Job Description

Natural Resources Management Specialist

Job #:
req37293 Organization:
World Bank Sector:
Environment Grade:
GF Term Duration: 2 years 0 months Recruitment Type:
Local Recruitment Location:
Kathmandu,Nepal Required Language(s):
English, Nepali Preferred Language(s): Closing Date:
7/6/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

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

The South Asia Region comprises six countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka) that range in size from India (with a population of over 1 billion) to Maldives (with 0.3 million people). The region has experienced a long period of robust economic growth, averaging 6% a year over the past 20 years. It was the second-fastest growing region in the world in the aftermath of the global crisis. This strong growth has translated into declining poverty and impressive improvements in human development. The percentage of people living below the poverty line fell in South Asia from 56% to 16% between 1981 and 2013. Still, the region remains home to a third of the world’s poorest, with 216 million people living below $1.9/day.

The Environment Department (ENV), located within the World Bank’s Planet Practice Group has been established to deliver on the opportunities, benefits and outcomes offered by enhanced management of the environment and natural resources.

ENV provides expertise, technical assistance and financing to help countries manage land, sea and freshwater natural resources in a sustainable way to help create jobs, improve livelihoods, enhance ecosystem services, decrease pollution and increase resilience to climate change. Over 360 ENV staff working across the globe help set developing countries on a clean, green growth trajectory for resilient economies and healthy communities.

The SSAE1 unit comprises around 30 staff, with 95 percent based in Country Offices. The rest of the team is based in Washington DC.

Our Nepal country office has approximately 50 staff, providing a vibrant, collegial working environment.

The position

The Natural Resources Management Specialist will report to Environment Manager for South Asia/SSAE1 based in Singapore.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Working in close collaboration with the Environmental Coordinator and other colleagues from ENV and other units, the Natural Resources Management Specialist’s responsibilities will be contribute to or lead the design and implementation of operational engagements and analytical products on technical issues on forested landscapes, nature-based tourism, and environmental/pollution management. They will work according to an annual work plan, adjusted periodically as necessary.

The Natural Resources Management Specialist’s responsibilities will include the following:

• Contribute to development and implementation of ENV strategy in Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives with a primary focus on issues related to forested landscapes, nature-based tourism and/or environmental management. This includes issues related to productive forestry and natural resource management, conservation, climate resilience, nature-based tourism and broader environmental/pollution issues. Provide inputs on country and sectoral briefs, policy notes, strategy documents, etc.
• Lead/contribute to preparation and implementation of Technical Assistance tasks and/or investment programs supported with grant or IDA resources led by ENV, other departments and/or across the WBG.
• Serve as the focal point for Climate Co-Benefits (CCB) assessments for the country management unit.
• Establish close working relationships with key clients, and develop and deliver technical assistance, knowledge and financing solutions that align with their development priorities related to environment and natural resources.
• Proactively liaise with development partners and seek opportunities to strengthen alignment across lending and technical assistance activities.
• Support the Unit’s work program outside of Nepal as needed and as will be agreed as part of the work program.

Selection Criteria

• An advanced degree (master's or PhD) in environment- or natural resources-related science/management, economics or engineering is required.
• At least 5 years of full-time relevant professional practical experience in projects or policy dialogue related to environment or natural resources management, and/or climate change is required.
• Acknowledged technical and thought leadership on management and conservation of forested landscapes, biodiversity, nature-based tourism, and/or climate change is required.
  Understanding of CCB methodologies and their application to World Bank lending projects is required.
• Proven track record of participating in preparation and implementation support for investment activities/projects is required. Preference for experience with World Bank or other MDB procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to lead high-quality policy-relevant analytical tasks linked to country development priorities and economic impacts and translate analytics into policy and operational relevant actions.
• Demonstrated experience in leading strategic engagement and policy dialogue with multidisciplinary teams, and senior-level government, private sector, NGOs, international organizations, and/or development partners.
• Strong results orientation, with ability to follow up multiple work-streams simultaneously working under tight timelines. 
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly and confidently, articulate issues and recommend solutions.
  Excellent interpersonal and team leadership skills and ability to easily interact with people of diverse backgrounds and seniority inside and outside the World Bank, including clients and partners.
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English.
• Experience working in developing countries required.
  

WBG 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 accommodation for individuals with disabilities. We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, color, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

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

Note: If the selected candidate is a current World Bank Group Staff Member with a Regular or Open-Ended appointment, s/he will retain his/her Regular or Open-Ended appointment. If the selected candidate is a current World Bank Group Staff Member with a Term appointment that expires later than the end date of this appointment, s/he will retain the duration of his/her current Term appointment.

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.