Job and Career Info

Job Vacancies The World Bank
Job Title Lead Social Development Specialist
Job # 102208
Job Family Social Development
Location Washington, DC
Appointment International Hire
Closing Date: Tuesday, 30 November 2010
Language Requirements English [Essential]
Appointment Type

Background / General description
The Development Research Group is the World Bank’s research department, and is the largest department within the Development Economics Vice Presidency, under the Chief Economist. DRG is one of the leading centers for research on economic development in the world (http://econ.worldbank.org/research). The group conducts fundamental and relevant research published in refereed academic journals and monographs, generates new knowledge and ideas about effective policy interventions, and provides policy and strategic advice to the World Bank’s operational staff. Although DRG is primarily staffed by economists, it works on a broad range of issues beyond the traditional focus of development economics. To expand our capacity and leadership in these realms, we are hiring a Lead Social Development Specialist. Note: If the selected candidate is a current Bank Group staff member with a Regular or Open-Ended appointment, s/he will retain his/her Regular or Open-Ended appointment. All others will be offered a 3 year renewable term appointment.

Duties and Accountabilities
The Lead Social Development Specialist will report directly to the Manager, Poverty and Inequality Group of DRG. The person will have a research profile that demonstrates a sustained track record of excellence (as measured by quality and impact of publications, and initiatives to contribute substantively to policy dialogue) in understanding questions that relate to the problems of development. The person selected will be a recognized authority within and outside the Bank in the fields of Social Development commanding wide respect in the development community. Duties include research on a broad range of possible issues in the light of perspectives drawn from anthropology, law, political science and sociology, as well as economics. Possible topics include, but are not limited to:
• The dimensions and impact of conflict on development.
• Unpacking processes of community development.
• Reconciling modern legal structures with traditional practices and norms of justice.
• The importance of history in contributing to an understanding of development. In addition to undertaking research in the areas above the Lead Social Development Specialist’s duties will include:
• Provision of leadership, advice and assistance on social-development related issues in DRG.
• Advising country and sectoral teams in the Bank on social-development issues.
• Provision of guidance through peer review and participation in social-development related analytical studies, as well as involvement in operational tasks.
• Establishment of strategic partnerships with local partners in developing countries to facilitate and disseminate knowledge, international experience and best practice to clients in the regions.

Selection Criteria
• The successful candidate will be a world-class researcher with a Ph.D in a non-economics social science, excellent skills in qualitative methods, and with significant field experience in one or more developing countries.
• S/he should have an established capacity to engage closely and constructively with issues that are centrally related to development policy, a reputation – both within the World Bank Group and the broader academic community – as an acknowledged global leader in her/his field, and be recognized by clients and colleagues for her/his ability to broaden a unit’s thinking to include corporate issues and a more institutional/global focus.
• S/he should have a demonstrated ability to make research accessible to wide audiences and to translate research findings into practical solutions, especially to development programs and activities supported by the Bank.
• S/he should have a demonstrated ability to develop, manage, and coordinate a broad research program flexibly and creatively.
• S/he will be familiar with quantitative methods and be willing and able to interact and collaborate closely with development economists.
• S/he should have a proven ability to work harmoniously in teams either as a leader or as a team member, including an ability to appraise performance and resolve conflicts.
• S/he should have strategic vision about her/his own area of research, other research areas and Bank needs in general.
• S/he should be actively engaged in mentoring/guiding groups of staff (especially junior colleagues) and designing training/skill-enhancement initiatives to ensure transfer of knowledge and skills across the sector.
• S/he should deal sensitively with multi-cultural environments and build effective working relations with a diverse array of clients and colleagues. Women and citizens of developing countries are especially encouraged to apply. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits. At this stage we would request that candidates send us the statement of interest, CV and the names of three references included in the CV. Candidates selected for the short-list will be requested to submit a more detailed application with writing samples, reference letters, at a later stage.
The World Bank Group is committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality, culture and educational background. Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

World Bank
1818 H St NW
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 473-1000

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