WBG Pioneer - LSMS Survey Innovation Fellow

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group (WBG) is a global organization dedicated to reducing poverty and supporting development by providing financial and technical assistance to developing countries. Established in 1944, the World Bank has grown to encompass a diverse workforce of over 10,000 employees across more than 120 countries. The organization operates with a mission to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity, focusing on sustainable development and economic growth. The WBG is known for its commitment to innovation and research, particularly in the areas of economic policy, social development, and environmental sustainability.

Job Overview:
The WBG Pioneer - LSMS Survey Innovation Fellow position is part of the World Bank Group’s Internship Program, which offers a unique opportunity for undergraduate and postgraduate students to gain hands-on experience in global development. The Fellow will work within the Development Economics Survey Unit (DECSU), which is responsible for producing high-quality household survey data in low- and middle-income countries. This role involves participating in a randomized survey experiment in Bangladesh aimed at understanding survey measurement error and the effectiveness of different data collection modes. The Fellow will engage in various aspects of survey methodology, including questionnaire refinement, survey implementation, data quality monitoring, and data analysis, while also contributing to the World Bank’s research agenda.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Fellow will support an ongoing randomized survey experiment in Bangladesh, which includes several key responsibilities:

• Assisting in the refinement of survey questionnaires to ensure clarity and effectiveness in data collection.
• Participating in the implementation of the survey, which involves coordinating with field teams and ensuring adherence to protocols.
• Monitoring data quality throughout the survey process, including conducting checks and validations to maintain high standards.
• Analyzing collected data to identify patterns, trends, and potential sources of measurement error.
• Contributing to research outputs, including reports and presentations, based on the findings from the survey.
• Developing an independent research question using project data, in consultation with the research team, to further explore relevant issues in survey methodology and data quality.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be currently enrolled in, or in the final year of, a relevant master’s or PhD program. They should possess at least three years of relevant professional experience, ideally in fields related to economics, public policy, statistics, data science, or development studies. Strong analytical, quantitative, research, and problem-solving skills are essential, along with a demonstrated interest or experience in household surveys, impact evaluation, data quality, or development research. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are mandatory for this position.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have an academic background in economics, public policy, statistics, data science, development studies, or a related field. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of survey design and implementation, as well as for conducting rigorous data analysis.

Experience:
A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience is required for this position. This experience should ideally include work related to household surveys, data collection methodologies, or development research, providing the Fellow with a solid understanding of the challenges and best practices in the field.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the World Bank Group. While not required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the regions in which the World Bank operates.

Additional Notes:
This internship is offered under the WBG Pioneers No-Fee Internship Track, meaning that students may be appointed without a fee if they meet specific eligibility criteria. Candidates must either be enrolled in a graduate program that requires the internship for academic credit or receive a stipend from their university that meets the minimum fee level. The position is a no-fee internship, and applicants are advised to limit their applications to a maximum of three positions, as exceeding this limit will result in disqualification. The World Bank Group values diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, particularly those from Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, and female candidates.