Senior Urban Transport Specialist

Senior Urban Transport Specialist

World Bank

April 22, 2026May 2, 2026Washington DcUnited States
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group (WBG) is a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting sustainable development. Established in 1944, the WBG has grown to become one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, with a mission to help clients solve their greatest development challenges. The organization operates in over 100 countries and employs thousands of professionals who work collaboratively to provide innovative solutions and support to governments and institutions. The WBG focuses on various sectors, including transportation, health, education, and infrastructure, aiming to create a world free of poverty and inequality.

Job Overview:
The Senior Urban Transport Specialist will play a pivotal role in leading urban mobility initiatives within the World Bank Group. This position involves providing strategic leadership and thought leadership on urban mobility issues, developing high-quality knowledge products, and offering advisory services to regional teams. The specialist will be responsible for identifying key challenges in urban mobility and proposing innovative solutions, particularly in mobilizing private sector capital. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including internal teams and external partners, to enhance the effectiveness of urban transport solutions. The specialist will also be expected to contribute to the development of policies and regulations that support urban mobility, ensuring that the World Bank Group remains at the forefront of addressing urban transport challenges globally.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Urban Transport Specialist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:
  • Strategic Leadership: Identify challenges in urban mobility and initiate solutions, including new products and financing modalities. Develop a menu of policy and regulation options for regional teams. Formulate strategic directions and implementation plans for fiscal years.
  • Operational Quality Assurance: Support quality assurance processes across the lending and advisory project cycle. Ensure relevant global knowledge is applied to country engagements. Extract lessons from operations and disseminate knowledge.
  • Learning and Mentoring: Assess technical skill gaps and develop training programs. Lead learning activities under the Transport Academy Programs. Maintain content on the KTI intranet and support corporate initiatives.
  • Partnership and Outreach: Build relationships with internal and external partners. Represent the World Bank Group in technical meetings and events. Develop briefings and opinion editorials on urban mobility issues.
  • Fundraising and Resource Mobilization: Contribute to the growth of resources and expansion of donors for transport trust funds. Participate in donor-led events to enhance visibility.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s or PhD degree in a relevant field, along with at least 8 years of relevant experience in urban mobility. The ideal candidate should have a proven ability to influence policy dialogue and engage with senior stakeholders, including government officials. Strong technical knowledge and experience in delivering complex analytical work in urban mobility are essential. The candidate should also demonstrate operational and development experience, particularly in policy and investment lending, with a strong record of delivering complex operations and policy dialogue. Excellent communication and representational skills are required, along with the ability to engage effectively with various constituencies.

Educational Background:
A Master’s or PhD degree in urban planning, transportation engineering, public policy, or a related field is required for this position. The educational background should provide a strong foundation in urban mobility concepts, policy analysis, and project management, equipping the candidate with the necessary skills to address the complexities of urban transport challenges.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in urban mobility, with a focus on roles that involve increasing complexity and responsibility. Candidates should have a track record of conducting effective policy dialogue and collaborating with country counterparts, as well as experience in delivering complex analytical work and operational projects in urban mobility.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. While additional languages are not specified as preferred, candidates with multilingual capabilities may have an advantage in engaging with diverse stakeholders and enhancing communication efforts.

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 retirement plans, medical and life insurance, paid leave, and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees.
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