Senior Energy Specialist at World Bank Group

Washington, District of Columbia, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

14 Aug, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

16 May, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Renewable Energy Systems, Energy Policy, Electricity Market Analysis, Regulatory Frameworks, Tariff Design, Financial Modeling, Risk Assessment, Blended Finance, Grid Modernization, Project Appraisal, Capacity Building, Stakeholder Engagement, Technical Feasibility Assessments, Energy Storage Systems, Strategic Planning, Knowledge Management

Industry

International Trade and Development

Description

Senior Energy Specialist Job #: req36661 Organization: World Bank Sector: Energy Grade: GG Term Duration: 3 years 0 months Recruitment Type: International Recruitment Location: Washington, DC,United States Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 5/25/2026 (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. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org. The Infrastructure Practice Group Access to basic infrastructure services is critical for creating economic opportunities for the poor. The Infrastructure Practice Group is charged with developing sustainable solutions to help close infrastructure gaps in developing and emerging economies. The World Bank Group helps developing countries build smart infrastructure that supports inclusive and sustainable growth, expands markets, creates job opportunities, promotes competition, and contributes to a cleaner future. We help countries address their unique infrastructure needs by working with the public and private sectors. Infrastructure improves lives by connecting people to opportunity. For more information: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/infrastructure Unit Overview The KIESC manages the donor-funded global energy program Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) and energy climate finance programs. The unit also provides general guidance to Energy and Extractive Global Practice (EEX GP) in the preparation and management of trust funds, including acting as focal point for the GP’s strategic fundraising efforts. Considered an integral part of the EEX GP, ESMAP is a global knowledge and technical assistance TF program, administered by the World Bank. It provides analytical and advisory services to low- and middle-income countries to increase their know-how and institutional capacity to achieve environmentally sustainable energy solutions for poverty reduction and economic growth. ESMAP is currently implementing its new Business Plan FY25-FY31 under which Energy Transition is one of the three Pillars – with Access and Foundation. The Global Knowledge Energy team supports the transformation of energy systems toward sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity. Within this context, the SIDS–Resilient Islands for Sustainable Energy (SIDS–RISE) Program is a flagship initiative aimed at accelerating renewable energy deployment, strengthening grid resilience, and mobilizing private sector investment across Small Island Developing States (SIDS). SIDS face unique challenges, including heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels, high electricity costs, limited grid capacity, and high vulnerability to climate change. At the same time, they possess significant renewable energy potential that remains underutilized. The SIDS–RISE Program addresses these constraints through integrated interventions in grid modernization, capacity building, and private sector risk mitigation. 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 KIESC unit, which is under the Global Energy team, seeks to recruit a Senior Energy Specialist – Energy Transition in SIDS to contribute to sector strategy, market development, investment support, and knowledge generation, with a focus on enabling sustainable and resilient energy systems in SIDS The Senior Energy Specialist will report to the Practice Manager of KIESC, performing the following duties: Strategic Engagement and Sector Development • Contribute to the development and implementation of energy sector strategies aligned with SIDS’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and climate goals. • Lead or support global and regional initiatives related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and decarbonization. • Develop and present sector strategies, analytical outputs, and knowledge products to internal and external stakeholders. • Coordinate with government agencies, utilities, contractors, donors, and development partners Market Development and Regulation • Provide expertise on electricity market structures, regulatory frameworks, and tariff design tailored to small and isolated energy systems. • Analyze market barriers, including affordability constraints, regulatory risks, and limited private sector participation. • Support the design of competitive procurement processes and standardized frameworks to reduce transaction costs. Investment Support and Transaction Advisory • Support project preparation activities including technical feasibility assessments, system sizing, and technology selection adapted to SIDS constraints (remove locations, small grids, logistics limitations) • Review engineering solutions for renewable energy systems, power networks, mini grids, storage systems and associated infrastructure suitable for island contexts. • Support investment teams in project origination, preparation, and appraisal of renewable energy and grid modernization projects. • Assess market and regulatory risks, including off-taker risk, currency exposure, and merchant risk. • Provide inputs into financial modeling, including demand forecasts, tariff scenarios, and price projections. • Contribute to structuring blended finance solutions and risk mitigation instruments to enhance project bankability. Program Implementation • Support grid modernization and resilience efforts, including integration of variable renewable energy (VRE), smart grids, and energy storage systems. • Contribute to capacity building initiatives, including training programs for utilities, regulators, and financial institutions. • Support private sector mobilization, including the development of pipelines of bankable renewable energy projects and risk mitigation mechanisms. Portfolio Supervision and Operational Support • Identify and mitigate technical risks related to climate resilience, operations and maintenance and system reliability which are critical challenges in SIDS • Provide ongoing support to portfolio teams in assessing market conditions and addressing operational challenges in energy projects. • Assist in troubleshooting regulatory, financial, and technical issues affecting project performance. Knowledge Management and Capacity Building • Develop and disseminate knowledge products on energy transition in SIDS, including best practices and lessons learned. • Mentor junior staff and contribute to internal capacity building. • Support regional collaboration and knowledge-sharing platforms across SIDS. • Contribute to strengthening the operational and institutional environment for sustainable infrastructure development Monitoring and Innovation • Track key sector trends, including renewable energy technologies, storage solutions, and digital energy systems. • Contribute to monitoring and evaluation of program outcomes, including renewable energy capacity, private investment mobilization, and emissions reductions. Selection Criteria • Master’s degree or equivalent in economics, energy policy, engineering, or a related field. • Minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience in the energy sector, with strong exposure to emerging markets; experience in SIDS is highly desirable. • Deep knowledge of: a)Renewable energy systems and integration of variable renewable energy (VRE) b)Electricity markets, tariffs, and regulatory frameworks c)Grid infrastructure, energy storage, and system planning • Proven experience in financial and economic analysis of energy projects, including tariff modeling and risk assessment. • Experience with private sector participation models, including IPPs, PPPs, and blended finance structures. • Experience with challenges, risks and bottlenecks faced by the private sector in SIDS. • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and business judgment skills. • Active listening skills, excellent interpersonal skills, able to influence the audience and build positive relationships with clients, different partners and colleagues across units and departmental boundaries in a multi-cultural environment with disperse teams located in different countries. • Experience working with large global teams, producing high-quality results and outputs with minimal supervision. • Ability to work independently, taking initiative, and flexibility in quickly adjusting to changing work program requirements. • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including an ability to communicate complex issues in simple terms and to engage in evidence-based dialogue with clients. • Proficiency in spoken and written English. Note: 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. Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC including our values and inspiring stories.

Responsibilities

The Senior Energy Specialist will lead strategic engagement and market development to enable sustainable and resilient energy systems in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This includes providing investment support, transaction advisory, and overseeing program implementation for renewable energy and grid modernization projects.