WBG Special Representative

Job #: req36680
Organization: World Bank
Sector: External Affairs & Corporate Relations
Grade: GH
Term Duration:  4 years 0 months
Recruitment Type: International Recruitment
Location: Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s): English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date: 6/1/2026 (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 WBG is seeking an experienced and dynamic professional for the position of Special Representative to the United States. This position will report to the Corporate and External Communications (CER) Department and will be responsible for keeping all relevant WBG teams informed 
CER’s mission is to help deliver financial and political support for the WBG, strengthen the WBG’s role as a global thought leader in development by enhancing and safeguarding its reputation, and supporting operational teams to achieve country outcomes. CER manages corporate communications and global engagement with key stakeholders, including media, civil society, foundations, private sector, donor countries, and international organizations, as well as employee engagement. CER also manages strategic communications for the WBG’s Regions and Verticals and leads the management of WBG reputational risk. 
The US Special Representative will lead the WBG’s institutional relationships with the government and other relevant stakeholders of the US. S/he will direct the work of a WBG wide team in building and maintaining strategic relationships with key counterparts in government and other important constituencies (legislators, federal agencies, civil society organizations and academia) at the country level. The US Special Representative will play a key role in ensuring an integrated, whole-of-WBG approach to relations with stakeholders aimed at strengthening the WBG's relationship with the United States. This includes facilitating US Government partnerships across the WBG and advising all WBG units on establishing and maintaining meaningful and coordinated partnerships that help furthering the WBG’s strategic objectives. The US Special Representative will report to the CER Director, Government Relations.
Duties and accountabilities: 
The US Special Representative is responsible for performing activities in the following areas: 
Business Management (incl. strategy, operations and quality control)
• Establish and maintain close relations with and access to key leaders in both governmental and non-governmental constituencies, implementing a proactive outreach strategy and ensuring that the WBG’s contacts and relationships extend broadly throughout the government, development, security and business communities. Specific outreach to legislators and the Chamber of Commerce are priority areas of engagement.
• Manage and implement government relations and communications, coordinating the production of high-quality intelligence reports, briefings, and strategic advice to WBG senior management.
• Represent the WBG on a broad range of issues including discussions that may be complex and politically sensitive. Regularly address a variety of audiences in the US on WBG business and development topics in meetings and through external speaking engagements.
• Ensure full coordination and effective collaboration with other WBG units, provide strategic advice as needed to other WBG units in their interaction with and outreach to US stakeholders, and ensure that key strategic information is flowing in a timely manner to relevant colleagues in the institution.
• Advise and support WBG communication activities in the US to ensure delivery and implementation of a coherent, well-coordinated, and high-quality external affairs and relationship-management strategy.
• Provide guidance on priority issues for WBG engagement, including on IDA discussions and negotiations, and identify opportunities for cooperation, relationships, and reputational risks.
• Act as a catalyst for the relationship with US agencies to ensure the efficient implementation of the WBG’s strategic objectives.  
• Support the IFC’s efforts to identify potential new clients for IFC in the US and Canada, including using networks of business organizations, industry associations, banks, and other intermediaries.
People/Talent Management:
• Under the guidance of the CER Director, leads and motivates a cross WBG team with a focus on client orientation, development outcomes, and problem solving, and takes responsibility for achieving and communicating these outcomes with staff.
• Manages the functioning of the appropriate WBG team, models integrity and inclusion, offers mentoring and development opportunities for staff.
• Management skills. Demonstrated strong track record of managing, leading, and coaching individual staff and teams, and in creating an enabling work environment. Proven ability to achieve results and implement strategies in an action-oriented manner. Demonstrated strong administrative capabilities. Solid track record of promoting decision-making by building consensus among involved players.
Resource Management:
• Develops the annual work program of the US team consistent with the overall WBG Government Relations strategy and the IFC Partnership strategy.
• Ensures that deployments of the team’s resources are consistent with Resource Management rules, policies, and internal controls.
• Sets priorities and allocates budget within the unit, in line with institutional priorities and a view to maximizing the impact and value-added for the WBG’s activities.
Knowledge Management:
• Embraces good corporate citizenship, including contributing to the development, implementation and communication of corporate policies, strategies and priorities (including ongoing reforms in investment lending, knowledge management, HR policies and the "Global WBG").
• Takes accountability for gathering, managing and disseminating best practices and knowledge across the institution.

Selection Criteria

• Educational background. An advanced degree and 12 years of relevant experience (or equivalent professional experience) in political science, international relations, development policy, strategic communications, or other related fields.
• Very strong experience with US Executive and legislative branches as well as knowledge of US agencies and DFIs.  
• In-depth knowledge of development and of the global issues currently facing multilateral development institutions; broad understanding of the changing development landscape and environment, particularly with respect to the US.
• Ability to lead and support business development and client relationship; track record and ability to focus on client needs effectively. 
• Ability to interact directly and independently with senior management of existing and potential counterparts, financial and technical partners, as well as senior government officials. 
• Analytical skills. Strong ability to analyze and synthesize complex issues and to communicate to others clearly and concisely.
• Entrepreneurial skills. Strong ability to quickly learn, adapt, and be innovative as new challenges arise. Demonstrated high initiative and drive for results. A high degree of energy, creativity, and flexibility.
• Communication skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills and command of English, and ability to present and defend difficult positions to senior officials, both in and outside the WBG. Strong skills in making public presentations and in communicating complex issues in simple terms.
• A knowledge of the WBG and/or the ability to quickly acquire knowledge of WBG including IFC's business (i.e., a proven track record of investment and advisory engagement in emerging markets), policies, and global strategy. 
• Highly motivated and committed to the highest ethical standards. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds.
• Demonstrated skills in leading and working in teams, delivering products and commitments, and working across boundaries. 
• Ability and willingness to travel.

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.

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