WBG Pioneer -Water Intern

Description

WBG Pioneers, the World Bank Group’s Internship Program, offers undergraduate and postgraduate students a high impact learning experience at the heart of global development. Participants gain hands on experience in a diverse and dynamic environment, contribute fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, and connect with international professionals working to end poverty on a livable planet.

WBG Pioneer

Background/Organizational Context 

The World Bank Group (WBG) Oman Country Management Unit (CMU) supports the Government of Oman in advancing economic diversification, private sector-led growth, human capital development, and sustainable development aligned with Oman Vision 2040. 

Water scarcity is one of the most critical development challenges facing Oman and the wider Middle East and North Africa region. With among the lowest per capita freshwater availability in the world, Oman relies heavily on desalination, groundwater extraction, and treated wastewater reuse to meet domestic, agricultural, and industrial water needs. The pressures of rapid economic development under Vision 2040, population growth, and climate variability are placing increasing strain on water systems and existing governance frameworks. 

The WBG Oman CMU supports the Government's efforts to improve water security, promote efficient water use across agriculture, industry, and household sectors, and strengthen the institutional and regulatory frameworks governing water resources management. The Water Intern will contribute to the CMU's public-facing knowledge and engagement work, helping generate evidence and communicate findings to a broad range of stakeholders including government partners, civil society, the private sector, and the general public. The internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in water sector development work while contributing to the WBG's mission of ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity on a livable planet. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

Under the supervision of the Country Management Unit team, the intern will support water-related analytical, knowledge, and communications activities across the WBG Oman portfolio. 

Research and Policy Analysis: 

• Conduct research and literature reviews on water security, water resources management, desalination, wastewater reuse, agricultural water efficiency, water tariff reform, and water governance in Oman and comparable arid-country contexts. 

• Compile and analyze data on water supply, demand, pricing, and service delivery in Oman, drawing on national statistics, international datasets, and sector assessments. 

• Benchmark water sector policies and good practices from GCC countries and other arid-region peers relevant to Oman's development priorities. 

• Contribute to the documentation of lessons learned from World Bank water projects and programs in the MENA region applicable to Oman. 

Knowledge Products and Communications: 

• Support the preparation of public-facing outputs including policy briefs, case studies, blog posts, infographics, presentations, and social media content on water-related themes. 

• Translate technical water sector content into accessible and engaging narratives for non-specialist audiences including government partners, civil society, and the public. 

• Assist in the preparation of sections of operational documents, technical notes, and sector assessments as directed by the supervisor. 

Stakeholder Engagement and Events: 

• Support the organization and documentation of water-related workshops, knowledge-sharing events, consultations, and stakeholder dialogues. 

• Prepare event summaries, talking points, presentations, and background materials for meetings with government counterparts and development partners. 

Other Duties: 

• Provide operational support to the CMU's water-related activities as required. 

• Undertake other related assignments consistent with the objectives of the internship. 

Selection Criteria

Academic Qualifications: 

• Currently enrolled in, or in the final year of postgraduate degree in Water Resources Engineering, Hydrology, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Water Policy, Environmental Science, or a related field. 

Professional Competencies: 

• Demonstrated interest in water security and sustainable development and the mission of the World Bank Group. 

• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills, including familiarity with quantitative data analysis. 

• Ability to compile, synthesize, and present data and policy information clearly. 

• Strong writing, editing, and communication skills, with an ability to translate technical water content for general audiences. 

• Experience with data analysis tools or GIS is an asset. 

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. 

• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively in a multicultural team environment. 

Languages: 

• Excellent written and spoken English required. 

• Arabic language skills strongly preferred. 

Personal Attributes: 

• Intellectual curiosity and initiative. 

• Attention to detail. 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. 

• Interest in development issues and water policy. 

• Ability to produce high-quality outputs under tight deadlines. 

No-Fee Internship Eligibility
This position is offered under the WBG Pioneers No-Fee Internship Track. Students may be offered a no-fee STT appointment provided that they either: (a) are enrolled in a Master's, PhD, or similar graduate program during the entire internship (or are in the fifth year or higher of a degree program in countries where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate stages) and provide an official letter from their university confirming that the internship fulfills academic requirements for at least one term of study; or (b) are enrolled in undergraduate or graduate studies and receive a stipend from their university at least equivalent to the minimum STT T1 fee level in effect at the start of the assignment, as confirmed by an official university letter.

Note: Please limit your applications to a maximum of three positions. Applications exceeding this limit will not be considered.

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.

The World Bank Group values diversity and encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of World Bank Group member countries to apply, regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.  Sub-Saharan African nationals, Caribbean nationals, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.