Partnership Specialist

Job #: req38637

Organization: World Bank

Sector: Environment

Grade: GF

Term Duration: Term Staff (TERM-TR)

Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment

Location: Washington, DC, United States

Required Language(s): English

Preferred Language(s): Proficiency in one or more additional relevant languages highly desirable

Closing Date: 10/29/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

At the World Bank, a member of the World Bank Group (WBG), you’ll join a diverse, global community working across cultures, disciplines, and borders to address the world’s most pressing development challenges. With 1.2 billion young people reaching working age in the decade ahead, the challenge of job creation has never been greater. Through partnerships across 145 countries and more than 182 offices worldwide, we work with governments, private sector, development partners and other stakeholders to invest in people, strengthen markets, and deliver scalable, data-driven solutions that generate more and better jobs and improve lives. For more information, visit https://www.worldbank.org/en/who-we-are/ibrd

About the Global Environment Facility (GEF)

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a multilateral financial mechanism created in 1991 to provide grant and concessional funds to recipient countries for projects and programs that address biodiversity loss, climate change mitigation and adaptation, degradation of international waters, land and forests, ozone depletion, elimination or reduction of persistent organic pollutants and mercury, all within the framework of sustainable development.

The GEF unites 186 countries in partnership with international institutions, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the private sector to address global environmental issues while supporting national sustainable development initiatives. An independently operating financial organization, GEF is the designated financial mechanism for five international environmental conventions: the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Minamata Convention on Mercury. GEF is also a designated financial mechanism of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification.

The GEF Secretariat is a Vice-Presidential Unit (VPU) within the World Bank for administrative purposes and has approximately 100 professional, administrative and client support staff. The Secretariat has established an Integration and Knowledge Division (IKD) to strengthen and harness the integrated approach programming for tackling major drivers of global environmental degradation. A key focus of the integrated approach programs is to influence transformative changes in systems that drive such degradation. This includes natural, food, urban, health, and energy systems.

Duties and Accountabilities:

The Partnerships Specialist for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) will report to the Head of the Partnerships Division and will lead and manage a diverse portfolio of tasks pertaining to advancing the GEF partnership with Indigenous Peoples and local communities. The position is based in Washington, DC.

The Specialist will play a central and substantive role as part of the Partnerships Division team. This role's main purpose is to drive effective engagement with and support to IPLCs by the GEF family of funds and the GEF partnership. This role requires a seasoned, proactive professional with demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment, manage complex relationships, and deliver quality outputs with limited supervision.

Specific duties and accountabilities include but are not limited to:

Internal Advice

• Leading the development and refinement of GEF practice, policy, and strategy to increase meaningful participation of IPLCs, and advising GEF staff accordingly.
• Independently reviewing and providing substantive assessments of projects and programs of high relevance for IPLCs, recommending improvements and identifying opportunities.
• Designing and managing systems for collecting and analyzing data related to IPLC participation in GEF projects, translating findings into actionable recommendations.
• Developing and leading capacity-building initiatives for GEF staff on IPLC issues, including designing curricula, tools, and resources.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Serving as the primary point of contact and substantive focal point for internal and external stakeholders on issues related to IPLCs, exercising judgment on complex and sensitive matters.
• Designing and leading opportunities for external stakeholders to engage with and learn about the GEF, including roundtables, consultations, and outreach initiatives.
• Representing GEF policies and practices to external stakeholders, negotiating and seeking common ground on complex or contested issues.
• Leading GEF engagement with the Inclusive Conservation Initiative teams in project development and implementation, providing technical guidance and ensuring quality outputs.

Supporting IPAG

• Planning and managing regular virtual and in-person meetings of the GEF's Indigenous Peoples' Advisory Group (IPAG), including developing agendas, preparing substantive documents, and ensuring follow-through on action items.
• Designing and facilitating the strategic and meaningful participation of IPAG members in GEF activities, including identifying opportunities and managing logistics.
• Serving as the primary liaison with IPAG on relevant GEF topics, exercising independent judgment in managing sensitive communications.
• Working with IPAG direction to lead the development of papers, policy notes, and other substantive materials, including drafting, coordinating inputs, and finalizing for senior review.

Communications and Knowledge Management

• Leading the identification, development, and production of high-quality communications materials on GEF projects and activities — including publications, social media content, and technical briefs — in coordination with Communications specialists.
• Designing and managing relevant events, from conceptualization through execution.
• Building and sustaining knowledge-sharing networks among GEF agencies and partners, including developing tools and frameworks to systematize learning.
• Reviewing and editing materials at a senior level to ensure technical accuracy, consistency, and use of inclusive language and imagery; providing guidance to more junior staff engaged in similar tasks.
• Other tasks may be assigned depending on skills and organizational need.

Selection Criteria

• Master's Degree in Environmental studies, Anthropology, or other relevant discipline required.
• A minimum of five years of professional experience in fields such as environment, Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLC), international development, or other relevant area.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently on complex tasks, exercise sound judgment, and propose solutions to moderately complex problems with limited oversight.
• In-depth knowledge of GEF's strategic priorities, operations, and partnerships landscape.
• Proven intercultural competence and sensitivity, in particular with IPLCs; demonstrated ability to build trust and manage relationships across diverse cultural contexts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated ability to produce high-quality reports, policy notes, and other substantive written products; ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Strong project management skills with a demonstrated track record of independently leading projects, managing multiple priorities, and delivering results against demanding timelines.
• Proficient user of PowerPoint, Excel, and Word; ability to leverage technology tools to enhance analytical and communication outputs.
• Strong client focus, and excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills, with a positive, collaborative attitude and a proven track record of building, managing, and sustaining effective relationships with internal and external counterparts at the working level.
• Strong command of English (written and verbal); proficiency in one or more additional relevant languages highly desirable.

This role provides support to a Financial Intermediary Fund (FIF). Roles funded by a FIF are subject to the WBG Staff Directives and Procedures. Additionally, the FIF's governance framework and funding are also relevant to this role.

This internal requisition is open to WBG and IMF staff only (including short-term and extended term consultants/ temporaries). External candidates are requested not to apply. In case an external candidate applies, their application will not be considered.

As the World Bank Group continues to evolve, we value candidates who: Demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively across teams, disciplines, cultures, and institutional boundaries. Responsibly leverage digital and AI-enabled tools to enhance productivity, learning, and decision-making. Bring experience working in fragile, conflict-affected, and violent (FCV) contexts and are encouraged to highlight relevant experience in their application materials, where applicable.

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.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC including our values and inspiring stories.