Transport Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank is a member of the World Bank Group (WBG) and operates globally with a mission to address the world’s most pressing development challenges. Established to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries, the organization has a workforce of diverse professionals working across cultures and disciplines. The World Bank operates in 145 countries and has over 182 offices worldwide, focusing on partnerships with governments, private sectors, and development partners to invest in people and strengthen markets. The organization aims to deliver scalable, data-driven solutions that generate better jobs and improve lives, particularly in regions like South Asia, which is experiencing rapid economic growth and significant development challenges.

Job Overview:
The Transport Specialist position at the World Bank is designed to support the preparation and implementation of transport operations and analytical work in Bhutan and potentially other South Asian countries. The role emphasizes the importance of road corridors, regional connectivity, trade facilitation, and resilient infrastructure. The selected candidate will act as the principal representative of the Transport and Logistics Practice in Bhutan, engaging with government counterparts and various stakeholders to ensure effective communication and coordination. The position requires a blend of technical expertise, operational capability, and strong local knowledge to navigate the complexities of transport issues in Bhutan, which include addressing the unique challenges posed by its mountainous terrain and dispersed settlements. The Specialist will be involved in both field-level implementation and broader policy dialogue, making it essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the transport sector's dynamics.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Transport Specialist will undertake a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Operations and Portfolio Delivery: Leading the identification, preparation, appraisal, and implementation of transport activities in Bhutan; contributing to project design and results frameworks; monitoring implementation progress and preparing reports; resolving implementation bottlenecks; and coordinating with various specialists to ensure high-quality project delivery.
• Sector Technical and Policy Support: Providing technical support across Bhutan’s transport program, including road corridors and urban mobility; supporting climate-resilient design and disaster-risk reduction; assessing corridor performance and logistics constraints; and integrating considerations of climate resilience, gender, and social inclusion into transport strategies.
• Country Engagement and In-Country Representation: Serving as the main in-country interface for the Transport and Logistics Practice; maintaining relationships with relevant ministries and local authorities; representing the transport program in country-office discussions; and coordinating missions and stakeholder engagements.
• Analytics, Knowledge, and Program Development: Contributing to analytical work and sector diagnostics; preparing technical reports and presentations; and sharing lessons learned across projects.
• Team Contribution and Quality: Collaborating in multidisciplinary teams; guiding consultants; maintaining project records; and ensuring timely communication of implementation developments.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or higher in transport planning, civil engineering, economics, public policy, or a closely related field. They should have at least 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in transport, with demonstrated experience in project preparation and implementation. Substantial experience in areas such as road corridor development, regional connectivity, and climate-resilient transport is essential. Experience working with government counterparts on complex infrastructure programs is also required, with a preference for candidates who have experience in Bhutan or similar mountainous, landlocked settings. Strong technical and operational capabilities in transport planning and project management are necessary, along with familiarity with economic analysis and procurement management.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or higher in relevant fields such as transport planning, civil engineering, economics, public policy, or infrastructure. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of transport systems and the analytical skills needed for effective project management and policy development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in the transport sector. Candidates should have a proven track record in project preparation, implementation, and advisory work, with substantial experience in key areas of transport such as road corridor development and trade facilitation. Experience working with government entities on infrastructure projects is highly desirable, particularly in challenging environments like Bhutan.

Languages:
Proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for effective communication with international stakeholders. Additionally, the ability to work in Dzongkha, the national language of Bhutan, is highly advantageous. Knowledge of other local languages would also be beneficial, enhancing communication with local counterparts and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an Open-Ended Staff role under local recruitment terms, indicating that it is intended for candidates residing in Bhutan. The role is full-time and offers a competitive compensation package, including comprehensive benefits such as a retirement plan, medical insurance, and paid leave. The World Bank is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, ensuring equal opportunity in the recruitment process.