Home>Miriam, Junior Professional Associate, Design4Climate team at the World Bank

08.06.2023

Miriam, Junior Professional Associate, Design4Climate team at the World Bank

Miriam Privarova has graduated in >International Public Management (now International Governance and Diplomacy) with the concentration on Diplomacy on a Double Degree with King’s College London in European studies. Coming from Slovakia, she works in the Design4Climate team at the World Bank.

What is your role and main responsibilities?

Within the Design4Climate team, my colleagues and I in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region work on the World Bank’s roll-out of its commitment to align all new operations with the objectives of the Paris Agreement by advising task teams on how to integrate these into operations. As a Regional Paris Alignment Specialist, I also support task teams on increasing the share of climate finance in each operation, based on an assessment of their contributions to climate change mitigation and adaptation, in line with the Multilateral Development Banks’ joint methodology for tracking climate finance. For this I specialize on environment, digital and transport sectors. I am also reviewing projects for ECA and comment on all climate corporate commitments of the World Bank. In addition, I am also managing the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) portfolio of the World Bank for Europe and Central Asia and helping with its quality assurance. On ESF, I am likewise supporting several projects as a Supporting Environmental Specialist. 

How did you secure this role?

I have been working as a consultant for the OECD Environment Directorate and the Environment unit in the World Bank for Europe and Central Asia where I started during summer in between my two master’s degrees. Apart from that I think that what strengthened my application for the JPA program was my experience with climate advocacy either as Global Youth Climate Network Ambassador, the Youth4Climate delegate of Slovakia, or the Head delegate of the European Union to Youth 20. In my view the fact that I devote my free time to the cause of working towards a sustainable future by addressing climate change issues, shows my dedication and passion for climate change topics and my zeal to truly change things. As I see it, these experiences combined have equipped me with valuable skills and knowledge, which have bolstered my qualifications for applying for the JPA position at the World Bank.

What is the most fascinating and/or surprising aspect of your role?

As I am somebody who likes to work in challenging and fast-paced environments and who needs to make a contribution to a meaningful purpose, working in the World Bank means being exposed to a wide range of expertise, perspectives, and resources. It's awe-inspiring to witness the collective knowledge and skills that come together to tackle complex problems and drive positive change. The diverse set of challenges we face allows me to continuously learn and grow, as I navigate through different projects and their associated set of challenges. Contributing to a meaningful purpose is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that the work I do has a tangible impact on society and the world is a driving force that fuels my passion for addressing climate change issues. The ability to collaborate with talented individuals, leverage resources, and implement strategic initiatives on a broader scale amplifies the potential for creating meaningful change. The scale of operation I work on opens up possibilities and opportunities that continually surprise and challenge me.

How did your PSIA experience help you with the role?

By immersing myself in diverse policy areas, learning from a diverse group of professors, engaging in teamwork, and completing essay assignments, I have enhanced my capacity to quickly grasp new concepts, meticulously analyze information, and produce well-written work within demanding timeframes. All these transferable skills have proven invaluable in my professional career. Plus, thanks to PSIA, I familiarized myself with a range of academic disciplines which equipped me with the ability to swiftly adapt to novel work settings and tasks that demand a thorough comprehension. At PSIA, I also developed essential skills in synthesizing complex information and delivering compelling presentations.

What advice would you give to others?

I would advise others, both during and after their experience with PSIA, to align their professional path with their personal interests and have faith that their chosen direction will ultimately lead to success. Throughout the journey, obstacles are inevitable, but having a genuine passion for the mission at hand will enable you to overcome them more effectively. I would also recommend students to take part time jobs to further develop and perfect your work-related skills and of course to test the rightness of your choice of work specialization. On top of that, don’t be afraid of asking questions, however simple they may seem and ask for advice from your peers and senior colleagues whenever needed. You never know at the beginning who your future mentor might be!

 

 

BROCHURE