JOB DESCRIPTION

E T Consultant

Job #: req32564 Organization: World Bank Sector: Economics Grade: EC1 Term Duration: 1 year 0 months Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment Location: Sydney,Australia Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 4/15/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? 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 and promoting shared prosperity. 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. https://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/ea

Job duties and accountabilities

Background and objective

The World Bank supports statistical capacity-building initiatives across the Pacific region to enhance the quality, availability, and use of official statistics for evidence-based policymaking. These efforts include strengthening national statistical systems, supporting administrative data collection and household surveys, and fostering regional collaboration. Given the operational complexities of working in small island economies with logistical and institutional challenges, there is a need for dedicated operational support to ensure effective project implementation.

The Extended-term Consultant (ETC) will provide operational and technical support to the World Bank task team and government counterparts engaged in statistical capacity-building activities in the Pacific region. The consultant will contribute to project design, implementation, coordination, and reporting to facilitate smooth execution of World Bank-supported initiatives. The ETC will conduct day-to-day project supervision tasks, with a special focus on support government counterparts in maintaining effective procurement, financial management, and M&E practices.

Scope of work

Under the supervision of World Bank task team leaders (TTLs) and in close coordination with government counterparts and development partners, the ETC will undertake the following tasks:

A. Operational support

• Assist in the design, implementation, and monitoring of statistical capacity-building projects in the Pacific region.
• Support the preparation of project documentation, including concept notes, project briefs, progress reports, and funding proposals.
• Contribute to supervision of procurement processes, financial management, safeguards policies, and disbursement tracking in collaboration with World Bank operational teams and government counterparts.
• Provide logistical support for missions, workshops, and training activities related to statistical development.

B. Technical and Analytical Support

• Assist in reviewing survey methods, sampling strategies, and data collection approaches to ensure alignment with international best practices.
• Contribute to the drafting of knowledge products, including technical notes, policy briefs, and case studies on statistical capacity development.

C. Stakeholder Coordination and Engagement

• Facilitate communication and coordination between the World Bank, government statistical agencies, development partners, and regional organizations.
• Support stakeholder consultations and capacity-building workshops to strengthen the engagement of Pacific countries in statistical development initiatives.
• Track and document lessons learned from statistical capacity-building efforts to inform future programming.

Deliverables

The consultant will be responsible for delivering the following outputs:

1. Regular progress reports on the implementation of statistical capacity-building activities.
2. Technical inputs into terms of references, survey design, data collection, and analysis processes.
3. Drafts of operational documents, including project reports, funding proposals, and meeting summaries.
4. Coordination and logistical support for workshops, training sessions, and missions.

Duration and level of effort

The consultancy will be for an initial period of 12 months (with the possibility of extension based on performance and project needs). The ETC  is expected to provide full time engagement over the contract period, with flexibility for travel to Pacific Island countries as needed. The ETC will be based in Sydney, Australia. Remote work arrangements may be considered depending on operational needs.

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in statistics, economics, public policy, development studies, or a related field is required.
• At least 2 years of experience in statistical capacity building or public-sector project management required.
• Familiarity with World Bank Investment Project Financing, operational procedures and project management is required.
• Strong understanding of statistical methodologies, data governance, and international statistical standards is preferred.
• Experience working in the Pacific region or with small island economies is preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English required; knowledge of Pacific languages is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a multicultural environment.

The candidate must have a legal right to work in Australia

World Bank Group Core Competencies

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. 

Note: The selected candidate will be offered a one-year appointment, renewable at the discretion of the World Bank Group, and subject to a lifetime maximum ET appointment of three 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 third-year ET appointment are not eligible for future ET appointments.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements