ET Consultant

ET Consultant

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 130 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

ITS Vice Presidency Context:

The Information and Technology Solutions (ITS) Vice Presidential Unit (VPU) enables the World Bank Group to achieve its mission of ending extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet by delivering transformative information and technologies to its staff working in over 150+ locations. For more information on ITS, see this video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=VTFGffa1Y7w

The World Bank Group has undertaken an ambitious exercise to revise its mandate, products, and structure to adjust to the multiple, intertwined crises affecting the world today (see Evolution Roadmap). In the move to a better bank, a new Vision and Mission for the institution have been announced, and a new World Bank playbook along with several financial initiatives are underway.

Background:

The WBG Library provides services to about 24,000 WBG staff and consultants globally. The unit provides access to e-resources, reference and research services, training, and custom solutions. The team is decentralized to serve a mobile, global workforce from HQ, Asia, Europe, and Africa.

The Library is looking for a dynamic, experienced Research Librarian to provide research and reference services to support the business.

The Library is a unit of ITS Data, Information & AI Products & Services (ITSDA), within the WBG Data Technology Office (ITSDO), part of the Information & Technology Solutions (ITS) Vice Presidency. ITSDO provides information services to the World Bank Group and to the public. The WBG Library is also part of the Library Network, a group of libraries supporting World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund staff globally. WBG Library is an institutional member of NISO and IFLA and participates in The United Nations Library Information Network for Knowledge Sharing (UN-LINKS) and UNSEIAC Consortium.

Position Details

The WBG Library seeks an experienced, service-oriented, and collaborative ETC Research Librarian to support research, reference, document delivery, market intelligence, systematic literature review, and AI-enabled research services. The role will help strengthen the Library’s ability to deliver timely, high-quality research support to WBG staff in HQ and Country Offices, while contributing to emerging work on AI for research and information integrity.

The ETC Research Librarian will work with Research team members, support front desk reference services, and collaborate with other WBG IT teams and internal and external Library partners to deliver on the WBG Library Research mandate.

Scope of Work

The ETC Research Librarian will support the following areas:

A. Research and Reference Services

Conduct in-depth research covering development sectors, investment industries, and other priority areas relevant to World Bank Group operations.

Respond to research and reference requests from Library clients in HQ and Country Offices within defined service level expectations.

Provide high-quality reference and document delivery support, including Ready Reference services and front desk coverage as required.

Use academic search engines, Open Access resources, and relevant information tools to support client research requests.

B. Research Products and Knowledge Support

Prepare research outputs, reports, literature scans, and evidence summaries to support WBG staff and operational teams.

Conduct or support systematic literature reviews and structured evidence searches.

Create and publish topical research guides aligned with WBG knowledge priorities and knowledge verticals.

Contribute to WBG’s body of knowledge for internal and/or external client solutions.

C. AI for Research and Information Integrity

Support AI for Research activities, including the evaluation and validation of AI-generated information, data, and research outputs.

Assist staff in assessing the reliability, relevance, and quality of information used in WBG projects, investments, and knowledge work.

Contribute to development of reusable prompts, prompt chains, or other practical approaches that support effective research strategies using emerging technologies.

D. Data, Analytics, and Reporting

Provide regular reports and statistical analysis to the Library Research Team Lead.

Support data analysis and visualization activities for internal decision-making and service improvement.

Support business insights from research services, including use of APIs where relevant to research needs.

Respond to company and financial market data-related questions using relevant tools such as Capital IQ and similar resources.

E. Collaboration, Client Engagement, and Service Support

Work effectively as part of the Library Research team and collaborate with Content and Access Management, Outreach and Promotions, ITS, ITSDO, and other internal stakeholders.

Collaborate with external partners to identify and provide relevant information that supports WBG business priorities and client country capacity building.

Present and train others on Library services and resources when required.

Test or pilot library-related products and provide user feedback to improve services.

F. Systems, Policies, and Operational Support

Use the Library Case Management System to receive, create, manage, and respond to client requests.

Participate in day-to-day development and maintenance of information resources and services.

Contribute to the formulation and implementation of Library policies, standards, guidelines, and procedures.

Apply knowledge of copyright, intellectual property, and ethical use of information in fulfilling client information requests.

Expected Deliverables

The ETC Research Librarian will be expected to deliver:

1. High-quality research responses, literature reviews, reference outputs, and document delivery services within agreed service levels.

2. Research guides, knowledge products, evidence summaries, and topical resource materials aligned with WBG knowledge priorities.

3. Support for AI-enabled research, including validation of AI-generated information and development of practical research support approaches.

4. Regular reporting, statistical analysis, and insights on research service activity and client demand.

5. Contributions to client training, peer learning, product testing, and knowledge sharing across the Library and relevant ITS/ITSDO teams.

Selection Criteria

Required Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with 2 years, preferably in Library and Information Science or an equivalent field, with relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience providing research, reference, or information services to a diverse client base.

Knowledge of research tools and databases such as EBSCOhost, Scopus, ProQuest, EMIS Intelligence, Factiva, Fitch, and other development or investment databases.

Proven understanding of information management and library processes.

Proficiency with Integrated Library Systems such as Primo/Alma.

Experience using case management systems to manage and respond to client requests.

Strong knowledge of expert web searching and information evaluation.

Excellent written and oral communication skills, including ability to prepare and communicate research findings and insights clearly.

Ability to manage multiple requests under pressure while balancing immediate client needs and broader service requirements.
Excellent command of English, written and spoken.

Desirable Qualifications

Familiarity with Open Access, Open Data, and Open Science.

Experience with library databases such as SSRN, JSTOR, PubMed, EconLit, and bibliometrics tools such as Web of Science.

Experience using research tools such as Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Kopernio, Lazy Scholar, Lean Library, and related platforms.

Familiarity with interlibrary loan platforms such as OCLC, Docline, Reprints Desk, and other fulfillment tools.

Experience performing data analysis and visualization for internal decision-making.

Curiosity about emerging technologies and willingness to experiment with AI-enabled research workflows.

Knowledge of other languages, including French, Spanish, Arabic, or others, would be an asset.

Competencies

The successful ETC Research Librarian should demonstrate:

Strong communication, problem-solving, client engagement, presentation, and collaboration skills.

Proactive work style, knowledge-sharing orientation, and openness to learning.

Tact, judgment, initiative, resourcefulness, and motivation.

Ability to work with a diverse, large, virtual, and widely dispersed global workforce.

Contractual Arrangement

This is an Extended Term Consultant, E-level assignment based in Washington, DC. The selected consultant will work under the supervision of the Library Research Team Lead and will collaborate closely with the Research team and other relevant Library, ITSDA, ITSDO, WBG and external stakeholders. The role is expected to support a hybrid work arrangement consistent with the operating needs of the Library and the service model described in this ToR.

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

As per WBG policy, an Extended Term (ET) appointment is subject to a lifetime maximum of three (3) years. Former and current ET staff who have completed or are in the process of completing their third-year ET appointment are not eligible for future ET appointments.

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.