Senior HR Specialist - Talent Management

Senior HR Specialist - Talent Management

Job #: req38243 Organization: World Bank Sector: Human Resources Grade: GG Term Duration: 4 years 0 months Recruitment Type: International Recruitment Location: Washington, DC,United States Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 9/17/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

At the World Bank Group (WBG), your work shapes the future. With 189 member countries and a mission to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity, WBG is one of the world's most impactful development organizations. We rely on the strength of our people: broad representation, driven, and determined to deliver knowledge and results globally.

BACKGROUND AND UNIT SUMMARY

The WBG Talent Management and Development Department, a core function within Human Resources, shapes the World Bank Group''s talent strategy, building the workforce and leadership capabilities needed to deliver its mission. Through innovative talent solutions and programs, it enables performance, career growth, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness.

The incumbent will lead some of the enterprise-wide talent processes that help maximize the contributions of our staff and leaders at World Bank. This role will be responsible for designing, delivering, and continuously improving specific talent processes - including talent, succession planning and promotions. The incumbent will work closely with colleagues across the organization and other Centers of Expertise to ensure talent solutions are relevant, scalable, and flexible for our internationally diverse workforce. This requires in-depth expertise in the areas of talent management, career development, as well as strong client relationship management and teamwork.

The position is based in Washington, DC and reports to the WBG Manager, Talent and Career Development.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of talent practices, including talent reviews, succession planning, and promotions, ensuring they meet current and future business needs.
• Serve as a thought partner to Talent Management leaders and senior stakeholders by providing insights, external perspectives, and practical recommendations on talent priorities.
• Turn talent strategy into practical, scalable frameworks, tools, processes, and implementation plans that improve talent outcomes and the employee and manager experience.
• Provide expert guidance to HR Business Partners and people leaders on talent management practices, helping convert talent decisions into meaningful development, career, mobility, and succession actions.
• Lead talent programs and cross-functional initiatives from design to implementation, managing plans, milestones, risks, dependencies, and stakeholder engagement to deliver results.
• Develop clear and compelling communications, presentations, and materials that support decision-making and stakeholder alignment.
• Build strong partnerships across HR and the business to drive alignment, engagement, and successful execution of talent priorities.
• Partner with HR Technology teams to improve talent systems and processes by leveraging data, technology, and user feedback.
• Lead change management efforts for talent initiatives, equipping leaders, managers, and HR partners with the tools and guidance needed to apply talent practices effectively.
• Use data, research, benchmarking, and industry trends to identify opportunities, develop recommendations, and strengthen talent programs.
• Define success measures, track outcomes, and use data and stakeholder feedback to continuously improve program effectiveness, simplicity, and impact.
• Demonstrate sound judgment, adaptability, and problem-solving in complex situations while supporting broader Talent Management and Development priorities and enterprise initiatives.

Selection Criteria

• Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development/Behavior, or a related field, with a minimum of eight (8) years of relevant professional experience; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Deep Talent Management Expertise

Proven experience designing and implementing talent management programs, including talent review, promotions, and succession planning.

• Strategic Thinking & Business Partnership

Ability to think strategically, understand the big picture, and translate business needs into practical, structured, and impactful solutions.

• Change Leadership & Stakeholder Management

Strong track record of leading change, influencing adoption, building trusted relationships, and collaborating effectively across diverse stakeholders.

• Product Management, Project Management & Analytical Excellence

Strong product and project management, planning, and organizational skills, combined with the ability to analyze complex data and develop actionable recommendations.

• Communication, Agility & Innovation

Excellent communication and presentation skills, learning agility, problem-solving capability, and a continuous improvement mindset, with familiarity or interest in AI-enabled tools and emerging talent management practices.

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

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

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.