WBG Director, Education and Skills

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group (WBG) is a unique global partnership of five institutions established with the mission to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. Founded in 1944, the organization has grown to include 189 member countries and operates more than 120 offices worldwide. The WBG is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, focusing on solving the world’s greatest development challenges through partnerships with public and private sectors, investment in groundbreaking projects, and the use of data, research, and technology to bring about transformative change globally. For more information, visit www.worldbankgroup.com.

Job Overview:
The WBG Director for Education and Skills will play a pivotal role in leading a diverse and multidisciplinary team within the World Bank Group. This position is responsible for the delivery of the new Education and Skills Strategy, which is built on four interconnected pillars: enhancing early childhood development, improving foundational learning for all children, modernizing skilling systems to create individualized and market-driven learning pathways, and developing agile digital labor market systems that connect workers to opportunities. The Director will report to the Vice President of People and will be accountable for modeling leadership values, ensuring the unit meets its commitments, and driving strategic choices that align with the WBG's mission. The role requires a strong focus on thought leadership, operational delivery, relationship management, global engagement, knowledge management, and people/talent management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The WBG Director for Education and Skills will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction for the Education and Skills department. Key responsibilities include: leading the implementation of the Education and Skills Strategy, mobilizing teams to produce and share knowledge, establishing the department as a thought leader in education finance, overseeing project development across regions, fostering partnerships with public and private sector stakeholders, leading global engagement efforts, supporting internal capacity building, managing knowledge dissemination, and ensuring effective resource management. The Director will also be responsible for talent management, mentoring staff, and fostering a collaborative work environment that promotes innovation and excellence.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Education or a related field, with a minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in education and skills development. They should be recognized leaders in the field, with a proven track record of applying technical and operational knowledge to achieve impactful development outcomes. The ideal candidate will have significant experience engaging with senior government officials, private sector leaders, and international stakeholders, as well as demonstrated thought leadership in education and skills. Experience in managing complex portfolios and leading organizational change initiatives is also essential.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Education or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of education systems and the skills development landscape, which will inform the strategic direction and operational decisions of the WBG Education and Skills department.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 15 years of experience in positions of increasing responsibility and complexity within the field of education and skills development. This experience should include significant field-based work in client countries, familiarity with WBG operations, and a proven ability to manage complex, multi-institutional portfolios. Candidates should also have experience in engaging with diverse stakeholders and leading teams to achieve strategic objectives.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English. Proficiency in additional languages is preferred but not required, as the primary focus will be on effective communication and engagement with stakeholders in English-speaking contexts.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a term duration of 4 years. It involves international recruitment, indicating that candidates from various countries are encouraged to apply. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, paid leave, and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees.