Senior Natural Resources Management Specialist

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 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 Background: The China-WBG Global Center for Ecological Systems and Transitions (CWGC) is a partnership between the Ministry of Finance of the People's Republic of China and the World Bank Group (WBG), launched in December 2024. The CWGC leverages China's extensive experience in large-scale ecosystem restoration alongside the WBG's global expertise and networks to facilitate knowledge exchange, promote best practices, and generate new knowledge for countries facing similar development challenges. The Center places natural capital at the heart of its work - recognizing it as foundational to economic prosperity, planetary health, and the provision of critical ecosystem services including hydrological regulation, soil retention, carbon sequestration, and pollination. It collaborates with a broad range of partners within and outside the WBG, including the Livable Landscapes Academy, to disseminate technical expertise and operational lessons globally. China's track record in ecological governance - spanning payment for ecosystem services (PES), large-scale afforestation, wetland restoration, ecological redline policies, and biodiversity conservation aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework - represents a rich body of replicable knowledge that the CWGC is uniquely positioned to channel into global policy dialogue and development practice. To support the Center's operational and analytical delivery, and working in close coordination with the Center’s team and overall China and global teams, the World Bank seeks a Senior Natural Resources Management Specialist (Extended Term Consultant) reporting to the Center Manager, Andre Aquino. Duties and Accountabilities: Center Management Support / M&E - The consultant will assist the Center Manager in day-to-day operations, support the development and monitoring of the annual work program, update and manage the Center results framework. Analytical Work and Knowledge Generation - The consultant will lead analytical studies on China's ecological governance experience, covering themes such as nature finance (PES, ecological compensation mechanisms), large-scale restoration and afforestation, wetland conservation, biodiversity conservation, desertification control, natural capital accounting, green finance, and nature-based climate solutions. Work will draw on literature reviews, stakeholder consultations, and collaboration with Chinese research institutions and CWGC partners. Knowledge Dissemination and Communications - The consultant will develop knowledge products across formats - including technical reports, policy briefs, case studies, and blog posts - in both English and Chinese. They will manage the Center's contributions to WBG knowledge platforms, support the Center's web presence, and represent the CWGC at conferences and public events. Events and South-South Cooperation - The consultant will plan and facilitate CWGC-led workshops, policy dialogues, and international conferences, and coordinate South-South cooperation activities including study tours and joint research initiatives between China and other WBG client countries. Partnership Development - The consultant will maintain and expand the CWGC's network of partners - including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, research institutions, and international development partners - and support the development of MoUs and collaborative research frameworks. Responsibilities: The Consultant will: • Report directly to the Global Unit Practice Manager. • Maintain daily communications with the Center Task Team Leader. • Deliver outputs to agreed quality standards and timelines, proactively flagging risks. • Uphold World Bank standards of professional conduct, confidentiality, and integrity. • Comply with all WBG operational policies on procurement, financial management, and safeguards. • Coordinate effectively with Center staff, WBG colleagues, and external partners. The World Bank / Center Manager will: • Provide strategic direction and timely feedback on deliverables. • Facilitate access to WBG systems, networks, and the Livable Landscapes Academy. • Support engagement with Chinese government counterparts and institutional partners. • Ensure timely payment upon satisfactory delivery of outputs. • Provide office space, IT equipment, and administrative support. Selection Criteria Essential • Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Ecology, Forestry, Environmental Economics, Green Economics, or a related field. • Minimum 8 years of professional experience in natural resources management, biodiversity conservation, or ecological restoration, with a strong analytical and policy advisory track record. • Demonstrated expertise in China's ecological governance and environmental policy, including familiarity with key programs, institutions, and frameworks (e.g., ecological civilization policy, ecological redlines, PES mechanisms). • Proven ability to produce high-quality knowledge products for international development audiences. • Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder programs and events. • Bilingual proficiency in English and Mandarin Chinese. Desirable • Familiarity with the Kunming-Montreal GBF, Paris Agreement, SDGs, and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. • Experience with the World Bank or other multilateral development banks in China or other countries. • Experience in green finance, natural capital accounting, or ecosystem services valuation. • Experience in South-South cooperation programs involving China. Note: The selected candidate will be offered a one-year appointment, renewable for an additional one year, at the discretion of the World Bank Group, and subject to a lifetime maximum ET Appointment of two years. If an ET appointment ends before a full year, it is considered as a full year toward the lifetime maximum. Former and current ET staff who have completed all or any portion of their second-year ET appointment are not eligible for future ET appointments. Poverty has no borders, neither does excellence. We succeed because of our differences and we continuously search for qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds from around the globe. 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. 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