Associate Industry Specialist – Transport and Logistics

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which is part of the World Bank Group (WBG). The WBG was established with the mission to end poverty and promote shared prosperity by providing financial and technical assistance to developing countries. With 189 member countries and over 120 offices worldwide, the WBG is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. The organization focuses on various sectors, including transportation, and aims to address the most pressing global challenges through innovative solutions and partnerships with public and private sector entities.

Job Overview:
The Associate Industry Specialist (AIS) position is a critical role within the Transport and Logistics Solutions and Impact team at the World Bank Group. The AIS will be responsible for providing expertise and knowledge regarding business feasibility and project assessments in the transport and logistics sectors. This role involves supervising ongoing transport investments and collaborating with other industry specialists to ensure that best practices and innovative solutions are effectively shared across the organization. The AIS will also play a key role in bridging operational experience with knowledge management, ensuring that lessons learned from projects are documented and utilized to enhance future initiatives. The position requires a global focus, with some travel expected to engage with clients and stakeholders in various regions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Industry Specialist will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Upstream-related activities: - Identifying opportunities for advisory services to clients at various stages of project development, including early-stage business development and pipeline creation. - Supporting the development of sector strategies and creating new business opportunities. - Advising the Transport and Logistics Policy and Regulation Unit and other investment teams within the WBG on early-stage assessments of investment proposals from technical, managerial, commercial, and developmental impact perspectives.
• Investment-related activities: - Applying sector knowledge to appraise new investment proposals across various transport and logistics subsectors, such as ports, roads, railways, urban transit, airports, and electric mobility. - Liaising with clients' technical staff, project engineers, and consultants as needed. - Reviewing and analyzing major contracts, including EPC, O&M, and Concession agreements. - Developing market assessments, revenue projections, and operational parameters to inform financial models prepared by investment teams. - Drafting Terms of Reference and supervising technical and market consultants as necessary. - Preparing timely project appraisal reports, including risk assessments and impact evaluations.
• Portfolio-related activities: - Providing technical supervision of the WBG's portfolio of transport sector investments, including conducting field inspections as necessary. - Identifying and assisting in resolving operational weaknesses and documenting lessons learned and best practices for future projects.
• Other activities: - Supporting other specialists in their duties when necessary. - Maintaining an active WBG network to provide visibility of WBG activities relevant to the sector and coordinating activities as appropriate. - Keeping updated on sectoral and industry news, trends, and technology developments. - Developing industry knowledge to share within WBG and with external clients as part of knowledge management programs.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Transport Engineering, or an equivalent technical discipline. Additionally, candidates must have at least 5 years of professional experience in the transport or logistics industry, with direct exposure to at least one subsector and broad knowledge of others. Experience working on private sector transport projects, particularly in emerging markets, is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate experience in technical due diligence, project appraisal, feasibility assessment, or technical advisory roles. A good understanding of market operations, economics, subsectors, and key players within the transport sector is necessary. Strong oral and written communication skills in English are required, along with the ability to produce clear and concise written inputs for investment reports and management briefings.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in a relevant field such as Civil Engineering or Transport Engineering. This educational background is crucial for understanding the technical aspects of transport and logistics projects and for providing informed assessments and recommendations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in the transport or logistics industry. This experience should include direct exposure to at least one subsector, such as ports, roads, or railways, and a broad familiarity with other subsectors. Experience working on private sector transport projects, especially in emerging markets, is highly valued. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in technical due diligence, project appraisal, feasibility assessments, or technical advisory roles.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as strong oral and written communication skills are essential for producing reports and engaging with stakeholders. While English is the required language, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if it enhances communication with clients in diverse regions.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time role with a term duration of 3 years. It involves international recruitment, indicating that candidates from various countries are encouraged to apply. The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to being an equal opportunity and inclusive employer, ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly regardless of gender, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.