Country Relations Officer
Apply NowCompany: The World Bank Group
Location: Washington, DC 20011
Description:
Country Relations Officer
Job #:
req31874
Organization:
World Bank
Sector:
Environment
Grade:
GF
Term Duration:
2 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment
Location:
Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s):
English
Preferred Language(s):
French, Spanish, and/or Portuguese: Highly desirable
Closing Date:
2/21/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. Visit www.worldbank.org.
The Global Environment Facility(GEF) is a multilateral family of funds dedicated to confronting biodiversityloss, climate change, and pollution, and supporting land and ocean health. Itsfinancing enables developing countries to address complex challenges and worktowards international environmental goals. The partnership includes 186 membergovernments as well as civil society, Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth,with a focus on integration and inclusivity. Over the past three decades, theGEF has provided more than $25 billion in financing and mobilized over $145billion for country-driven priority projects.
The GEFProgramming Division a multi-disciplinary technical team of environmentalspecialists that provides timely assessments of the quality and eligibility ofproposals across all focal areas of the GEF, according to guidance of relevantMultilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA). Division staff actively participate in MEA related events and supportseligible countries in programming GEF resources to implement their MEAcommitments.
The Programming Divisionfurthermore provides country and regional engagement support to political andoperational focal points in the upstream development of strategies andpriorities for GEF investments to achieve global environmental benefits. The Programming Division supports GEFImplementing Agencies to align their proposal development with countrypriorities and strategies to effectively and efficiently align conservation andsustainable development efforts, following the GEF mission and ProgrammaticDirections. The Programming Division also supports GEF engagement with theprivate sector and the blended finance approach.
The GEF is seeking an expert andexperienced specialist in international relations, public policy and/orenvironmental sciences to serve as a Country Relations Officer for LatinAmerica and the Caribbean (LAC) in the GEF Programming Division.
Duties and AccountabilitiesTheLAC Country Relations Officer will lead and contribute to critical tasksranging from capacity building programs with country counterparts, to projectreview to portfolio monitoring. KeyResponsibilities include:
Provide day-to-day coordination to and manage strategic engagement with GEF recipient country focal points (Operational Focal Points, Political Focal Points, GEF Council Members and Alternate Members).
Contribute to the development of training/workshop materials and provide timely information, relevant training, and updates on GEF operational policies and guidelines to the GEF Operational Focal Points and other stakeholders.
Support Division-wide efforts to engage and build effective partnership with recipient countries per the GEF Country Engagement Strategy, including the provision of information, training and operational support to Operational and Political focal points, in coordination with the Regional Coordinators and Country Relations Officers.
Help implement the GEF Country Engagement Strategy https://www.thegef.org/what-we-do/topics/country-support-program.
Maintain formal and informal communication channels with GEF Operational and Political focal points, Convention Focal points, and other stakeholders and address issues and challenges relating to GEF operations in a timely and constructive manner with these recipient country representatives.
Engage and collaborate with GEF Operational and Political focal points, Convention focal points, civil society partners, as well as GEF Agencies and other stakeholders; promote the GEF and advocate key stakeholders in the Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs).
Manage and direct strategic engagement and collaboration with GEF Operational and Political focal points, civil society partners, as well as GEF Implementing Agencies and GEF Secretariat staff in relationships with operational and policy focal points.
Support the Division team in effective collaboration across Focal Areas, with Integrated Programs, and with Regional Teams
As directed, contribute to the development of Division strategies
The LAC Country Relations Officer serves in the LAC Regional Team within the GEF Programming Division and reports to the Manager, Programming Division
Specific duties include the following:1) Lead development and maintenance of relationships with Focal Points in designated countries:
Serve as the GEF Secretariat focal point for the Operational Focal Points (OFPs), Political Focal Points, Council Members and other stakeholders in the designated countries.
Onboard newly appointed OFPs and introduces them to the OFP role, their country portfolio, GEF Policies, STAR and non-STAR funding resources available, GEF Results Framework.
Lead dialogue with OFPs to identify any needs (training, subject matter specialist/program manager consultation, etc.), requests (organization of National Dialogue, Expanded Constituency Workshop), and challenges (e.g. agency performance), and identify opportunities to address these requests.
Act as a focal point for GEF colleagues in discussing/resolving issues that require OFP involvement.
Lead capacity building activities in addition to Country Engagement Strategy activities in their respective regions in close collaboration with the Regional Coordinators, Partnerships team, other colleagues and partners.
Prepare or contribute to country briefs and analytical products as requested (for bilateral meetings, etc.).
During replenishment, support the regional representative (designated OFP) in those meetings and follow up on the regions' coordination.
2) Implement the GEF's Country Engagement Strategy:
Organize various workshops and meetings, e.g. the GEF Constituency Workshops, National Dialogues, Constituency Meetings, Introduction Seminars, Stakeholder Engagement Series (SES) and other workshops as requested to build the capacity of key stakeholders to access GEF resources.
3) Engage with the GEF Council members and constituencies
Support Council members and respective constituencies in developing and maintaining good relations of the GEF with their governments.
Organize virtual or face-to-face (2/3 of quorum required) Constituency meetings with the request of Council members.
Lead Constituency meetings, present decision items, prepare presentation materials, facilitate Q/As and discussions among the country representatives.
Foster strong relationships within constituency to identify further opportunities for operational and knowledge transfer and collaboration.
4) Facilitate Engagement through COPs, UNEA and other International Fora:
Coordinate with the GEF Conventions, CEO FO and Communication teams the participation of GEF PFPs/OFPs bilateral meeting, high-level events and GEF events.
Selection Criteria
Master's Degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., social sciences, international relations, public policy, or other field related to development) and at least five years of relevant professional experience
Strong operational experience working with organizations with governance structures similar to the GEF
Established track record of excellence in significant operational work and project management
Demonstrated ability to effectively engage and develop appropriate and sound relationships with a range of stakeholders, international organizations, development agencies, scientific and technical bodies, private sector entities, developing country counterparts, and NGOs
Experience working in developing countries, particularly in conservation and sustainable development
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to interact effectively with countries and Agencies and represent GEFSEC in delivering high quality and technically work, with internal and external partners
Flexibility in adjusting to changing work program requirements in a dynamic and fast paced work environment
Experience in the design and execution of conservation and sustainable development projects is preferred
Experience with developing and implementing GEF projects is desirable
Excellence in written and spoken English and Spanish are essential. Knowledge of Portuguese is desirable
Understanding of the GEF's policies, procedures, and operational modalities
Willingness to frequently travel to global, regional and national GEF related events
Competencies Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills
Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment
World Bank Group Core Competencies
The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.
Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.
Job #:
req31874
Organization:
World Bank
Sector:
Environment
Grade:
GF
Term Duration:
2 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment
Location:
Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s):
English
Preferred Language(s):
French, Spanish, and/or Portuguese: Highly desirable
Closing Date:
2/21/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. Visit www.worldbank.org.
The Global Environment Facility(GEF) is a multilateral family of funds dedicated to confronting biodiversityloss, climate change, and pollution, and supporting land and ocean health. Itsfinancing enables developing countries to address complex challenges and worktowards international environmental goals. The partnership includes 186 membergovernments as well as civil society, Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth,with a focus on integration and inclusivity. Over the past three decades, theGEF has provided more than $25 billion in financing and mobilized over $145billion for country-driven priority projects.
The GEFProgramming Division a multi-disciplinary technical team of environmentalspecialists that provides timely assessments of the quality and eligibility ofproposals across all focal areas of the GEF, according to guidance of relevantMultilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA). Division staff actively participate in MEA related events and supportseligible countries in programming GEF resources to implement their MEAcommitments.
The Programming Divisionfurthermore provides country and regional engagement support to political andoperational focal points in the upstream development of strategies andpriorities for GEF investments to achieve global environmental benefits. The Programming Division supports GEFImplementing Agencies to align their proposal development with countrypriorities and strategies to effectively and efficiently align conservation andsustainable development efforts, following the GEF mission and ProgrammaticDirections. The Programming Division also supports GEF engagement with theprivate sector and the blended finance approach.
The GEF is seeking an expert andexperienced specialist in international relations, public policy and/orenvironmental sciences to serve as a Country Relations Officer for LatinAmerica and the Caribbean (LAC) in the GEF Programming Division.
Duties and AccountabilitiesTheLAC Country Relations Officer will lead and contribute to critical tasksranging from capacity building programs with country counterparts, to projectreview to portfolio monitoring. KeyResponsibilities include:
Provide day-to-day coordination to and manage strategic engagement with GEF recipient country focal points (Operational Focal Points, Political Focal Points, GEF Council Members and Alternate Members).
Contribute to the development of training/workshop materials and provide timely information, relevant training, and updates on GEF operational policies and guidelines to the GEF Operational Focal Points and other stakeholders.
Support Division-wide efforts to engage and build effective partnership with recipient countries per the GEF Country Engagement Strategy, including the provision of information, training and operational support to Operational and Political focal points, in coordination with the Regional Coordinators and Country Relations Officers.
Help implement the GEF Country Engagement Strategy https://www.thegef.org/what-we-do/topics/country-support-program.
Maintain formal and informal communication channels with GEF Operational and Political focal points, Convention Focal points, and other stakeholders and address issues and challenges relating to GEF operations in a timely and constructive manner with these recipient country representatives.
Engage and collaborate with GEF Operational and Political focal points, Convention focal points, civil society partners, as well as GEF Agencies and other stakeholders; promote the GEF and advocate key stakeholders in the Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs).
Manage and direct strategic engagement and collaboration with GEF Operational and Political focal points, civil society partners, as well as GEF Implementing Agencies and GEF Secretariat staff in relationships with operational and policy focal points.
Support the Division team in effective collaboration across Focal Areas, with Integrated Programs, and with Regional Teams
As directed, contribute to the development of Division strategies
The LAC Country Relations Officer serves in the LAC Regional Team within the GEF Programming Division and reports to the Manager, Programming Division
Specific duties include the following:1) Lead development and maintenance of relationships with Focal Points in designated countries:
Serve as the GEF Secretariat focal point for the Operational Focal Points (OFPs), Political Focal Points, Council Members and other stakeholders in the designated countries.
Onboard newly appointed OFPs and introduces them to the OFP role, their country portfolio, GEF Policies, STAR and non-STAR funding resources available, GEF Results Framework.
Lead dialogue with OFPs to identify any needs (training, subject matter specialist/program manager consultation, etc.), requests (organization of National Dialogue, Expanded Constituency Workshop), and challenges (e.g. agency performance), and identify opportunities to address these requests.
Act as a focal point for GEF colleagues in discussing/resolving issues that require OFP involvement.
Lead capacity building activities in addition to Country Engagement Strategy activities in their respective regions in close collaboration with the Regional Coordinators, Partnerships team, other colleagues and partners.
Prepare or contribute to country briefs and analytical products as requested (for bilateral meetings, etc.).
During replenishment, support the regional representative (designated OFP) in those meetings and follow up on the regions' coordination.
2) Implement the GEF's Country Engagement Strategy:
Organize various workshops and meetings, e.g. the GEF Constituency Workshops, National Dialogues, Constituency Meetings, Introduction Seminars, Stakeholder Engagement Series (SES) and other workshops as requested to build the capacity of key stakeholders to access GEF resources.
3) Engage with the GEF Council members and constituencies
Support Council members and respective constituencies in developing and maintaining good relations of the GEF with their governments.
Organize virtual or face-to-face (2/3 of quorum required) Constituency meetings with the request of Council members.
Lead Constituency meetings, present decision items, prepare presentation materials, facilitate Q/As and discussions among the country representatives.
Foster strong relationships within constituency to identify further opportunities for operational and knowledge transfer and collaboration.
4) Facilitate Engagement through COPs, UNEA and other International Fora:
Coordinate with the GEF Conventions, CEO FO and Communication teams the participation of GEF PFPs/OFPs bilateral meeting, high-level events and GEF events.
Selection Criteria
Master's Degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., social sciences, international relations, public policy, or other field related to development) and at least five years of relevant professional experience
Strong operational experience working with organizations with governance structures similar to the GEF
Established track record of excellence in significant operational work and project management
Demonstrated ability to effectively engage and develop appropriate and sound relationships with a range of stakeholders, international organizations, development agencies, scientific and technical bodies, private sector entities, developing country counterparts, and NGOs
Experience working in developing countries, particularly in conservation and sustainable development
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to interact effectively with countries and Agencies and represent GEFSEC in delivering high quality and technically work, with internal and external partners
Flexibility in adjusting to changing work program requirements in a dynamic and fast paced work environment
Experience in the design and execution of conservation and sustainable development projects is preferred
Experience with developing and implementing GEF projects is desirable
Excellence in written and spoken English and Spanish are essential. Knowledge of Portuguese is desirable
Understanding of the GEF's policies, procedures, and operational modalities
Willingness to frequently travel to global, regional and national GEF related events
Competencies Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills
Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment
World Bank Group Core Competencies
The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.
Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.