Research and Reference Librarian (Information Solutions Analyst)

Job #:
req37116

Organization:
World Bank

Sector:
Information Technology

Grade:
GE

Term Duration:
3 years 0 months

Recruitment Type:
Local Recruitment

Location:
Washington, DC,United States

Required Language(s):
English

Preferred Language(s):
French, Spanish, Arabic, other languages a plus

Closing Date:
6/24/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

ITS Vice Presidency Context:

The Information and Technology Solutions (ITS) Vice Presidential Unit (VPU) enables the World Bank Group to achieve its mission of ending extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet by delivering transformative information and technologies to its staff working in over 150+ locations. For more information on ITS, see this video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=VTFGffa1Y7w

The World Bank Group has undertaken an ambitious exercise to revise its mandate, products, and structure to adjust to the multiple, intertwined crises affecting the world today (see Evolution Roadmap). In the move to a better bank, a new Vision and Mission for the institution have been announced, and a new World Bank playbook along with several financial initiatives are underway.

Business Unit Overview: The mission of the Information and Technology Solutions (ITS) Vice Presidential Unit (VPU) is to leverage information and technology as a force multiplier to accelerate, deepen, and sustain development impact. The vision is to harness information and technology for a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information on ITS, check this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=VTFGffa1Y7w.

Background:

The WBG Library provides services to about 24,000 WBG staff and consultants globally. The unit provides access to e-resources, reference and research services, training, and custom solutions. The team is decentralized to serve a mobile, global workforce from HQ, Asia, Europe, and Africa.

The Library is looking for a dynamic, experienced Research Librarian to provide research and reference services to support the business.

The Library is a unit of ITS Data, Information & AI Products & Services (ITSDA), within the WBG Data Technology Office (ITSDO), part of the Information & Technology Solutions (ITS) Vice Presidency. ITSDO provides information services to the World Bank Group and to the public. The WBG Library is also part of the Library Network, a group of libraries supporting World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund staff globally. WBG Library is an institutional member of NISO and IFLA and participates in The United Nations Library Information Network for Knowledge Sharing (UN-LINKS) and UNSEIAC Consortium.

Position Details

The WBG Library seeks an innovative, service-oriented, and collaborative professional to serve as a Research & Reference Librarian. The ideal candidate must have a proven record of conducting in-depth research, reference, and market data services to a diverse global audience.

Reporting to the Library Research Team Lead, the person in this position will provide innovative, scalable solutions to Bank Group staff, working collaboratively with Research team members, and supporting the Library front desk with Reference services. The selected candidate will also work with other WBG IT teams and internal and external WBG Library partners to deliver on the WBG Library Research mandate.

The ideal candidate is an experienced Research Librarian, with broad knowledge of library databases, client service, and technology use including AI (Artificial Intelligence) in information delivery. The successful candidate will be joining a dynamic, international team in Washington, DC with an expectation to work in a hybrid environment (1 day Home Base Work and 4 days in person per week at HQ).

Key Deliverables
• Perform in-depth research services covering the development sectors and investment industries of the World Bank group.
• Focus on AI for Research.
• Deliver high quality reference and document delivery service.
• Perform Systematic Literature Reviews
• Contribute to peer-to-peer learning, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

Main functions and responsibilities:
• Conduct research and deliver responses to Library clients in HQ and Country Offices within the specified Service Level Agreements.
• Work at the Library front desk Support taking daily shifts, answering Ready Reference questions, and providing document delivery services.
• Use knowledge of Open Access or academic search engines resources to support Library client requests.
• Use the Library Case Management System to receive, create cases and respond to clients.
• Create and publish topical research guides which align with the WBG's knowledge verticals.
• Assist staff by delivering research and reports, and help evaluate and validate information, especially data or information generated by AI to advance information integrity in the WBG's projects and investments.
• Provide regular reports and statistical analysis to the Research Team Lead.
• Work effectively, as a team member, supporting library services, such as Content and Access Management and Outreach and Promotions teams.
• Perform big data analytics and draw client and business insights from Research services including supporting staff with APIs for their Research needs.
• Respond to company and financial market data-related questions using tools such as Capital IQ, etc.
• Contribute to and apply WBG's body of knowledge for internal and/or external client solutions.
• Work independently with teams across ITS and within ITSDO.
• Provide expert professional advice on library and information management especially in the context of developing countries including advice on creating digital Libraries.
• Collaborate with external partners in finding and providing relevant information to support WBG business and client countries capacity building.
• Test/pilot library-related products and provide feedback.
• Present and train others in library services and resources, when required.
• Demonstrate the ability to work in, and with, a diverse global workforce.
• Mentor, motivate and provide direction, guidance, and training to junior team members in carrying out the defined work program.
• Participate in day-to-day development and maintenance of information resources and services.
• Contribute to the formulation and implementation of Library policies, standards, guidelines, and procedures.

Selection Criteria
• Bachelor's or Master's degree with 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience (for example, in the IT field: Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 1 year of related work experience).
• Knowledge and proficiency of Research tools such as EBSCOhost, Scopus, ProQuest, EMIS Intelligence, Factiva, Fitch, and other relevant development and investment databases.
• Solid Library client service orientation as an experienced Research & Reference Librarian.
• Excellent command of English (both spoken and written).
• Knowledge of other languages a plus.

Minimum Requirements
• Proven knowledge and understanding of information management and library processes.
• Proficiency in using Integrated Library Systems (ILS) such as Primo/Alma (Ex-Libris).
• Knowledge of Springshare use.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of expert Web searching.
• Experience using a Case Management System to respond to library requests.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, responding to multiple requests simultaneously, balancing immediate client needs with overall service

requirements while also managing partnerships.
• High degree of tact, judgment, initiative, resourcefulness, and motivation.
• Well-developed information evaluation skills.
• Acquaintance with Open Access, Open Data, and Open Science.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills to facilitate internal collaborations, client business relationships, and prepare and communicate research findings and insights.
• Ability to work in, and with, a diverse large virtual widely dispersed global workforce.

Desirable Requirements:
• Curiosity with emerging technologies and a willingness for AI experiential learning, including potentially building up a library of high-quality prompts or prompt chains to support effective research strategies.
• Experience using library databases such as SSRN, JSTOR, PubMed, EconLit, etc., and bibliometrics tools such as Web of Science
• Experience using research tools such as Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Kopernio, Lazy Scholar, Lean Library, etc.
• Familiarity with ILL (Inter Library Loan) platforms such as OCLC, Docline, Reprints Desk and other tools for fulfilling client information requests Knowledge of, or familiarity with, copyright, intellectual property and other library compliance matters including ethical use of information.
• Experience performing data analysis and visualizations for internal decision making.
• Experience using communication and meeting tools such as Webex and Microsoft Teams, Viva Engage.

Competencies
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, client engagement, presentation, and collaboration skills.
• An initiative-taker who is proactive, shares knowledge, and is open to learning.