World Bank jobs decoded: Understanding roles, pay, and demand
Hi there,
For many development professionals, the World Bank remains one of the most sought-after employers — a place where expertise in finance, policy, and sustainability can translate into global impact. As the institution continues to navigate shifting funding priorities and economic uncertainty, its mission to reduce poverty and promote inclusive growth is more vital than ever.
While hiring has slowed this year, data from the Devex job board shows that opportunities persist across key sectors. Salaries remain competitive, reflecting the institution’s global reach and the specialized skills it seeks.
For those aiming to join its ranks, understanding the current hiring landscape — from where demand is strongest to how pay scales vary across regions — offers valuable insight into how and where to position your next career move with one of development’s most influential institutions.
Take care,
The Devex team
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In focus: Mapping the World Bank’s 2025 hiring landscape
The World Bank continues to be a key player in driving poverty reduction and sustainable growth around the world, even as it faces funding constraints and shifting global priorities. Despite a slowdown in hiring — with job postings down 31.2% from last year — demand for talent remains steady in areas such as finance, ICT, and environment, fields central to the bank’s mission.
Devex data shows that salaries vary by region and experience, with the “GF” grade — averaging $80,000 to $149,000 annually — being the most common worldwide. Overall, the average salary for World Bank positions ranges from roughly $89,000 to $164,000, reflecting both the competitiveness and diversity of its workforce.
While Washington, D.C., continues to anchor much of the institution’s hiring, significant recruitment is taking place across emerging markets, particularly in Africa and South Asia. Countries such as Madagascar, Ethiopia, Pakistan, and India have shown the strongest demand for field-based professionals, alongside growing activity in Turkey and Brazil.
In a time of economic and political uncertainty, these insights show that while the pace of recruitment may have slowed, the World Bank remains an important employer for development practitioners seeking to make a tangible global impact — especially those equipped with technical expertise and the adaptability to navigate an evolving development landscape.
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This week, Devex Talent Solutions — our boutique recruitment agency — is assisting CARE in their search for a country director to provide leadership and strategic direction for their Rwanda office. This opportunity is open until Nov. 20.
Wise words for job seekers
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday work in global development — and professionals who start building practical AI skills now will be better prepared for the sector’s future. During a recent Devex digital event, experts Bart Édes and Jack Jarrett shared actionable advice for gaining AI literacy and staying competitive.
🔹 Start small and practical: Focus on tools that directly improve your day-to-day tasks, such as ChatGPT, Claude, or Perplexity, rather than diving into overly technical systems.
🔹 Learn independently: Formal degrees aren’t necessary — accessible resources such as AI for Everyone by DeepLearning.AI and Google’s Introduction to Generative AI can build essential knowledge at little or no cost.
🔹 Be mindful of risks: Understanding data privacy, bias, and environmental impacts is key to using AI responsibly in development contexts. Courses such as the University of Helsinki’s “Ethics of AI” offer solid foundations.
The bottom line: AI is already transforming how development work gets done. Those who take initiative to experiment, upskill, and think critically about its implications will be best positioned to thrive in an AI-driven job market.
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This week’s Jobs Alert was curated by Robert Mejorada, copy edited by Nicole Tablizo, and produced by Mariane Samson. We’d love to hear your feedback: Get in touch via robert.mejorada@devex.com.