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, visit www.worldbank.org
East Asia and the Pacific (EAP) Region
EAP is a large and diverse region, ranging from Small Island States of the Pacific to the Philippines and China. Despite substantial economic growth and poverty reduction, the EAP region faces huge development challenges. Growth has been uneven across and within countries, institutions still need strengthening, and most countries are heavily affected by climate change. The Bank plays a significant role on global public goods, including climate, biodiversity, water pollution, and health. The COVID pandemic, and more recently food and energy price increases are compounding the impact of the global economic slowdown. The World Bank Group is seen as a premier development institution in the Region, with a leadership role on analytical and advisory services as well as financing.
East Asia and the Pacific Region: https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/eap
Background
URL supports World Bank investments, technical assistance, and analytical work in the fields of urban development and land management. For more information, visit https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/urbandevelopment. The URL East Asia 2 (SEAU2) unit has a broad and robust program encompassing about 25 operations for a total commitment of close to $5 billion. We have active engagements in East Asia for Urban related issues, as well as in South and East Asia for Land related issues. The team is highly decentralized with staff in Washington DC, Seoul, Beijing, Hanoi, Manila, and Singapore. SEAU2 is seeking to hire an Extended-Term Consultant (ETC) to support an expanding work program in Thailand, which includes both Reimbursable Advisory Services (RAS) and Advisory Services and Analytics (ASA) programs.
The RAS and ASA programs aim to address the challenges faced by Thai cities in terms of sustainable urban development, climate change, and low carbon growth. The RAS program aims to assist Thai cities in adopting balanced urbanization approaches that promote sustainable growth. This involves providing technical assistance and capacity building to support city governments in implementing strategies and investments that enhance climate resilience, support low carbon development, and address the social and economic challenges associated with rapid urbanization. The ASA program has a broader objective of supporting Thai cities in conceptualizing resilient and low carbon investments, focusing on three main pillars:
- supporting area-based development of low carbon infrastructure,
- mobilizing carbon finance to reduce emissions and tap into the voluntary carbon market, and (3) expanding the knowledge base for cities in areas of resilient and low carbon development.
Role and Responsibilities
The Extended-Term Consultant (ETC) will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation and management of both RAS and ASA programs in Thailand. This will involve working closely with city governments, World Bank teams, and other stakeholders to provide technical assistance, capacity building, and knowledge sharing in the areas of urban planning, climate resilience, low carbon development, and sustainable urban growth. The ETC will also participate in the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of program outcomes, ensuring that progress is made towards achieving the overall objectives of the World Bank's country program in Thailand. The E T Consultant will work closely with the Task Team Leader for the ASA and RAS engagements, under managerial supervision of the Practice Manager, SEAU2.
Specific responsibilities and duties will include (but not be limited to) the following:
Technical support and expertise on low carbon development:
- Provide technical inputs and guidance on initiatives, including urban planning, transportation, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate resilience.
- Support project development and implementation, including the identification of potential investments, project design, and M&E.
- Conduct research and analysis on standard practices, emerging trends, and potential areas for innovation.
Project management:
Assist in the coordination and management of the RAS and ASA programs, ensuring that project objectives are met, and timelines are adhered to.- Monitor project progress, identify potential risks and challenges, and propose solutions to overcome any obstacles.
- Support the preparation of project documents, including proposals, progress reports, and evaluation reports.
Stakeholder engagement and coordination:
Facilitate communication and collaboration among various stakeholders, including local and national government agencies, private sector partners, and community groups.- Support the organization of workshops, roundtables, and consultations to gather input and feedback on low carbon development initiatives.
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to ensure long-term support and commitments.
Capacity building and knowledge sharing:
Participate in the design and delivery of capacity building programs, including training sessions, workshops, and other knowledge-sharing events.- Provide technical assistance to local government officials and other stakeholders.
- Promote the exchange of high standard practices and lessons learned among cities and stakeholders in Thailand and beyond.
Monitoring and evaluation (M&E):
Support the development of M&E frameworks for projects.- Conduct regular M&E activities to assess project performance, identify areas for improvement, and inform future interventions.
- Participate in the preparation of M&E reports, ensuring that project outcomes and impacts are accurately documented and communicated to relevant stakeholders.
Reporting and communication:
Prepare various project reports, including progress updates, technical reports, and evaluation reports.- Develop communication materials, such as presentations, briefing notes, and fact sheets, to share project results and achievements with stakeholders.
- Participate in meetings and conferences to represent the World Bank and its low carbon development initiatives in Thailand
Selection Criteria
- Advanced university degree(s) (at least Master’s) in a relevant field, such as economics, urban planning, environmental management, sustainable development, business administration or a related discipline, with an excellent understanding of cities and government operations.
- At least five years of experience in low carbon development, climate change mitigation, or a related field, preferably in both a Thai and an international context.
- Demonstrated technical expertise in one or more areas related to low carbon development, such as urban planning, transportation, renewable energy, energy efficiency, law, or climate resilience.
- Experience in Thai Government and/or with international organizations.
- Experience managing people and budgets oriented to specific deliverables.
- Experience interfacing with and delivering high quality presentations and interactive workshops to government counterparts.
- Excellent written and spoken Thai and English essential.
Competencies
- Ability to deliver in a dynamic environment with multiple demands and quick turnaround of outputs. Ability to work under pressure while retaining perspective and professionalism.
- Results oriented, with an ability to work independently as well as devise and produce results in collaboration with departments across the WBG.
- High degree of motivation, initiative, flexibility, reliability, and responsiveness to changing demands; capacity for effective multi-tasking, with demonstrated ability of being an independent starter with minimal supervision, and a high capacity to persevere for results.
- Highly developed communication and advocacy skills, including ability to write concisely and clearly in English and synthesize complex documentation and ideas into fluent, understandable, English.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational and team management skills, with demonstrated ability to build strong networks and teams to achieve results. Strong team skills with successful history working effectively across organizational and units and/or sectoral boundaries.
- Knowledge of social media and other knowledge communications tools is an advantage.
World Bank Group Core Competencies
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Note: The selected candidate will be offered a one-year appointment, renewable for an additional one year, at the discretion of the World Bank Group, and subject to a lifetime maximum ET Appointment of two years. If an ET appointment ends before a full year, it is considered as a full year toward the lifetime maximum. Former and current ET staff who have completed all or any portion of their second-year ET appointment are not eligible for future ET appointments.
