“End extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet” is the mission statement of the World Bank and a phrase I heard repeatedly during my two-week job shadow. At first, it sounded straightforward. But after working alongside members of the Legal Department for Africa and the Middle East, I came to understand the depth and complexity behind those words.
In the summer of 2024, I had the opportunity to shadow Senior Counsel Mariana M. Montiel in the Legal Department for the Africa and Middle East region (LEGAM). Through this experience, I saw firsthand the work required to develop policies and agreements that directly impact people’s lives. During my time there, I learned about financing projects in countries such as Guinea, the resettlement process for communities affected by the creation of a wildlife reserve in Uganda, and advocacy efforts to end female genital mutilation in several African nations. Observing these initiatives showed me that the World Bank’s mission is not just a slogan, it is a commitment that drives the daily work of its employees.
That commitment became even clearer during my conversation with Chief Counsel Reynaldo F. Pastor, who oversees the West and Central Africa Region as well as the Middle East and North Africa Region. At the end of my time at the World Bank, I had the opportunity to sit down with him and ask about his career and experiences. One of the first things he told me was how he was drawn to the World Bank because of its unique mission that differentiates it from other places. Mr. Pastor had the opportunity to work with the Bank in many different locations, including Argentina before coming back to the DC office. He has been able to utilize his language skills of English and Spanish to help navigate negotiations on such a global scale. This characteristic showed me just how important it is to be constantly learning to improve global understanding, something essential to the global studies certificate.
When asked more about the World Bank and why it is different from other typical private law firms or American companies, Mr. Pastor told me that the Bank has a different model, its goal is to help others, giving a sense of purpose. This translates directly into how Mr. Pastor leads in his department. When asked about the most effective way to lead, he told me some of his biggest strengths come from leading with empathy, honesty, and transparency which help create a respectful workplace where everyone has a sense of trust in their unit, helping LEGAM fulfill the World Bank’s mission. Even though Mr. Pastor has had to deal with difficulties, like navigating the pandemic, and other obstacles that come with being a leader in his department, like giving honest feedback, he was able to navigate it with ease by sticking to his values and staying motivated to help support the World Bank’s mission.
Mr. Pastor, Ms. Montiel, and all of LEGAM showed me what it looks like to be a globally responsible person who strives to make the world a better place. As a global studies certificate candidate, they showed me what I needed to know about working in this field. A quote from Mr. Pastor that will always stick with me about his leadership is how “you may not know it, but you are making an impact, making decisions for the common good not personal interest.”
I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to shadow Ms. Montiel and LEGAM and my perspective on the world would not be the same without it.
