The World Bank has officially announced a significant career opportunity for qualified Nigerian professionals, marking a strategic move to deepen its engagement across the African continent. This high-level vacancy comes at a time when the international financial institution is intensifying its focus on sustainable development and economic growth in the region.
Prestigious Position for Nigerian Professionals
The World Bank is seeking applications for the position of Regional Industry Director for Infrastructure and Natural Resources (INR) in Africa. This senior role represents a major opportunity for Nigerian experts to contribute to transformative projects that will shape the continent's future development trajectory.
Job Responsibilities and Geographic Scope
The successful candidate will oversee strategic initiatives across multiple African regions, including North, West, and Central Africa. The position demands leadership in critical sectors that form the backbone of economic development:
- Energy sector development and renewable energy projects
- Transport infrastructure including roads, railways, and ports
- Municipal infrastructure development for urban centers
- Telecommunications networks and digital connectivity
- Natural resources management and sustainable extraction
The role will be based in Lagos, Nigeria, with potential assignments in other major African cities including Cairo, Egypt; Accra, Ghana; and Dakar, Senegal. This geographic flexibility reflects the position's pan-African scope and the World Bank's commitment to regional integration.
Rigorous Qualification Requirements
The World Bank has established stringent criteria for candidates seeking this prestigious position. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional qualifications and extensive professional experience:
Educational and Professional Prerequisites
Candidates must possess advanced academic credentials, specifically a PhD, master's degree, or equivalent qualification in economics, finance, or business administration. The position requires a minimum of fifteen years of relevant professional experience in leadership roles.
The ideal candidate must exhibit a proven track record in several critical areas:
- Investment and business delivery with measurable results
- Strategic thinking and policy engagement capabilities
- Leadership and team management in diverse environments
- Private capital mobilization for development projects
- Cross-cultural communication and stakeholder collaboration
Language and Communication Skills
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, with French or Arabic language skills considered highly advantageous. This multilingual requirement reflects the position's regional scope and the need for effective communication across diverse African contexts.
Application Process and Deadline
Interested Nigerian professionals are advised to submit their applications promptly, as the closing date for submissions is February 11, 2026. The World Bank has emphasized the importance of timely applications to ensure consideration for this competitive position.
Strategic Context: World Bank's Deepening Nigeria Engagement
The job announcement coincides with a significant three-day visit to Nigeria by World Bank Managing Director of Operations, Anna Bjerde, which commenced on February 1, 2026. This timing underscores the institution's commitment to strengthening its partnership with Nigeria and the broader African region.
High-Level Discussions and Partnerships
During her visit, Bjerde is engaging in substantive discussions with key Nigerian officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Finance Minister Wale Edun, Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. These meetings aim to strengthen collaboration between the World Bank and various Nigerian stakeholders.
The discussions will inform the development of the World Bank's forthcoming Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Nigeria, which prioritizes several critical areas:
- Job creation and employment opportunities
- Energy access and power sector development
- Private-sector-led growth and investment mobilization
Substantial Investment Portfolio
The World Bank's active portfolio in Nigeria currently exceeds $16 billion, spanning multiple development sectors. This substantial investment demonstrates the institution's long-term commitment to Nigeria's development across education, health, social protection, energy, and infrastructure.
Broader Development Initiatives
The World Bank's engagement extends beyond individual projects to include participation in major continental initiatives. One notable program is Mission 300, a joint effort with the African Development Bank that aims to provide electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030.
This job vacancy announcement represents more than just a career opportunity; it signifies the World Bank's recognition of Nigerian expertise and its commitment to empowering African professionals to lead the continent's development agenda. The position offers a unique platform for qualified Nigerians to contribute to transformative projects that will shape Africa's economic future while advancing their professional careers on an international stage.
