Senior Industry Specialist - Power Engineer

World Bank; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Industry Specialist to provide technical expertise in transmission and distribution within the energy sector. This role involves leading appraisals of investments, monitoring project performance, and supporting innovative energy solutions. Join a dynamic team committed to leveraging the private sector to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity. If you have a strong background in electric power and a passion for sustainable energy, this opportunity offers a chance to make a significant impact in emerging markets.

Benefits

Retirement Plan

Medical Insurance

Life and Disability Insurance

Paid Parental Leave

Reasonable Accommodations for Disabilities

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in the electric power industry.
• Expert-level knowledge in transmission and distribution.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical appraisal of transmission & distribution investments.
• Monitor performance of energy projects in IFC’s portfolio.

Skills

Transmission and Distribution Engineering

Renewable Energy Technologies

Electric Utility Management

Power System Planning

Project Development

Communication Skills

Education

Master's Degree in Engineering

Job description

Senior Industry Specialist - Power Engineer

Job #: req33068 Organization: IFC Sector: Energy Grade: GG Term Duration: 3 years 0 months Recruitment Type: International Recruitment Location: Washington, DC,United States Required Language(s): English, Spanish Preferred Language(s): Portuguese, French Closing Date: 5/29/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet.

The Global Energy (CEMEN) unit, in collaboration with the regional industry groups, is responsible for IFC's energy business, including power generation with a focus on renewables, transmission and distribution, and innovative clean energy technologies such as battery storage and green hydrogen.

IFC is recruiting a Senior Industry Specialist to provide technical advice and support to investment staff. The position will focus primarily on transmission & distribution and, as a secondary priority, renewable power projects (solar, wind, hydro, BESS). The position will be based in Washington D.C. and will report to IFC's Global Energy Sector Manager.

Duties and Accountabilities

• Lead the technical / industry appraisal of potential transmission & distribution investments to support IFC’s decision making process. Appraisals can include site visits, client meetings, supervision of Lenders Technical Advisors (LTAs) or other consultants, review of operational data (e.g., on losses, grid reliability, collection rates), review of major contracts (e.g., concessions, PPAs), and review of CAPEX & OPEX assumptions in financial models.
• Monitor the construction and/or operational performance of energy projects in IFC’s portfolio, including engaging in detail on specific challenges or problems as needed.
• Support “Upstream” energy projects ranging from sector-level studies to early-stage project development to focused technical advisory activities for specific clients. This will include supporting the development and expansion of IFC’s Future Grids Alliance (see: here).
• Contribute to Global Energy’s sector work in transmission & distribution. This can include identifying market trends, developing and implementing sector strategies, and new initiatives to respond to business needs and grow the investment pipeline.
• Maintain and build T&D sector knowledge and support best practice knowledge sharing.
• Liaise with client's operational and technical staff, project engineers and lenders' engineers.
• Procure and supervise specialized engineering firms as necessary, including for LTA roles.

Selection Criteria

• Minimum a Master's degree in engineering (or other relevant discipline) and 12+ years of relevant experience in the electric power industry, including significant experience in the private sector and emerging markets;
• Successful track record in one or several of the following areas: electric utility management and operations, transmission and distribution engineering, power system planning, power and energy transactions, generation project development, and power plant / T&D construction and operations;
• Expert-level knowledge and expertise in (i) transmission and distribution, and preferably also (ii) renewable energy and/or other generation technologies;
• Up-to-date knowledge of capital costs and operating parameters of T&D infrastructure and diverse generation technologies;
• Knowledge of deregulated market operation and tariff calculation is a plus;
• Operational experience as lenders' engineer will be considered a plus;
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Spanish. Fluency in written and spoken Portuguese and/or French is a plus.

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 theWorld Bank andIFC , including our values and inspiring stories.