Disaster Risk Management Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank, a member of the World Bank Group (WBG), is a global organization dedicated to addressing the world's most pressing development challenges. Established in 1944, the World Bank has grown to encompass a diverse community of professionals working across various sectors and disciplines. With over 10,000 employees and operations in 145 countries, the organization aims to reduce poverty and promote sustainable economic development. The World Bank operates more than 182 offices worldwide, collaborating with governments, private sectors, and development partners to create scalable, data-driven solutions that improve lives and generate better job opportunities. The organization is committed to investing in people and strengthening markets to foster economic growth and resilience against challenges such as climate change and natural disasters. For more information, visit their official website at https://www.worldbank.org/en/who-we-are/ibrd.

Job Overview:
The Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Specialist position at the World Bank is a critical role focused on providing technical, operational, and corporate support for disaster risk analytics and broader disaster risk management activities. The specialist will engage in various workstreams, including conducting rapid post-disaster damage and needs assessments, hazard and exposure modeling of the built environment, and quantifying disaster and climate risks. The role requires high-quality technical inputs for analytical work, project preparation, and implementation, which includes reviewing technical studies, contributing to project design, and engaging with client governments through field missions and virtual interactions. The specialist will also lead the development of knowledge products related to disaster risk management analytics and policies, ensuring that assessments are technically robust and actionable investments are delivered in Bank projects. This position is integral to supporting low and middle-income countries in understanding and managing their risks from natural hazards and climate change, ultimately contributing to the World Bank's mission of reducing vulnerability and enhancing resilience.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Disaster Risk Management Specialist will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including: 1) Providing technical support for disaster risk analytics and management activities; 2) Conducting rapid post-disaster damage and needs assessments; 3) Performing hazard and exposure modeling of the built environment; 4) Quantifying and analyzing disaster and climate risks; 5) Offering technical advisory support on building and infrastructure standards and risk-reduction measures; 6) Contributing to project preparation and implementation by reviewing technical studies and participating in field missions; 7) Leading the development of knowledge products related to disaster risk management; 8) Coordinating disaster risk assessments and ensuring their technical robustness; 9) Supporting regional Task Team Leaders in delivering actionable investments; 10) Developing tools and databases to track exposure to natural hazards; 11) Leading technical engagements with clients and Regional Task Teams; 12) Facilitating training and capacity building for risk reduction and preparedness activities; 13) Collaborating with firms, consultants, and internal teams for product development; 14) Conducting and supervising technical studies and providing input to project documents; 15) Coordinating with related programs within the Infrastructure Vice-Presidential Unit; 16) Carrying out other relevant tasks to support the overall objectives of the position.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s or PhD degree in Engineering, particularly in structural engineering or a relevant technical field. A minimum of 5 years of increasing responsibility in disaster risk assessments and disaster risk reduction, with a focus on cutting-edge risk analytics, is required. Experience in international development and disaster risk management is essential, along with a track record of participation in policy discussions related to safe buildings and infrastructure. Strong conceptual and analytical skills are necessary, as well as proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, and open-sourced GIS software packages. Candidates should have in-depth knowledge of good practice building standards and resilience housing, along with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with government agencies and international organizations. Fluency in English is mandatory, while fluency in an additional language such as French, Spanish, or Portuguese is desirable but not required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s or PhD degree in Engineering, specifically in structural engineering or a closely related technical field. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of disaster risk management and the technical aspects of infrastructure resilience.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in disaster risk assessments and disaster risk reduction. Candidates should have a solid background in international development and disaster risk management, demonstrating their ability to engage in policy discussions and contribute to the development of safe building practices and infrastructure resilience.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, both written and spoken. Additionally, proficiency in another language such as French, Spanish, or Portuguese is considered a plus, although it is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an Open-Ended Staff role, indicating that it does not have a predetermined end date. The recruitment type is international, allowing for candidates from various countries to apply. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a retirement plan, medical, life, and disability insurance, as well as 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 closing date for applications is set for October 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM UTC.