Private Sector Development Specialist (WBG Young Professionals Program)

Do you want to join a diverse group of professionals who help change the world?

The World Bank Group (WBG) is 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.

Our Young Professionals Program (WBG YPP) is an exciting way to start a career with the World Bank Group. For close to 60 years, the program has recruited some of the brightest young minds to contribute to our top priorities, from poverty eradication, social development and climate change to the current response to the COVID-19 crisis. 

Private Sector Development Specialists with YPP qualifications below are encouraged to apply from June 15 - July 15 at  www.worldbank.org/ypp

We are looking for individuals who are younger than 32 years of age, who demonstrate a passion for international development, graduate level education, relevant professional experience and the potential to grow into leadership roles across the World Bank Group. 

Description

The Finance, Competitiveness and Innovation (FCI) Global Practice combines expertise in the financial sector with expertise in private sector development to foster private sector-led growth and help create markets in client countries.  FCI’s core lines of business are: (i) Finance which includes Financial Stability & Integrity; Financial Inclusion, Infrastructure & Access; and Long- Term Finance; and (ii) Private Sector Development which includes Business-Enabling Environment and Investment Climate; Competition Policy and State-Owned Enterprises; Technology Adoption and Climate-Smart Solutions; and SMEs and Industry Solutions. 

This job description focuses on the Private Sector Development expertise in FCI.

YPP Selection Criteria

• Born on or after October 1, 1990
• Relevant Master’s by September 2022 OR PhD by September 2023
• 3+ years of relevant experience OR continued study at the doctoral level
• Fluency in English

Desired Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Economics (Micro-economics/Industrial Organization), Business Administration, Public Administration, Law, Data scientist 
• Analytical knowledge of best practices and standards relevant to private sector development and practical experience in emerging markets and developing economies 
• Expertise in one pillar of the private sector development program: 
• competition policy and SOEs (pro-competition market regulations, anti-trust rules and enforcement, SOE reforms); 
• investment climate and business environment (business regulations, investment policy and promotion, foreign direct investment); technology adoption and climate smart solutions (carbon friendly policies to promote green competitiveness). 
• SME development and industry solutions (global value chains, agribusiness, manufacturing, tourism).
• Experience providing policy recommendations to governments based on sound analytical diagnostic
• Knowledge of / exposure to government policies and programs for private sector development  
• Strong writing and oral communications skills.
• Proficiency in French or Spanish is a plus 

World Bank Group Core Competencies 

• Knowledge and Experience in Development Arena - Translates technical and cross-country knowledge into practical applications and contributions to country and sector strategies; interacts with clients at the policy level.
• Policy Dialogue Skills - Anticipates needs and requests in the field and conducts independent policy discussions with representatives of the government and non-government partners.
• Integrative Skills - Understands relevant cross-sectoral areas how they are interrelated; able to undertake cross-sectoral work in lending and non-lending operations.
• Project Design for Impact and Sustainability - Contributes to the design of projects and programs based on an understanding of the country and sector context.
• Sector Dialogue - Able to conduct a dialogue with the client including on complex issues, based on a solid understanding of the sector.
• Client Orientation - Maintains client relationships in the face of conflicting demands or directions, and provides evidence-based advice and solutions based on sound diagnosis and knowledge.
• Drive for Results - Identifies the needed resources to accomplish results involving multiple stakeholders and finds solutions to obstacles affecting key deliverables.
• Teamwork (Collaboration) and Inclusion - Shows leadership in ensuring the team stays organized and focused, and actively seeks and considers diverse ideas and approaches.
• Knowledge, Learning, and Communication - Leads in the sharing of best practice, trends, knowledge and lessons learned across units and with clients and partners, articulating ideas verbally and in writing in a clear and compelling way across audiences of varied levels.
• Business Judgment and Analytical Decision Making - Gathers inputs, assesses risk, considers impact and articulates benefits of decisions for internal and external stakeholders over the long term.

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, IFC and MIGA including our values and inspiring stories.