Operations Analyst

Operations Analyst

Job #: req36561

Organization: World Bank

Sector: Social Protection

Grade: GE

Term Duration: 3 years 0 months

Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment

Location: Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia

Required Language(s): English

Preferred Language(s): Bahasa Melayu

Closing Date: 5/20/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank 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.

East Asia and Pacific Region:

The East Asia and Pacific Region (EAP) is a highly diverse region, with countries of all income levels and wide differences in resource endowments, human capital, and institutional capacity. The Health Nutrition, and Population (HNP) Global Practice in EAP has a large lending and advisory services and analytics (ASA) portfolio. The HNP Practice is actively engaged in most countries in the region, often at the subnational level. The EAP HNP strategy has the objective to improve HNP outcomes and make progress towards UHC, enhancing the performance and resilience of health systems in financially affordable and sustainable ways. The World Bank in South Asia:https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/eap

Unit Context:

We are seeking a highly qualified candidate to join the East Asia and Pacific (EAP) Social Policy team. The team leads analytical work, policy dialogue, and operational support across core areas including social protection (social assistance, social insurance, and active labor market programs), employment and labor, and social development. It also addresses key cross-cutting issues such as ageing, migration, and service delivery systems. The program combines lending operations with analytical and advisory services, including reimbursable advisory activities, and contributes to broader multi-sectoral efforts on human capital development and the jobs agenda. Further information is available at World Bank Social Protection.

The World Bank Group has a long-standing development partnership with Malaysia, strengthened by the establishment of its Kuala Lumpur Hub in 2015, with a focus on inclusive growth and sustainable finance. Within this context, the Social Policy Unit supports the partnership through high-quality analytical work, advisory services, and sustained policy dialogue with government counterparts. The unit’s portfolio focuses on labor market issues (including skills, employability, and emerging labor market trends), social protection systems (pensions and social assistance), population ageing, and female labor force participation. Key counterparts include the Ministry of Finance, Bank Negara Malaysia, and the Ministry of Economy.

This GE-level Analyst position, based in Kuala Lumpur under a three-year Local Recruitment (LRS) appointment, will primarily support the Malaysia program, with opportunities to contribute to regional work as needed. The selected candidate will report to the Social Policy Practice Manager for the EAP region, based in Bangkok, and work closely with the Senior Economist in Kuala Lumpur. The role requires regular engagement with government counterparts, development partners, and colleagues across the World Bank.

Duties and accountabilities:

• Contribute to the preparation and delivery of analytical and advisory work in the areas of social protection, labor markets, skills development, and jobs, supporting the team in developing evidence-based inputs for country engagement and policy dialogue. This may include assisting in the design of analytical frameworks, reviewing technical materials, and contributing to the drafting of reports, policy notes, and operational documents.

• Support the team’s quantitative and qualitative analytical work by cleaning and managing datasets, conducting statistical and econometric analysis where relevant, and synthesizing findings into clear and well-structured outputs. This also includes carrying out literature reviews, benchmarking international experiences, and preparing tables, charts, and presentations to communicate results effectively.

• Assist in the preparation and organization of policy dialogue and stakeholder engagement activities, including workshops, meetings, and consultations with government counterparts and development partners. This involves drafting background notes, preparing presentation materials, coordinating inputs from different stakeholders, and documenting key discussions and follow-up actions.

• Contribute to cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary tasks carried out jointly with other Global Practices, as appropriate, ensuring that social policy perspectives are well integrated into broader analytical and operational work, under the guidance of senior staff.

• Support coordination and communication with internal and external stakeholders, including government counterparts, donor agencies, and World Bank teams. Assist in the preparation and facilitation of missions, including logistical arrangements and briefing materials, and contribute to internal knowledge management by organizing project documentation, maintaining records, and ensuring timely sharing of information across the team. Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree in economics, labor economics, development economics, or a closely related field, combined with at least two years of relevant professional experience in analytical work, research, or technical support in areas such as labor markets, skills development, jobs, or social protection. Experience may include roles in international organizations, government agencies, research institutions, or consulting firms, with demonstrated contributions to analytical reports, policy notes, or operational activities.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to apply economic concepts and empirical methods to policy-relevant questions. Demonstrated interest in applied economic analysis and public policy is essential.

• Proven experience working with quantitative data, including data cleaning, management, and analysis. Proficiency in statistical and data analysis tools such as Excel and STATA is required; familiarity with other software (e.g., R, Python) is an advantage.

• Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment, while also managing assigned tasks independently with a high degree of reliability and attention to detail. Demonstrated capacity to organize workload, prioritize tasks, and deliver high-quality outputs within tight deadlines.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to present complex analytical findings in a clear and concise manner to both technical and non-technical audiences. Knowledge of Bahasa Melayu would be an advantage.

COS Generic Competencies: Competencies of Country \& Operations Services (COS)

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.