical Assistance Projects on aspects related to cross-border transactions on digital services and e-commerce.
• Participate in the development of new knowledge products and instruments that can be mainstreamed into country work, including the upkeep and expansion of the Digital Trade Regulatory Readiness database, the development of toolkits for analytical work, and the design of country wide policies.
• Support the regions by participating in the policy dialogue with client countries and in lending projects initiated by country teams. This may also include the preparation of Briefs, PowerPoint presentations, and Policy Notes for internal and external audiences. It may also include review and commenting on key documents, consultations, and stakeholder engagement activities through lending and non-lending activities (i.e., projects, programs, analytical work, etc.).
• Participate in knowledge sharing and learning activities of the Trade Policy and Facilitation Unit, and organize and contribute to dissemination activities, conferences, workshops and learning programs.
• Participate in and expand the scope of partnerships established with other units and international organizations active in areas related to digital economy.
• Support the Practice Manager and Global Practice with corporate demands and quality control of deliverables.
• Support the Practice Manager and the Global Practice in the administration of trust funds related trade, digital trade, and/or services trade.
• Oversee and review work of junior team members and consultants
• Present the team’s work at internal and external knowledge exchange and dissemination events.

Selection Criteria

• Masters or Advanced Degree in relevant fields (law, economics, trade, business administration, international relations), with at least 5 years of relevant professional experience on digital trade issues;
• Demonstrated expertise on the governance framework for digital trade, including domestic regulations and rules in international agreements; relevant policies include electronic documents and signatures, consumer protection, electronic payments, privacy and data protection, rules on cross-border data, paperless trade, etc.
• Extensive and proven experience in advancing policymakers and developing knowledge products on policies and regulations relevant to cross-border trade and investment on the digital sector;
• Strong analytical skills (quantitative and qualitative) and proven ability to conduct independent policy-relevant research, translate theory into practical applications, and adapt professional knowledge and technical skills to analyze, diagnose and propose solutions to policy issues and challenges;
• Working familiarity with data management tools including Tableau, R, and/or Phyton.
• Familiarity in the administration of trade-related trust funds, particularly its substantial designing, and implementation.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment with multiple priorities and tight deadlines. Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral. Demonstrated ability to take leadership and communicate ideas effectively under pressure.
• Willing to travel extensively, including to remote and conflict affected areas if required.
• Understanding of Bank policies and practices related to trade and broad knowledge of trade issues, including negotiations under the WTO.
• Knowledge of developing country conditions related to economics and trade would be desirable.

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

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.

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.