ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Private Sector Development Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

World Bank

Senior Private Sector Specialist

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$88K - $109K/yr

... development challenges. When you join the World Bank Group, you become part of a dynamic, diverse ... The Sr. Private Sector Specialist will be based at the Headquarters of the World Bank in Washington ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrivate Sector Development Specialist Jobs

Private Sector Development Specialist information

See salary details

$29K

$56.2K

$83.5K

How much do private sector development specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for private sector development specialist in the United States is $56,194.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,500.00 and $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Private Sector Development Specialists when working with diverse stakeholders?

Private Sector Development Specialists often work with a wide range of stakeholders including government agencies, private companies, NGOs, and international organizations. One common challenge is balancing the different priorities and expectations of these groups while aligning them with project objectives. Additionally, navigating regulatory environments and cultural differences can require strong communication and negotiation skills. Success in this role often depends on building trust, fostering collaboration, and staying adaptable to changing market dynamics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Private Sector Development Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Private Sector Development Specialist, you need a solid background in economics, business administration, or international development, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in private sector engagement. Familiarity with data analysis tools, project management software, and frameworks like Doing Business or IFC Performance Standards is typical. Strong networking, cross-cultural communication, and problem-solving skills help you build partnerships and identify growth opportunities. These competencies drive effective interventions that foster economic growth and sustainable private sector development.

What does a Private Sector Development Specialist do?

A Private Sector Development Specialist works to promote economic growth by supporting the development and competitiveness of private businesses in a country or region. They analyze market trends, identify barriers to private sector growth, and design strategies or policies to encourage investment, entrepreneurship, and job creation. These specialists may collaborate with governments, financial institutions, and international organizations to implement reforms, improve business environments, and facilitate access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Their work often involves project management, stakeholder engagement, and monitoring the impact of development programs.

What is the difference between Private Sector Development Specialist vs Economic Development Officer?

AspectPrivate Sector Development SpecialistEconomic Development Officer
CredentialsTypically requires degrees in economics, business, or related fields; certifications in project management or economic analysis are common.Similar credentials; often holds degrees in economics, public policy, or business.
Work EnvironmentWorks with private companies, industry associations, and development agencies to promote business growth.Engages with government agencies, community groups, and businesses to foster economic growth.
Employer & Industry UsageEmployed by NGOs, development agencies, and private sector firms focusing on economic and business development.Primarily employed by government departments, local authorities, and economic development agencies.

While both roles focus on economic growth, the Private Sector Development Specialist concentrates on supporting private businesses and industry sectors, whereas the Economic Development Officer works more broadly with government initiatives to promote overall economic progress.

More about Private Sector Development Specialist jobs
What job categories do people searching Private Sector Development Specialist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Private Sector Development Specialist jobs are:
Private Sector Development Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Private Sector Development Specialist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,194 per year, or $27 per hour.
Senior Private Sector Specialist

Senior Private Sector Specialist

The World Bank Group

Washington, DC

$88K - $109K/yr

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? The World Bank Group is a unique global partnership of five institutions driven by a bold vision to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, we help solve the world's greatest development challenges. When you join the World Bank Group, you become part of a dynamic, diverse organization with 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide. We work with public and private sector partners, invest in groundbreaking projects, and use data, research, and technology to bring tangible and transformative change around the globe. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

The WBG Planet Vice Presidency is leading WBG's efforts to make the planet livable, as a necessary condition for job creation and poverty elimination. It is responsible for getting the right public and private sector solutions to our operational teams and to our clients, and to produce scalable impact.ย  Its mandate is to deliver knowledge for impact and business to enable and support the WBG to achieve its goals in support of our mission and specifically: providing guidance on creating more and better jobs, focusing on agribusiness, tourism (nature-based tourism), infrastructure (water) and health (sanitation, nutrition); supporting foundational infrastructure and human capital, policy environment, and private sector mobilization; and supporting and accelerating specific targets and commitments such as Mission AgriConnect, Mission Water, Climate Change Action Plan. The VPU's objectives in driving outcomes include replicating and scaling effective solutions, enhancing thought leadership and innovation, and delivering timely knowledge to client teams.ย ย 

World Bank Group Water Department:ย 
The World Bank Group's (WBG) Water team works with regions to implement the Water Strategy Implementation Plan (https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/099122425094016453).ย  The key purpose of the plan is to improve water security for 400 million people by 2030 through scalable solutions geared toward key client segments, namely, national and sub-national governments, private sector operators, investors, and financial institutions.ย  Read more about the World Bank's Water Department at:ย  https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/water

2030 Water Resources Group:
The 2030 Water Resources Group (WRG) is a global multi-donor trust fund, established to advance global water security through public-private collaboration.ย  WRG works with governments, corporations, and civil society to address water risks affecting food, cities, and ecosystems. By offering strategic insights, fostering collaboration, and securing financing, we help scale solutions that deliver lasting impact (www.2030wrg.org).ย  WRG is hosted by the World Bank Group's Water Department.

WRG's work is structured along three themes, namely: (1) Water for Planet, to address water pollution and water use for catchment protection and restoration, (2) Water for Cities, to support resilient city regional water systems, balancing the demand and supply of water, and (3) Water for Food, in particular through climate-resilient irrigation.ย ย 

The WRG Governing Council recently approved the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan to increase the impact of WRG's work.ย  The strategy pivots WRG's work to greater alignment with the World Bank Group's Water Strategy Implementation Plan to enhance impact.ย ย 
The Sr. Private Sector Specialist will be based at the Headquarters of the World Bank in Washington DC, USA. She/he will report to Program Manager of 2030 WRG.ย ย 

Duties and Accountabilities:
2030 Water Resources Group is seeking a highly qualified and motivated individual to serve as a Senior Private Sector Specialist. The principal duties and responsibilities would include:

Provide technical leadership on private sector development and private capital mobilization in 2030 WRG's global and country programs and activities, including the design of investment funds, PPPs, capital markets instruments etc.
Support Bank operations as agreed with the Program Manager with respect to enabling private capital mobilization.
Lead high-quality global analytical products on private capital mobilization and private sector development.ย 
Coordinate engagements with key partners at senior-most levels on private sector participation in the water sector, including public sector, private sector, multilateral development banks, bilateral agencies, and civil society.ย 
Innovate on private sector financing solutions across water sub-sectors with IFC, MIGA, and other parts of the WB.ย ย 
Support the engagement with various private sector companies (e.g., agribusiness companies, technology companies, industrial/ manufacturing companies, operators, financiers etc.) as potential 2030 WRG/ WBG partners at the global, regional, and national levels.
Support strategy development, business planning, financial management and monitoring of the global WRG program.
Lead the coordination of the 2030 WRG global governance structure and the development of the annual operational plan.

Apply