Climate Change Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a prominent global partnership consisting of five institutions dedicated to addressing the most pressing development challenges faced by countries around the world. Established with the mission to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity, the organization has grown to include 189 member countries and operates more than 120 offices globally. The World Bank Group is recognized as one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing nations, leveraging data, research, and technology to implement innovative solutions for sustainable development. The South Asia Region, which includes countries such as India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, has seen significant economic growth and improvements in human development over the past two decades, although challenges remain, particularly in poverty alleviation.

Job Overview:
The Climate Change Specialist position at the World Bank is a critical role aimed at integrating climate considerations into the operations of the World Bank Group (WBG) within the South Asia Region (SAR). The specialist will be responsible for supporting the mainstreaming of climate resilience and commitments across various projects and initiatives. This role involves collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including government entities, private sector partners, and other departments within the WBG, to ensure that climate-related factors are effectively incorporated into development strategies. The specialist will also serve as the regional coordinator for Climate Co-Benefits (CCB) exercises, which are essential for tracking and measuring the impact of climate initiatives. The position requires a proactive approach to enhancing the understanding of climate finance and resilience, contributing to the development of policies and investment actions that promote sustainable growth in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Climate Change Specialist will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: coordinating regional delivery on climate commitments and ensuring quality assurance for Climate Co-Benefits assessments; contributing to the development of South Asia's Climate-Smart Resilient Development Agenda by integrating climate resilience into strategic documents; building capacity for monitoring and measuring climate impacts by serving as the primary liaison with the Climate Change Group; strengthening monitoring and reporting systems for climate-related tracking and analytics; expanding the use of results-based climate and carbon finance mechanisms; and supporting the design and implementation of operations and advisory tasks to maximize climate impacts. The specialist will work closely with various teams to ensure that climate considerations are embedded in all relevant projects and initiatives, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the WBG's climate-related efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Climate Change Specialist position must possess an advanced degree (Masters or Ph.D.) in fields such as environmental science, natural resource economics, environmental management, or finance. A minimum of five years of full-time professional experience in relevant areas is required, along with a strong understanding of climate policy and finance mechanisms. Experience in data analysis, monitoring, and evaluation, as well as familiarity with Joint MDB climate co-benefits methodologies, is essential. The ideal candidate should demonstrate the ability to lead knowledge products and analytical tasks that link environmental data to country development priorities, showcasing a proven track record in knowledge sharing and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree, either a Master's or a Ph.D., in a relevant field such as environmental science, natural resource management, environmental economics, or finance. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of climate change and its implications for development, as well as for engaging effectively with various stakeholders in the field.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least five years of full-time professional experience in areas related to climate change, environmental management, or sustainable development. This experience should include a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in cross-cultural and cross-sectoral teams, as well as a strong client orientation and the capacity to resolve conflicts effectively. Familiarity with the World Bank's systems and project cycles is preferred, as is experience in leading or contributing to analytical tasks that involve environmental data.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the World Bank Group. Strong oral and written communication skills in English are essential for effectively conveying complex information and collaborating with diverse teams. While English is the required language, knowledge of additional languages relevant to the South Asia Region may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of two years. The Climate Change Specialist will be based in New Delhi, India, and will be compensated according to the local pay scale. The role may require travel, including to remote areas, to engage with various stakeholders and support the implementation of climate initiatives. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, life, and disability insurance, as well as paid leave and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or other characteristics.