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

The World Bank Group's Internship Program offers postgraduate students a high impact learning experience focused on global development. The intern will support the development of a West Africa engagement strategy for the 2030 Water Resources Group, conducting research and analysis on water security challenges and opportunities in West Africa and the Sahel.

Responsibilities

• 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

Requirements

• 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

Skills

• Water Resources Management
• Environmental Policy
• Development Studies
• Economics
• Finance
• Public Policy
• International Development
• Analytical Skills
• Research Skills
• Problem Solving
• Written Communication
• Verbal Communication
• Organizational Skills
• Public-Private Collaboration
• Strategy Development
• Water Security Analysis

Languages

English, French