WBG Pioneer - Postgraduate Intern – West Africa Strategy and Partnership Development

Description

WBG Pioneers, the World Bank Group’s Internship Program, offers undergraduate and postgraduate students a high impact learning experience at the heart of global development. Participants gain hands on experience in a diverse and dynamic environment, contribute fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, and connect with international professionals working to end poverty on a livable planet.

2030 Water Resources Group (2030 WRG) is a multi-donor trust fund hosted by the World Bank Group’s Water Global Department. WRG works at the intersection of the public and private sectors to advance water security through enabling reforms, partnerships, innovation, and investment. Through government-led multi-stakeholder platforms convened by WRG in select countries, WRG helps countries identify and implement scalable solutions for Water for People, Water for Food, and Water for Planet while creating conditions for greater private sector participation, investment, and expertise. Flagship areas of WRG’s work include scaling water reuse, farmer-led sustainable irrigation, and water-secure cities, with cross-cutting themes including digital innovation and finance mobilization. 

As part of its FY26-30 strategy and following guidance from its Governing Council and Steering Board, WRG is exploring opportunities to expand its engagement in West Africa and the Sahel, potentially in Senegal, Ghana, or other anglophone and francophone countries with WBG programs. This work responds to growing demand for innovative approaches to address water scarcity, climate vulnerability, agricultural productivity, urban water challenges, and infrastructure financing across the region. Building on WRG’s model of engagement and World Bank Group operations in the region, the objective is to identify countries and entry points where WRG can support reforms, strengthen enabling environments, and catalyze public-private collaboration to advance water security. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Under the supervision of the WRG team, the intern will support the development of a West Africa engagement strategy and associated analytical work. Responsibilities may include: 

• Conduct research on water security challenges, sector reforms, investment priorities, and opportunities for WRG engagement across West Africa and the Sahel. 
• Review relevant World Bank Group, donor, and government programs and identify opportunities for alignment with WRG's priorities and operating model. 
• Assess opportunities and barriers for private sector participation in areas such as irrigation, water reuse, utility modernization, climate resilience, and water infrastructure. 
• Analyze policy, regulatory, institutional, and financing conditions affecting water sector investments. 
• Map key stakeholders, including government agencies, development partners, private sector actors, financiers, civil society organizations, and academic institutions. 
• Participate in meetings and consultations with World Bank Group colleagues and external stakeholders, and support country teams in preparatory and convening activities for water security forums.    
• Contribute to the preparation of a West Africa engagement strategy, including country prioritization, thematic focus areas, and engagement pathways. 
• Deliverable: word document and power point presentation outlining one country that WRG should engage in. 

Selection Criteria

• Candidates must be currently enrolled in, or in the final year of, a postgraduate (master’s/PhD) program in water resources management, environmental policy, development studies, economics, finance, public policy, international development, or a related field 
• Candidates must have 0–6 years of relevant professional experience  
• Demonstrated interest in development work and the World Bank Group’s mission 
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills 
• Effective written and verbal communication skills 
• Ability to work effectively in diverse, team-based environments 
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities within tight deadlines 
• Knowledge of public-private collaboration and familiarity with West Africa is preferred 
• Proficiency in English; proficiency in French would be highly valued

Note: Please limit your applications to a maximum of three positions. Applications exceeding this limit 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.

The World Bank Group values diversity and encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of World Bank Group member countries to apply, regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.  Sub-Saharan African nationals, Caribbean nationals, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.