Programming specialist - req36613
The World Bank Group · Washington, DC
- On site
- Full-time
- $100,000 / year
- Washington, DC
Job highlights
- Support climate change loss and damage fund operations.
- Manage funding requests and project portfolios.
- Engage with countries on climate finance.
- Develop programming modalities and policies.
- Work in international climate finance sector.
About the role
Programming Specialist - Climate Change
The World Bank Group is seeking passionate individuals to join as Programming Specialists, contributing to impactful careers that address global development challenges. As a global development cooperative, the World Bank assists developing countries in overcoming their greatest challenges through a variety of financial and advisory services.
About the Role
This role is within the Programming and Country Engagement (PACE) division of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) Secretariat, established to support developing countries vulnerable to climate change impacts. The FRLD Secretariat, hosted by the World Bank, operates under the guidance of the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement. The PACE division is central to developing and implementing funding modalities, managing the FRLD pipeline and portfolio, and engaging directly with countries.
Key Functions
- Support the implementation of programming modalities and instruments.
- Review funding requests and prepare packages for Board submission.
- Oversee the approved project/programme portfolio.
- Assist in developing modalities for long-term Fund operations.
Duties and Responsibilities
Pipeline and Portfolio Management
- Conduct or coordinate reviews of funding requests for completeness, conformity, and technical aspects.
- Consolidate feedback from reviewers and communicate with countries and access entities.
- Lead the drafting of Secretariat assessment reports based on review outcomes.
- Document lessons learned from the funding request review process.
- Contribute to risk assessment and classification.
- Monitor the implementation status of approved funding requests.
- Contribute to the development of internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), guidelines, and manuals.
Policies and Systems
- Draft Board papers for the Fund's long-term modalities and instruments.
- Support internal trainings on operationalizing modalities, instruments, and policies.
- Ensure coherence with other teams by providing programming-related inputs.
- Support the development of knowledge and communication products.
- Conduct ad hoc assignments as tasked.
Country Engagement
- Provide guidance to countries on funding request requirements and processes.
- Support external engagements by preparing briefing notes, talking points, and presentations.
Board Meeting and Consultations
- Assist in preparing for Board meetings, ensuring timely delivery of papers.
- Support preparations for consultations with the Board and Observers.
Selection Criteria
- Advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field.
- At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in programming, operations, and pipeline/portfolio management.
- Proven understanding of economic and non-economic loss and damage from climate change impacts.
- Specialized expertise in areas such as loss and damage, climate change adaptation, disaster risk management, financial instruments, blended finance, etc.
- Experience in designing, implementing, or evaluating climate change projects/programs related to loss and damage.
- Expert knowledge of the international climate finance landscape and access procedures.
- Cross-cutting focus on vulnerable groups.
- Experience working with international financial institutions and in developing countries is desirable.
- Excellent drafting, analytical, and communication skills.
- Strong judgment, risk awareness, and ability to work collaboratively under pressure.
- Proficiency in a UN language beyond English is an asset.
WBG Culture Attributes
- Sense of urgency
- Thoughtful risk-taking
- Empowerment and accountability
World Bank Group Core Competencies
The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits including retirement plans, medical, life and disability insurance, paid leave, and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We are an equal opportunity and inclusive employer committed to diversity.
Key skills/competency
- Climate Change
- Loss and Damage
- Programming
- Portfolio Management
- International Finance
- Policy Development
- Country Engagement
- Risk Management
- Climate Finance
- Project Evaluation
Skills & topics
- Programming Specialist
- Climate Change
- Loss and Damage
- Climate Finance
- International Development
- Portfolio Management
- Policy Development
- World Bank
- Fund Management
- Project Management
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight experience in climate finance, programming, and portfolio management, aligning with the 'Programming Specialist' role.
- Showcase expertise: Emphasize your advanced degree and 5+ years of relevant experience, particularly in loss and damage from climate change.
- Demonstrate international experience: Detail your work with international financial institutions and developing countries, as specified in the 'Selection Criteria'.
- Articulate your skills: Prepare to discuss your analytical, communication, and cross-cultural collaboration abilities during the interview for the Programming Specialist position.
- Understand the FRLD: Research the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, its mandate, and the World Bank's role as host.
Technical preparation
Master's degree in a relevant field.,5+ years in programming and portfolio management.,Expertise in loss and damage from climate change.,Knowledge of international climate finance.
Behavioral questions
Describe a complex review process you managed.,How do you handle conflicting stakeholder needs?,Share an experience collaborating across teams.,How do you prioritize tasks under pressure?
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary focus of the Programming Specialist role at The World Bank Group?
- The Programming Specialist role at The World Bank Group focuses on supporting the operationalization of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD), managing funding requests, overseeing project portfolios, and engaging with developing countries on climate finance initiatives.
- What qualifications are essential for the Programming Specialist position?
- Essential qualifications include an advanced degree, at least 5 years of relevant experience in programming and portfolio management, a strong understanding of climate change loss and damage, and expertise in international climate finance. Experience with international financial institutions is highly desirable.
- How does The World Bank Group support its employees in this Programming Specialist role?
- The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits including retirement plans, medical, life, and disability insurance, paid leave, and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, supporting employees in their careers as Programming Specialists.
- What kind of experience is valued for the Programming Specialist job at The World Bank Group?
- Valued experience includes designing/implementing/evaluating climate change projects related to loss and damage, expertise in specific subject matters like climate adaptation or financial instruments, and working with international financial institutions and in developing countries.
- What is the closing date to apply for the Programming Specialist position at The World Bank Group?
- The closing date to apply for the Programming Specialist position at The World Bank Group is June 9, 2026, at 11:59 PM UTC.
- Can you explain the role of the FRLD Secretariat and the PACE division within The World Bank Group?
- The FRLD Secretariat, hosted by The World Bank Group, manages the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage. The PACE division within it is responsible for developing funding modalities, managing the fund's pipeline and portfolio, and engaging with countries.
- What does 'International Recruitment' mean for this Programming Specialist position?
- 'International Recruitment' for this Programming Specialist position means the role is open to qualified candidates globally, with the World Bank Group coordinating the hiring process across different countries.