Jennifer Sara

Jennifer Sara is an expert with 30+ years experience in international development, including global leadership roles in water, climate, infrastructure finance and sustainable economic growth. Recently she served as Global Director for the World Bank Group’s Climate Change Global Practice from 2022–2025, where she was responsible for overseeing the key strategic priorities and implementation of the World Bank Group’s Climate Change Action Plan. Prior to that position, Ms. Sara served for eight years as Director and Global Director for the Water Global Practice, overseeing the Bank’s $30B water portfolio, analytics, trust fund management and knowledge agenda.

She has worked on infrastructure and sustainable development issues for the World Bank for more than thirty years in the following assignments: Sector Manager for Sustainable Development in Vietnam; Sector Leader for Infrastructure in Brazil; Lead Infrastructure Specialist for Latin America, Senior Water and Sanitation Specialist for West Africa, and Water and Sanitation Specialist in Bolivia. Prior to joining the Bank, Ms. Sara worked in Liberia and for the US Indian Health service.

Ms. Sara holds an MSc in Environmental Management from the University of London and a BSc in Environmental Engineering from Brown University.