About the Staff of the World Bank

Staff diversity is one of the Bank's greatest strengths. It enriches the Bank's talent base, reflects its global membership, and brings a wider range of perspectives to bear on the organization's poverty reduction work. The Bank's diversity focus extends beyond nationality, gender, and race to address areas including disabilities and sexual orientation as well as education and previous experience.

There is a strong sense of community among this unique group of people representing 166 countries, perhaps because all share the Bank's one overarching goal—a world free of poverty.

The Bank's Workforce

The work of IBRD and IDA is performed by about 8,600 staff working in Washington, DC, and in more than 100 country offices worldwide. A growing proportion of the Bank's work is now being done in country offices. Nationals of poorer ("Part II") countries account for 62 percent of all staff and 47 percent of management and senior technical positions. Women account for 52 percent of all staff and 34 percent of management and senior technical positions. Sub-Saharan African and Caribbean nationals represent 17 percent of all staff and 11 percent of management and senior technical positions. The 28 officers of the World Bank include ten Part II country nationals, nine women, and six Sub-Saharan African nationals. (See "List of Part I and Part II IDA Member Countries" and "Officers" in the "Organizational Information" section of this CD-ROM.) To develop and recognize staff, strong emphasis is put on initiatives that promote learning and value staff contributions.

Staff Knowledge and Learning

Knowledge and learning are key to the Bank Group's ability to achieve its mission. A menu of learning activities and knowledge products is available to staff so that they can continuously sharpen their skills and expertise to fight poverty. Options include activities to foster technical expertise, expand cultural awareness, and strengthen interpersonal and client engagement skills. Learning with and from partners is an increasingly critical stepping stone for teams in producing results. The Bank is expanding its use of technology and innovative methods to reach country offices and help these teams harness global expertise in the search for local solutions.

Community Outreach

As the third-largest employer in Washington, DC, the World Bank Group recognizes the need for individual and corporate responsibility where we live and work. In keeping with the Bank's poverty reduction mission, the Community Outreach Program seeks to improve the lives of our neighbors in the greater metropolitan community. We encourage staff volunteerism, administer a workplace giving program, manage an annual high school summer internship program, and partner with area groups to strengthen local communities.

Staff Recognition

Contributions of staff are recognized in several forms. The Staff Association Good Manager Awards honor individuals who demonstrate the highest qualities of leadership and management. In March 2007, Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Awards were presented for the fourth year to individuals and teams whose actions promote respect for and recognize the value of differences. Deputy General Counsel Elizabeth Adu was presented with a special award for outstanding stewardship of diversity and inclusion during her career at the World Bank. The Internal Auditing Department received the Team Award for institutional contributions to the diversity agenda.

WORLD BANK STAFF: WHERE DO THEY WORK?