Transport Specialist

Description

Working at the World Bank provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank consists of two entities – the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA). It is a global development cooperative owned by 189 member countries. As the largest development bank in the world, the World Bank provides loans, guarantees, risk management products, and advisory services to middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries, and coordinates responses to regional and global challenges. For more information, please visit
Infrastructure VerticalThe WBG Infrastructure Vertical provides public and private solutions to operational teams and clients across the WBG to produce scalable impact. Its mandate is to deliver knowledge for impact to support the WBG to achieve its goals in support of our mission and specifically: providing guidance on creating more and better jobs by: (i) supporting foundational infrastructure and human capital, (ii) policy environment, and (iii) enabling and mobilizing private sector capital. With 60 years of experience, the WBG is poised to support the sector becoming an engine of growth and jobs through improving policies and governance, foundational infrastructure and private sector investments. The WBG’s lending in the sector is expected to grow substantially. The Infrastructure VPU’s objectives in driving outcomes include replicating and scaling effective solutions, enhancing thought leadership and innovation, and delivering timely knowledge to client teams. For more information:
WBG Transport and Logistics Department (KIT) The World Bank Group (WBG) Transport and Logistics Department (KIT) is dedicated to enabling sustainable, efficient, and inclusive movement of goods and people worldwide. As a core part of the WBG’s mission, the department focuses on developing, financing, and advising on transport infrastructure and services that are vital for economic growth, regional integration, and poverty reduction.
Our work encompasses all modes of transport—including road, rail, maritime, and aviation—and covers both urban and rural environments. The department collaborates with public and private sector partners to design and implement innovative solutions that address emerging challenges such as climate change, rapid urbanization, technological advancements, and the need for improved supply chain resilience.
KIT Department is organized into three units: Policy and Regulations (KITPR), Solutions and Impact (KITSI), and Trust Funds for Safe and Sustainable Transport (KITEF).
KITEF manages two global programs, the Global Facility for Decarbonizing Transport (GFDT) and the Global Road Safety Facility (GRSF).
KITEF is seeking to hire a Transport Specialist to be based at the World Bank headquarters in Washington D.C. to support it work program including serving as the focal points for several of KIT’s transport models and tools. He/she will report to the Program Manager of KITEF. On a day-to-day basis, he/she will work under the supervision of senior staff in the unit and the department.
Please note this position is financed by a Trust Fund and renewal is contingent upon availability of funding, in addition to other factors, including but not limited to business needs, staff performance and skills fit.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:The Transport Specialist is expected to display leadership and excellence in transport modeling and data analytics, which is the focus of this position. The selected candidate will join the core team of transport modelers and data scientists of KIT. A strong hands-on experience in developing, applying and training others on using transport analytical models and tools is also required.
The primary objectives of the assignment will be to:• Lead and/or support core aspects of HDM-5 project, including developing its Speed Model and Road Safety Module.• Maintain, update and provide user support for a portfolio of transport appraisal and analytical models and tools — including HDM-5, the Road Safety Screening and Appraisal Tool (RSSAT), the Road Safety Calculator , the Road Safety Costing Tool, and CycleMAX.• Join the core modeling team of the global freight flow model-FlowMAX. • Lead and/or support key global analytical and advisory services projects on Road Safety.• Develop and manage geospatial databases and conduct advanced spatial analysis for transport corridor, urban mobility, and multimodal network projects — including accessibility modeling, traffic flow, freight and logistics network analysis, and climate risk mapping — to support investment prioritization, resilience planning, and cross-sector dialogue with Urban Development, Disaster Risk Management, and Climate practices.• Support pipeline development and lead economic and financial analyses of transport investments across multimodal and subsector operations, including cost-benefit analysis, integration of GHG emissions, climate externalities and road safety, and contribution to the economic analysis sections of Project Appraisal Documents, ensuring findings are rigorous, clearly communicated, and directly linked to investment decisions.• Provide training and hands-on technical support to Bank staff and counterparts on transport planning and economic appraisal tools, including model use, interpretation of results, and good practice applications.

Selection Criteria

• A masters-level or higher degree in civil, transport engineering , economics , computer, data science or related fields.
• At least five years of relevant professional experience in transport sector data modeling and analytics , with demonstrated experience architecting and leading the development of transport planning and economic analysis models and associated tools, and dissemination of their results.
• Demonstrated experience in : (a) developing and applying the World Bank’s global transport models and tools such as HDM, RSSAT, CycleMax; and FlowMax, b) conducting project level economic and financial analysis, c) conducting road safety data analysis; and (d) GIS applications in the transport sector.
• Demonstrated research and analytical skills, specifically with experience in economic and financial analysis of transport investments.
• Advanced knowledge of Excel, GIS tools and handling large datasets is required .
• Experience in leading/co-leading/executing analytical work in the transport sector.
• Experience in leading/co-leading/executing standalone road safety analytical projects.
• Experience in working either with the World Bank, or on programs financed by other development partners, multilateral or bilateral.
• Organizational skills, ability to see the big picture as well as attention to detail and ability to prioritize work among multiple competing demands and tight deadlines.
• High degree of initiative, problem-solving skills, flexibility, and ability to work independently.
• Strong interpersonal skills; experience working effectively in large and multi-disciplinary teams of specialists; with the capacity to interact in a multi-cultural environment.
• Strong work relations and communication with the Bank teams and clients, including ability to coordinate effectively between both teams, are desirable.
• Excellent written and communications skills in English, especially in communicating verbally complex data analysis results.
• Co-authoring journal and research papers in transport planning and economics topic is an added advantage.

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.

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.

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