Senior Social Protection Specialist-Senior Economist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group (WBG) is a global organization that aims to address the world's most pressing development challenges. Established in 1944, it operates in 145 countries with over 10,000 employees across more than 182 offices worldwide. The mission of the World Bank is to reduce poverty and support development by providing financial and technical assistance to developing countries. The organization focuses on various sectors, including social protection, education, health, and infrastructure, to promote sustainable economic growth and improve living standards.

Job Overview:
The Senior Social Protection Specialist-Senior Economist will play a pivotal role in advancing the implementation of the World Bank’s operations in Nigeria. This position involves leading and contributing to policy dialogue and operational tasks that align with the Government of Nigeria’s social protection and labor agenda. The selected candidate will be expected to leverage international best practices to enhance the effectiveness of social protection systems in Nigeria. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government institutions, development partners, and NGOs, to ensure the successful delivery of social programs aimed at improving livelihoods and reducing poverty. The candidate will also be responsible for providing technical assistance and analytical support to strengthen social protection systems, ensuring they are adaptive and responsive to shocks, particularly in the context of Nigeria's diverse socio-economic landscape.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Social Protection Specialist will be responsible for a range of duties, including:

• Leadership and co-leadership of social policy tasks in Nigeria, ensuring alignment with the World Bank’s strategic objectives.
• Engaging in policy dialogue with key government institutions, including the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, to support the implementation of social protection programs.
• Supporting operational and analytical engagements at both federal and state levels, contributing as a team member or leader as required.
• Coordinating with colleagues from various sectors to promote integrated approaches to social policy and human capital investments.
• Organizing missions to provide implementation support and technical guidance, enhancing the monitoring and evaluation of project activities.
• Strengthening relationships with clients and donor partners, facilitating coordination with NGOs and government counterparts.
• Conducting technical assessments and preparing analytical reports on ongoing and pipeline projects.
• Collaborating with stakeholders to enhance social protection systems, including UN agencies and other development partners.
• Providing specialized support to address implementation challenges and ensuring compliance with World Bank policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a graduate degree, preferably a master’s level qualification in economics, social policy, or a related field. A minimum of eight years of directly relevant experience in social protection and labor sectors is required. Candidates should demonstrate substantive skills in social assistance operations, particularly in adaptive and shock-responsive systems. Experience in large-scale development operations, particularly with World Bank operations, is highly desirable. Proven technical, analytical, and operational skills are essential, along with the ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with government counterparts and other stakeholders. Strong organizational and coordination skills, along with the ability to work independently in a team environment, are also necessary.

Educational Background:
The position requires a graduate degree, with a minimum of a master’s level qualification in economics, social policy, or a related sector. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to effectively contribute to the World Bank’s social protection initiatives.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of eight years of relevant experience in social protection and related sectors. This experience should include strong operational knowledge in social protection systems and large-scale government-led safety nets. Experience working with clients to build capacity and engage in dialogue on social protection and service delivery is crucial, particularly in the areas of safety nets and women’s empowerment. Familiarity with World Bank operational skills in implementing supported programs is an added advantage.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with native or near-native proficiency in written and spoken English required. While no additional languages are specified as preferred, knowledge of local languages may be beneficial in the Nigerian context.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an Open-Ended Staff (OPEN-OP) role, indicating that it is a permanent position. The recruitment type is local, meaning that candidates must be residents of Nigeria. The closing date for applications is set for November 14, 2026, at 11:59 PM UTC. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including retirement plans, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of gender, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.