Energy Specialist Job #: req35175 Organization: World Bank Sector: Energy Grade: GF Term Duration: 3 years 0 months Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment Location: Beirut,Lebanon Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Arabic Closing Date: 1/7/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
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. Visit www.worldbank.org.
The Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, Pakistan Region (MENAAP): Working closely with clients and development partners, we at MENAAP are helping our clients navigate the uncharted road ahead, redefining decades of frustrations into productive, sustainable opportunities. https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/mena
Effective July 1, 2024, the MENAAP Infrastructure Department (IMADR) has become responsible for project lending and policy advisory work in the energy, transport, urban, disaster risk management and land, related climate action and private capital mobilization in the MENAAP Region. The IMADR Department covers 3 practices, each managed by a Practice Manager (PM): an energy and extractives unit (IMAPE); a transport unit (IMAPT) and an urban, resilience and land unit (IMAPU). The department has about 95 staff based in MENAAP countries and Washington DC.
The MENAAP Energy Unit (IMAPE) comprises more than 28 staff with a diverse $7.5 billion portfolio of more than 20 active investment financing projects and programs for results operations as well as wide range of knowledge and analytical of regional and country specific products. The Unit’s portfolio supports: (a) reforms to improve energy services and promote the long-term financial sustainability of the energy sector and utilities through energy subsidy reforms, debt optimization, and institutional and market reforms; (b) enhancing electricity transmission and distribution systems, energy diversification, hydro power and renewable energy development; and (c) expanding regional energy trade and connectivity.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
The World Bank seeks to recruit an Energy Specialist to join the MENAAP Energy Unit and to be based in Beirut, Lebanon. The Energy Specialist would work on the World Bank energy programs primarily in Lebanon with a focus on supporting the development and implementation of ongoing operation supporting investments for electricity network development and modernization, utility-scale solar PV plants, as well as a program of analytical and advisory services focused on electricity sector institutional, governance, market reforms, and financial sustainability. Key responsibilities of the selected candidate will include:
• Work closely with the World Bank Lebanon energy team to support the development and implementation of the World Bank energy programs and dialogue in Lebanon.
• Provide inputs to and carry research for operational products/outputs and analytical and advisory reports and studies related to Lebanon energy sector.
• Provide technical support to MENAAP energy teams working on other country energy programs with particular focus on current and prospective energy engagements in other Mashreq countries including Syria, Iraq and Jordan.
• Support coordination with development partners and liaise with government counterparts and the private sector.
• Participate in cross-sectoral teams in preparing multi-sectoral country engagement products primarily in Lebanon.
The Energy Specialist will report to the Practice Manager of the MENAAP Energy Unit (IMAPE) and will be an integral part of the Lebanon energy team working closely and effectively with the team in development and implementation of Lebanon energy program but will also support our energy program in other Mashreq countries (Syria, Jordan, Iraq).
Selection Criteria
• Master’s degree in engineering, energy planning/economics, business administration, finance or equivalent areas relevant for energy sector development;
• At least five years of relevant experience in the energy sector, with demonstrated ability to engage credibly with clients and stakeholders on a range of issues of the energy sector;
• Experience in energy sector development, such as renewable and clean energy and technologies, energy policy, utility reforms, electricity transmission and distribution; grid modernization.
• Previous experience with the World Bank Group (WBG) or with other international financial institutions would be a plus;
• Knowledge of WBG operational policies and procedures would be a plus;
• Demonstrates working understanding of how energy thematic business lines and their financing fit together in a country development context;
• Experience working with ministry of energy or electricity utility is a plus;
• An ability to efficiently manage multi activities simultaneously, and an ability to self-navigate through complex country environments;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to build strong partnerships with clients, different stakeholders and colleagues across units and departmental boundaries in a multi-cultural environment with virtual teams located in different countries;
• Good written and oral communication skills in English (required) and Arabic (preferred) including an ability to communicate complex issues in simple terms and to engage in evidence-based dialogue with clients.
WBG Culture Attributes:
1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.
World Bank Group Core Competencies
The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
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, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.
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