Exciting operational work, but tainted by a large beauracracy, nepotism, and a laissez-faire attitude to young people.
Pros
Excellent renumeration packages for staff & ETC/ETTs. Working with country clients is challenging and exciting. Colleagues are intelligent and every day is a great learning experience. The work itself can be extremely engaging and challenging. Work life balance can be good if the travel schedule isn't too onerous.
Cons
1. Unbearable organizational hypocrisy and highly unequal work place, while touting shared prosperity. STCs have been sidelined in the reform process, although its a major HR problem. STCs, particularly those with G4 visas can only work for the Bank if based in the US, but are excluded from mailing lists, have no benefits, sometimes have problems getting decent rates approved, and often end up working for free given the 150 day limit per FY. Management seems unconcerned about addressing this or even integrating those STCs who spend their full time supporting the goals of the Bank and its clients to the process. Young people have a hard time breaking in. The young professional program is seen as the only way in, but excludes young people who have passed the age limit for entry. Furthermore, the Bank is very top heavy and this hasn't seemed to change with the reform process. 2. The Bank seems to be becoming more centralized, with decision making being centralized with Global Practice Directors (some of whom are really out of touch with regional nuances and have limited understanding of client engagement) and senior management. This is highly inefficient. 3. Too inward focused: Many staff believe the Bank is the end-all and be-all of existence. This is particularly true of senior staff who have worked at the Bank for most of their lives. There is little engagement with other agencies on the ground on some projects. Some senior management staff are really out of touch with country contexts, but are responsible for determining work programs and budget allocation. Much could be learnt from what other development partners are doing, and while there has been some improvement recently, more could be done beyond a brown bag lunch here and there. 4. Working on internal bureaucratic procedures can be time and energy consuming. Persons working on projects end up spending most of their time on Bank processes. It gets quite boring and frustrating when the bulk of your work involves Bank bureaucracy. 5. Some of the people I work with at the Bank are the brightest and best in their respective fields. However, having worked at several organizations, I can safely say that the level of gossip and trash talking other colleagues I've experienced here surpasses anywhere else I have worked. You really need to be careful with what you say to colleagues.
