The World Bank’s plan to eliminate all short-term consultant positions in just over a year marks a major shift in how it manages its global workload — and it’s raising plenty of questions.
Last month, the World Bank announced it will phase out all short-term consultants, or STCs, by January 2027, according to documents obtained by Devex. There are about 22,000 STCs — roughly equivalent to 7,000 full-time positions — making up a quarter of the World Bank Group’s workforce. The bank intends to transition some into extended-term consultant roles, some as full-time staff, and others into independent contractors, while some will leave altogether.
Management has framed the move as administrative reform to create a “more strategic and sustainable approach,” boost staff ownership, and reduce dependence on a vast “contingent workforce.”