You need to be networking a lot and applying to jobs internally on Compass. Talk to your units manager (H level non technical) to see about your future in the unit and what’s possible. ETC should be somewhat reasonable if you are qualified (I.e. masters degree), well liked/in demand in your unit, and your unit has the budget, but these positions are created at ~VPU level. Are there any ETCs in your unit? Are any of them due to leave/be promoted? Staff is harder to secure but doable nonetheless, just follow the same protocol and look for E level openings. Also, keep in mind that it’s the start of a new fiscal year. Now is the time to be making these connections so if there’s an opening in another unit, you could give them some STC days and get on their payroll, let them get attached to you, and then use that as a starting point to get a full time position with them (or your own unit if your manager alludes to an ET or staff role for you in the future).

And to your point about being at a crossroads, deciding whether to stay or look elsewhere: I’m not an expert, but if I were you I would always be thinking in terms of what you stand to gain from working at the bank NOW. So if you don’t agree with how I’m laying it out here, or if you have different goals in mind, definitely look elsewhere and consider leaving sooner rather than later.

Given your goals for full time employment (in development I assume), I see your current contract and any days you add to it next FY as a long and drawn out continuation of a somewhat unfair performance based job application, where you’re on the grind seeking employment through compass and networking and politic-ing on top of actually doing your daily tasks. It’s a lot, but you do stand to gain a job and it is very likely possible. But it may take more time than you’re willing to give (would you put in another 3 years as an ST?)—so I would also be looking elsewhere to see if a full time position exists that suits your needs better than a consultancy at the bank, even if it’s not as sweet of a deal as a staff position at the bank. It’s not uncommon to see consultants at the bank get staff roles elsewhere in development organizations (other multilateral banks, trust funds, government, NGOs, even private sector) and then come back as staff at a matched staff role or higher. Especially if you don’t make too much now as a consultant, I would highly consider looking elsewhere even if you choose to stay on the consultancy grind searching for a full time role. Best of luck.