Zarif Rasul: Before joining the World Bank, I spent several years in the development space in Bangladesh, which laid the foundation for pursuing a PhD in environmental economics in the US. A key highlight of my career was contributing to national-level economic policies.
Zarif Rasul: A PhD is best pursued by those with a deep interest in a topic and a desire to understand some of its intricacies. While the pursuit of knowledge is valuable in itself, a PhD also fosters qualities that spill over into other areas of life. For me, it was about developing the grit to tackle complex challenges and find solutions, even when they initially seemed impossible.
Zarif Rasul: It’s been a steep learning curve! The World Bank, like other multilateral organizations, is vast, with intricate internal operations and policies. However, a major advantage is the wealth of expertise available across nearly every aspect of development. The Bank offers regular webinars on diverse topics that staff can attend. Personally, beyond water, I’m also interested in energy and the renewable transition, and I’ve found the Bank’s extensive learning resources to be incredibly valuable. For those in the early stages of their careers and aspiring to work at the World Bank, my advice would be to find your niche and get actively involved in it. Whether it's through internships, volunteering for projects, or networking within your area of interest, the key is to immerse yourself in your chosen field. This will not only make you competitive, but also help you build meaningful connections and establish a strong foundation.
Zarif Rasul: The water sector offers a wide range of opportunities for emerging professionals, from technical roles in private water companies to consultancies focused on policy development, environmental sustainability, and water infrastructure. There are also opportunities in public utilities for water and sanitation service delivery, while NGOs play a vital role in water advocacy and technical assistance. These entities require a diverse skill set beyond engineering expertise. For instance, public utilities in large cities need professionals with forecasting and demand management skills for effective infrastructure planning. Additionally, professionals with social studies backgrounds can address the human aspects of interventions. This highlights the broad skill set needed in the water sector.
Zarif Rasul: Innovation is one of the five core values of the World Bank, and it is something we inculcate into our operations. For instance, the World Bank supports utilities through the Utility of the Future program to identify, test and deploy innovative solutions towards achieving SDG 6. The World Bank also emphasizes the use of indigenous knowledge and helps local young entrepreneurs scale up their innovative and cost-effective solutions.
Zarif Rasul: Bangladesh has made great strides in expanding access to drinking water. However, water contamination from arsenic, salinity, and heavy metals remain a major threat to public health. Large numbers of people are consuming water with unsafe levels of these contaminants, which then has a knock on impact on their economic productivity. The best strategies to tackle this crisis is to adopt a systems approach acknowledging the interconnected nature of this problem. It can involve technological solutions such as rainwater harvesting systems where appropriate. It can also include rethinking current agricultural practices which exacerbate water contamination.
Zarif Rasul: Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work in environments that encouraged initiative and valued hard work. What I find most fulfilling, however, is the opportunity to learn under the tutelage of some of the leading experts in Bangladesh. My biggest inspiration has been Dr. Khairul Islam, who encouraged me to tap into my potential and take on greater responsibilities. I was also inspired by his ability to seamlessly navigate the fields of public health and economic policy formulation.
Zarif Rasul: I would say that perseverance, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity are essential skills for success in global development. The work can often be demanding, requiring the ability to power through tough challenges. Additionally, encountering diverse perspectives and approaches is inevitable, so being open to change and having the humility to reconsider one’s own ideas are crucial for success.
Interview conducted by Monaemul Islam Sizear
An environmental economist by training, Zarif Rasul is a Water Specialist at the World Bank. He previously worked in the domains of public infrastructure finance, economic consulting, and water and sanitation policies in Bangladesh. His interests lie in the sustainable use of limited resources to enhance human well-being.
