Lead Disaster Risk Management Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank is a global development cooperative established to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries. It consists of two main entities: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA). Founded in 1944, the World Bank is owned by 189 member countries and is the largest development bank in the world. Its mission is to reduce poverty and support development by providing loans, guarantees, risk management products, and advisory services to middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various sectors, including urban development, infrastructure, and disaster risk management. The World Bank aims to coordinate responses to regional and global challenges, leveraging its extensive network and resources to create sustainable solutions for its clients. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

Job Overview:
The Lead Disaster Risk Management Specialist position is a critical role within the Disaster Management, Solutions & Impact Unit (KIUSD) of the World Bank. This position is designed to support the strategic and technical direction of the unit's work on Disaster Risk Analytics. The specialist will be responsible for overseeing various aspects of disaster risk management, including conducting rapid post-disaster damage assessments, hazard exposure modeling, quantifying disaster risk, and analyzing the economics of resilience. The role requires a collaborative approach, as the specialist will mentor and coach other staff members while also working closely with the Practice Manager and leadership team to foster relationships with both internal and external clients. The position is based in Washington D.C. and demands a high level of expertise in disaster risk management, as well as the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders. The specialist will play a key role in developing tools and methodologies that enhance decision-making processes related to disaster risk management, ultimately contributing to the World Bank's mission of reducing vulnerability to natural hazards and climate change.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Lead Disaster Risk Management Specialist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: providing analytical guidance and leadership for the Urban, Subnational Finance, Tourism & Disaster Management Global Department and KIUSD staff; mentoring teams in disaster risk analytics design and knowledge service delivery; leading the development of tools and databases to track the exposure of the built environment to natural hazards; documenting the benefits of resilience interventions and their synergies with other public objectives; collaborating with internal partners to identify cooperation opportunities; engaging with external political, donor, and technical partners; and representing the Urban, Subnational Finance, Tourism & Disaster Management Global Department in various initiatives related to disaster risk analytics. The specialist will also be expected to contribute to corporate, regional, and departmental initiatives and represent the Bank at relevant events.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Lead Disaster Risk Management Specialist position must possess a Master's degree or PhD in economics, engineering, disaster risk management, policy, or a related field, along with at least 12 years of professional experience. Extensive experience with probabilistic modeling, stochastic simulations, and scenario-based analyses for disaster risk assessments is essential. The ideal candidate should have a strong analytical track record in disaster risk management, a proven ability to deliver client-oriented solutions through Bank instruments, and excellent communication skills. The candidate must be capable of articulating complex concepts clearly and engaging in policy dialogue with World Bank clients. Additionally, the candidate should demonstrate leadership capabilities, mentoring experience, and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or PhD in a relevant field such as economics, engineering, disaster risk management, or policy. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of disaster risk management and for developing effective strategies to address these challenges.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 12 years of professional experience in disaster risk management or related fields. Candidates should have extensive experience in probabilistic modeling and disaster risk assessments, demonstrating a strong analytical background and a track record of delivering solutions that meet client needs. Experience in leading teams and mentoring staff is also essential, as is the ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage concurrent tasks effectively.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered a plus, although not explicitly required. Strong communication skills in English are essential for engaging with diverse stakeholders and delivering complex information clearly.

Additional Notes:
This position is an international recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 4 years. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The internal requisition is open to WBG and IMF staff only, and external candidates are not encouraged to apply.