Description
Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. For more information, please visit www.worldbank.org.
Junior Professional Associates – Program Description
The Junior Professionals Associate Program (JPA) offers an exceptional opportunity for recent graduates to embark on a professional journey, providing a three-year contract with valuable work experience within a diverse and dynamic environment and the potential of field work experience. The program is an excellent platform to sharpen your existing skills and to develop new ones, all while gaining a profound understanding of the challenges associated with reducing poverty and fostering shared prosperity on a livable planet.
We will provide you with the opportunity to gain entry-level professional experience in a premier development institution, on an Extended Term Consultant (ETC) contract with benefits. For more information, please visit www.worldbank.org/careers/jpa
The following are minimum requirements to be eligible for the JPA program:
Be 32 years of age or youngerHold a bachelor’s degreeBe fluent in EnglishThe JPA program at the World Bank is a highly competitive initiative. Candidates who are being actively considered for positions may be required to present academic transcripts and professional references. The World Bank's Human Resources team and hiring team will reach out exclusively to individuals selected for assessment and interviews.
Positions may be in any of the World Bank's offices worldwide.
Specific Unit Description – Environment, Natural Resources and Blue Economy Global Practice in Latin America and Caribbean Region (LCR)
Sustainable environment and natural resources management is at the heart of the WBG's poverty agenda. Biodiversity and natural resources constitute the social safety net of the poor, representing a food bank and often their only source of livelihood. Sustainable environmental and natural resources management promote a green, clean, and resilient world where natural resources – from forests to fisheries, freshwater, oceans, coastal zones, and ecosystems – are managed to support livelihoods and strong economies. Sustainable Environmental and Natural Resources Management builds a world better prepared for shocks and global challenges, helping countries limit their exposure to resource scarcity, more-volatile weather patterns, and the long-term consequences of climate change.
The Environment Natural Resources & Blue Economy Global Practice (ENB GP) has five key business lines consisting of lending and non-lending services in (1) Forests, Watersheds and Sustainable Landscapes (Green business line); (2) Marine, Coastal, Aquatic Resources and Ocean Health (Blue Economy business line); (3) Pollution Management and Environmental Health (Pollution Management business line); (4) Environmental Economics, Policies and Institutions Business line; and (5) Environmental Risk Management Business line, defined as: the delivery of effective environmental risk management and sustainability by managing risk at the project level and creating opportunities to advance sustainable development. Environmental risk management includes: (a) provision of high-quality and timely services to investment projects across the Bank, including those under the previous safeguard policies, and (b) the effective implementation of the Environment and Social Framework (ESF) that has been in effect for all new investment projects since October 1, 2018.
Following the successful completion of the World Bank supported National Program for Innovation in Fisheries and Aquaculture (PNIPA) in February 2023, the government of Peru is planning to launch a second phase: PNIPA2. This phase aims to build on the previous achievements by further enhancing sustainability and productivity within the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. PNIPA2 will address key areas such as resource management, technological innovation, and community engagement, ensuring that the industry continues to align with national and global standards. This initiative underscores Peru's commitment to fostering a resilient and prosperous fisheries and aquaculture industry, contributing to national food security and economic development.
Peru, with its vast expanse of over 73 million hectares of natural forests, faces significant challenges from deforestation and ecosystem degradation. The government has developed a strategic plan focused on sustainable forest management, which includes improving forest production through agroforestry systems, restoring degraded ecosystems, and enhancing economic activities with community-based forest management. These efforts align with Peru's national and international commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable development. This program aims to mitigate climate change impacts, preserve biodiversity, and foster economic growth in rural areas through sustainable forest management practices.
The Andean region, encompassing Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and significant ecological value. However, the region faces challenges such as deforestation and land degradation. A regional initiative has been launched to address these issues, focusing on sustainable forest management to enhance biodiversity, ecosystem services, and climate resilience. This program leverages analytical and advisory services, policy dialogue, capacity building, and technical assistance to foster sustainable landscapes. By engaging multiple stakeholders and aligning with national and regional commitments, the initiative aims to create resilient ecosystems, support local communities, and contribute to global environmental goals. The activities will support establishing deforestation-free supply chains, enhancing smallholder inclusion, and improving forest governance across the region.
The JPA position will provide an excellent opportunity for the selected individual to work on the exciting and growing ENB program in Peru and the wider Andean region with a focus on fisheries and forests.
Duties and Responsibilities
More specifically, the JPA will assist with the following tasks:
ENB PE program
Provide support to the preparation of PNIPA2 and the proposed forest project, including, inter alia:
Collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data related to fisheries, aquaculture, and forest managementConduct literature reviews and compile relevant research findings to support project activitiesAssist in drafting and editing project documents, including concept notes, Project Appraisal Documents (PAD), and grant proposalsSupport the preparation of aide memoires, technical reports, and other project-related documentsLiaise with government counterparts, NGOs, and other stakeholders to collect necessary information and facilitate project activitiesSupport the organization and coordination of stakeholder consultations and meetingsPrepare and distribute event materials, such as agendas, presentations, and handouts, andParticipate in project-related meetings and follow up on action itemsForests engagement in the Andean region
Collect and analyze data on forest ecosystems, deforestation rates, and related environmental indicatorsConduct research on best practices for sustainable forest management and deforestation-free supply chainsAssist in drafting and editing regional forest engagement documents, including grant proposals and project reportsSupport the preparation of technical briefs, policy notes, and other knowledge productsEngage with regional stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and local communities, to gather insights and facilitate project activities, andSupport the organization and coordination of regional workshops, training sessions, and other events
Selection Criteria
Bachelor’s degree in environmental economics, environmental sciences, international development, or related fields. Master’s degree preferredAt least 2 years of prior work experience in conservation, natural resources management, social development, or similar fieldsFluency in both English and Spanish is requiredStrong research and analytical skills, including data collection and analysisExperience in preparing technical documents, such as concept notes, project documents, grant proposals, and technical reportsStrong communication skills, both written and verbalAbility to engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and local communitiesExcellent teamwork and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work closely and collaboratively across organizational boundariesStrong organizational skills and attention to detailDemonstrated ability to work independently on project components under limited supervision and guidancePrior experience in environmental work in Latin America is preferredExperience with World Bank operations and environmental/social standards is an asset, andPeruvian national or valid work permit for PeruDiversity and Inclusion
The World Bank continually searches for qualified individuals with a diverse set of backgrounds from around the globe. We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, color, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. Individuals with different abilities may be provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions and support in receiving other workplace accommodations.
Poverty has no borders, neither does excellence. We succeed because of our differences and we continuously search for qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds from around the globe.