Senior Environmental Specialist, Washington DC

Senior Environmental Specialist Job #: req38063 Organization: World Bank Sector: Environment Grade: GG Term Duration: 2 years 0 months Recruitment Type: International Recruitment Location: Washington, DC,United States Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Spanish, French: Highly desirable Closing Date: 8/26/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

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. Visit

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. 

The Secretariat is seeking a Senior Environmental Specialist to lead and coordinate thematic work on systems transformation through the integrated approach programs, focusing on all aspects of circular economy in the context of tackling drivers with links to the GEF focal areas. The successful individual will serve as Theme Lead reporting directly to the Manager of Integration and Knowledge and work closely with staff across divisions to ensure that circularity and systems thinking are embedded in GEF Programming focused on tackling drivers of global environmental degradation. 

Duties and Accountabilities: 

Under the supervision of the Manager for Integration and Knowledge, the position has the following specific responsibilities: 

• Lead and support programming and portfolio management on embedding circularity in targeted systems and sectoral supply chains, including guidance to GEF implementing and Executing Agencies and country counterparts on options and approaches to advance integrated solutions.

• Lead the development of appropriate indicators for circular economy and systems change as they relate to the GEF core indicator targets and results monitoring framework. 

• Provide guidance on circular economy and integrated solutions to GEF Agencies and countries for development of GEF project proposals and programmatic approaches and for monitoring the project implementation performance.

• Lead the development of impactful knowledge products to advance circularity and systems change, including documentation of best practices and lessons and contribute to the preparation of appropriate GEF policies and guidelines on integrated programming. 

• In coordination with the Conventions and Program Divisions, follow relevant global discourse on circular economy and support outreach to developing countries as needed.

• Establish and maintain a productive dialogue with the GEF Agencies and Countries and key stakeholders, including key private sector initiatives and platforms, to leverage opportunities for GEF integrated programs.  

• Lead and promote regular and informed communication about GEF investments in circular economy practices.

• As required, represent the GEF at a senior level at selected international political, scientific, and operational forums.  

• Provide quality inputs to the CEO and senior management on country and thematic briefings, talking points, speeches, analytical/strategic documents.

• Undertake additional duties as required by GEF Secretariat Management, including participation in Knowledge Management, Results Based Management, Monitoring, and other related operational activities.

Selection Criteria

• Advanced degree in environmental/natural resource/material management, economics, business and policy or a closely related field.

• At least eight (8) years of directly relevant national and international experience and working in LDCs (Least Developed Countries) and SIDS (Small Island Developing States) a plus. 

• Strong knowledge of GEF mandate and focal areas, including links to the global multilateral environmental agreements and frameworks.

• Demonstrable knowledge of circular economy principles, systems thinking, and systems transformation, with practical experience applying these approaches in programs or policies.

• Experience working on circular economy and systems change in public or international or civil society or private sector organizations.   

• Broad understanding of the practical, scientific, economic, business, social, and policy dimensions of circular economy, including technical knowledge of sector-specific aspects of supply chains and life cycle analysis. 

• Adequate knowledge and understanding of relevant global and regional forums and platforms on circularity and systems change.

• A good track record of contributing knowledge on circular economy practices, including through publications in peer-reviewed journals and other established platforms.

• Demonstrable analytical and technical skills, including use of cutting-edge tools for data management and synthesis.

• Ability to collaborate within a highly diverse organization, and work with multidisciplinary teams. 

• Excellent written and verbal English language skills and demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with peers, managers, and external partners. 

• Knowledge of French or Spanish would also be an advantage.  

• Experience and/or interest in topics or issues of strategic importance, such as innovative financial instruments, and gender would be desirable.

• An understanding of GEF’s policies and operations.

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.