World Bank
Data Science Resources
Are you a data scientist and looking for a place to start? The Data Lab has pulled together the basics. But if you ever get stuck, don't hesitate to reach out datalab@worldbank.org.
Data
The World Bank is famous for its data - so why does it sometimes feel like data is hard to find? There are three excellent places to start for any data quest:
World Bank Group Library
The WBG Library catalogue includes all active database and journal subscriptions available to staff. Further, the Research Librarians provide a free and invaluable service, identifying datasets that can support your project.
World Bank Development Data Hub
The World Bank's internally facing data catalogue includes both public and Official Use Only data pulled from: the open data catalogue, micro-data catalogue, World Development Indicators, Statistical Performance Indicators, Geospatial Library, and others.
Development Data Partnership
The Development Data Partnership catalogue includes pro-bono private sector data available to staff, from companies including Google, LinkedIn, Meta, Planet, and others.
Community
What is better than a good data scientist? More than one! Data science is about finding creative mathematical ways to solve problems, and the bigger the problem, the more likelihood of success when we work together. But how to find your tribe?
Data Corps
Looking for a World Bank collaborator with specific (and certified) data skills? Try the Data Corps repository - a list of colleagues who have received World Bank Data Skills certifications and have opted into the Corps registry to signal their interest and availability for cross-support opportunities and collaborations.
Data Lab Community
Want to find opportunities to network with other data enthusiasts and keep up with the latest? Sign up for the Data Lab mailing list and start joining our community events, both in-person and remote.
Data Leads
Within each of the ~120 directorates in the World Bank, there is a nominated Data Lead – a team resource who can advise on all things related to data resources in the World Bank. How do they do this? Through training and being part of a strong Data Leads network. Interested in becoming a Data Lead? Write to us for information about how to get involved and the next selection round: datalab@worldbank.org
Code
Data is only as good as the method used to derive them, as well as the methods we apply to turn data into insights. The Lab is working hard to make World Bank code more consistent, reusable, and discoverable.
code.worldbank.org
Conducting data analytics and have the feeling this may have been done before? Check out code.worldbank.org (beta) for reusable code modules that your fellow colleagues have contributed to Bank operations - lending, economic reporting, and technical assistance.
WB Data Science Template
WB Data Science Template. Want to add new code to the catalogue? Use the World Bank data science template for code documentation – it is a full-service GitHub template, which supports automated code review, citations, auto-generated web book, and more. The template is also compatible with the Bank's reproducible research framework.
Software and Compute Resources
This one is easy - contact our colleagues in ITS, who manage the Bank's contracts with AWS and Azure and provision software and compute resources.
Policies
Do not get caught putting the World Bank and our counterparts at risk! Be familiar with the World Bank's most critical policies for data scientists:
World Bank Data Quality and Assurance Framework
World Bank Data Privacy Policy
World Bank Information Security Classification
Data Science Career
So, you want to make a full career out of data science at the World Bank? Start here:
Skill Certification and Data Corps Registration
The most surefire way to build your data science career at the World Bank is to ensure: (a) your skills are up to standard; (b) you continuously improve your skills; and (c) you build broad experience by providing cross-support to tackle different kinds of problems. The Data Lab makes this murky process easy!
Step 1. Check out the World Bank Data Skills certification requirements and take the certification exam.
Step 2. Register for the Data Corps to receive cross-support and training opportunities.
Step 3. Keep going! Continue to level-up your skills, earning higher certifications, opening up opportunities for more complex and interesting assignments.
Data Talent Board
Think you have what it takes? Apply to change your professional mapping to the Data Science and Statistics “Data” Talent Board. The Data Talent Board supports an alternative career stream for data scientists and statisticians at the World Bank. More info on the Data Talent Board website.
Data Leads, Data Corps, and Data Talent Board. How do they all come together?
Get help Finding the Data Resources You Need
Feel overwhelmed? Don't navigate Bank resources alone! Managers and directors throughout the World Bank have nominated Data Leads to help YOU find the colleagues and internal resources you need to get your project off the ground.
Find your Lab Data Lead HERE