Mining Specialist

Mining Specialist

Description

At the World Bank Group (WBG), you’ll join a diverse, global community working across cultures, disciplines, and borders to address the world’s most pressing development challenges. With 1.2 billion young people reaching working age in the decade ahead, the challenge of job creation has never been greater. Through partnerships across 145 countries and more than 182 offices worldwide, we work with governments, private sector, development partners and other stakeholders to invest in people, strengthen markets, and deliver scalable, data-driven solutions that generate more and better jobs and improve lives. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org

Infrastructure Vice Presidency (INF VPU)

The WBG Infrastructure Vice Presidency is responsible for getting the right public and private sector solutions for our operational teams and to our clients, and to produce scalable impact.Its mandate is to deliver financing and knowledge for impact to enable and support the WBG to achieve its goals in support of our mission and specifically: providing guidance on creating more and better jobs; supporting foundational infrastructure and human capital, policy environment, and private sector mobilization; focusing on agribusiness, healthcare, infrastructure, manufacturing, and tourism; and support and accelerate specific targets such as M300, Health 1.5bn, and SP 500. The VPU’s objectives in driving outcomes include replicating and scaling effective solutions, enhancing thought leadership and innovation, and delivering timely knowledge to client teams.

For more information: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/infrastructure

WBG Metals and Minerals Department (KIMDR)

The global mining sector continues to evolve rapidly. Urbanization, agriculture, digitalization, and a soaring need for energy could double the demand for critical minerals by 2040. For many countries, meeting this demand presents a significant opportunity to create jobs and growth. Mining can generate substantial government revenue through taxes, royalties, and state equity stakes that fund schools, clinics, infrastructure, and digital services. With the right policies and safeguards, mining can progress from a purely extractive industry to one that includes manufacturing and processing. This progress ensures that value and jobs stay local with a long-lasting impact.

The INF VPU’s Metals and Minerals (M&M) Department of the WBG (KIMDR) is responsible for the implementation of the WBG’s M&M Global Strategy. A core focus of this strategy is the implementation of country partnerships (or compacts). Those partnerships’ key objective is to unlock the potential for economic transformation and development in mineral resources rich countries, by enhancing beneficiation in countries along minerals value chains (exploration, processing and refining). KIMDR houses a joint IBRD-IFC team of about 55 staff. It is a dynamic and diverse team recognized for its professional excellence and commitment to teamwork, both of which are necessary to deliver a large and complex program of assistance. KIMDR includes technical experts responsible for the design and implementation of WBG operations and knowledge activities in mining at both global and country levels and organized within several units. One of those units houses the metals and minerals policy and regulation team (KIMPR).

The objective of KIMPR is to provide technical advice and support on cutting-edge policy, analytical work, and investment lending preparation and implementation for government clients, often resulting in financing to support developing countries transform their natural resource wealth into sustainable, resilient, and inclusive economic development, consistent with climate mitigation goals.

WBG M&M Department Activities in Mauritania

The West African M&M portfolio currently consists of lending operations in Mauritania, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Liberia and the Central African Republic. The current position will have its focus on Mauritania, but it will be expected that the Mining Specialist will engage across the region as needed. Mauritania is one of the first movers in terms of developing a National Mining Compact. The WBG is deeply engaged in the expansion of the mining sector, iron ore in particular, which aims to transform its mineral wealth to sustainable economic growth. In addition to technical assistance, the WBG M&M department’s private sector investment team is exploring opportunities for financing several mining investments. The Mining Specialist will support implementation of the lending operations and participate in policy dialogue with senior country leadership on the development of the national mining compact. The compact will define a national strategy for requisite infrastructure development, economic diversification and job creation.

NOTE: This position is partially financed by a Trust Fund and renewal is contingent upon availability of funding, in addition to other factors, including but not limited to business needs, staff performance and skills fit.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

The selected candidate will be based in the World Bank’s country office in Nouakchott, contributing to the design and implementation of World Bank operations and knowledge activities in the metals and minerals sector and with primary focus on Mauritania, but also a wider geographic reach of West Africa:
 
• Collaborate with WBG global and AFW regional country team in developing sector and/or regional strategies and support related policy advisory or “upstream” work.
• Provide technical input across various thematic areas relevant to mining sector development, including data management, permitting, and environmental and social considerations.
• Assist in the monitoring and reporting of project implementation progress, including the Mauritania DREAMS project as well as contributions to internal and external reporting tools.
• Conduct analytical work that informs strategic planning and territorial development in key mining regions.
• Contribute to the implementation of WBG’s M&M Global Strategy in West Africa including the preparation and implementation of country compacts/partnerships. 
• Support the integration of infrastructure planning as a key consideration of mineral development with a particular focus on mineral value chain enhancement. 
• Contribute to the development and refinement of national mining policies, ensuring coherence with institutional capacities and implementation feasibility.
• Participate in policy dialogue and reform processes in the mining sector across multiple countries in the region.
• Provide technical support to the development of investment-related platforms and initiatives in collaboration with national and regional partners.
• Support artisanal and small-scale mining agenda and business development with country clients when applicable.

Selection Criteria

• Minimum of a master’s degree or higher in a mining-related discipline (e.g. Geology, Mining or Metallurgical Engineering, Mineral Economics), or a master’s degree in finance, international policy, or project management, or in other fields relevant to the mining sector.
• At least 5 years of relevant mining sector experience.
• Demonstrated understanding and experience in specific mining industry issues, project management and data analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to think independently, proactively analyze problems, identify, and take the lead in defining appropriate solutions.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail with sound analytical skills.
• Ability to deal sensitively in multicultural environments and build effective working relations with staff.
• Fluency in English and French required, with knowledge of Arabic being a plus.
• Knowledge of the other various infrastructure core sectors (power, energy, transportation, utilities) and/or experience in financial advisory will be a plus.

As the World Bank Group continues to evolve, we value candidates who:
• Demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively across teams, disciplines, cultures, and institutional boundaries.
• Responsibly leverage digital and AI-enabled tools to enhance productivity, learning, and decision-making.
• Bring experience working in fragile, conflict-affected, and violent (FCV) contexts and are encouraged to highlight relevant experience in their application materials, where applicable.

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.