WBG Young Professional

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group (WBG) is a global organization established to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries. Its mission is to reduce poverty and support development by providing loans, grants, and expertise to help countries implement projects that improve their economic prospects and quality of life. The WBG comprises five institutions, including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA). Founded in 1944, the organization has grown to include over 10,000 employees working in more than 120 countries, focusing on various sectors such as education, health, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability. The WBG is committed to fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development, making it a key player in the global effort to eradicate poverty and promote shared prosperity.

Job Overview:
The Young Professionals Program (YPP) at the World Bank Group is designed for exceptional professionals who are eager to contribute to global development challenges. This program offers a unique opportunity for young professionals to apply their specialized technical expertise while gaining valuable experience across various sectors of the organization. Participants in the YPP will engage in a structured learning and development journey, which includes three eight-month rotations that provide exposure to different functions and areas of expertise within the WBG. The program emphasizes collaboration across disciplines and institutions, allowing young professionals to work on pressing development issues and contribute to the organization's mission of creating a world free of poverty. The YP will be involved in the Tourism Solutions and Impact Unit, focusing on knowledge management, data systems, tool development, and capacity building, thereby enhancing their technical and operational knowledge while making substantive contributions to the unit's strategic priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Young Professional will be responsible for providing analytical, technical, and operational support to the Tourism Solutions and Impact Unit. Key responsibilities include:

• Contributing to the establishment and operationalization of the WBG Tourism Knowledge Hub by curating and disseminating tourism knowledge products and designing user-friendly platforms.
• Assisting in the development of the 'more and better jobs' methodology for tourism projects, including reviewing existing approaches and supporting teams in applying standardized metrics.
• Collaborating with internal and external teams to improve aviation data systems, mapping existing data sources, and integrating aviation connectivity data into tourism diagnostics.
• Supporting the rollout of the WBG Tourism Diagnostic Tool across client countries, coordinating with country teams, and refining the tool based on operational feedback.
• Contributing digital expertise to develop tourism-related tools and platforms, exploring the application of emerging technologies.
• Assisting in the design of practical toolkits for implementing the WBG Tourism Strategy, conducting research, and preparing user-ready materials.
• Developing learning and skills platforms for WBG tourism practitioners, including e-learning content and knowledge-sharing events.
• Providing logistical and substantive support for the Unit's international tourism conference, including coordinating with speakers and preparing materials.
• Supporting the integration of sustainable tourism principles into investment opportunities by reviewing sustainability frameworks and conducting research. 1
• Assisting tourism experts in responding to regional demand for technical assistance and analysis, preparing analytical notes and policy briefs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of a master's degree in tourism management, economics, development studies, urban planning, environmental studies, or a related field. Additionally, 2-6 years of relevant professional experience in tourism, development finance, research, or a related sector is required. Experience in international development or with a multilateral institution is considered an advantage. Strong quantitative and analytical skills are essential, including proficiency with data analysis tools such as Python, R, or Stata. Demonstrated interest or experience in digital tool development, data visualization, or platform design is highly desirable. Familiarity with tourism economics, employment measurement, or sustainability frameworks is also beneficial. Experience with knowledge management or learning platform development is an asset, along with the ability to work across diverse teams in a fast-paced environment.

Educational Background:
The position requires a minimum of a master's degree in a relevant field such as tourism management, economics, development studies, urban planning, or environmental studies. This educational background is essential to ensure that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to address complex development challenges related to tourism and sustainable economic growth.

Experience:
Candidates should have 2-6 years of relevant professional experience in areas such as tourism, development finance, research, or related sectors. This level of experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of international development and the specific challenges faced by the tourism sector. Experience working with multilateral institutions or in international development contexts is particularly advantageous, as it provides insight into the operational frameworks and collaborative approaches necessary for effective project implementation.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the World Bank Group. Proficiency in additional languages is considered an advantage, as it can enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders across different regions and countries.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time role with an initial contract duration of two years, which may be renewable based on satisfactory performance. The recruitment is open to international candidates, reflecting the World Bank Group's commitment to diversity and inclusion in its workforce. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a retirement plan, medical, life, and disability insurance, as well as paid leave, including parental leave. The WBG also provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, ensuring an inclusive work environment.