Operations Officer
Apply NowCompany: The World Bank Group
Location: Washington, DC 20011
Description:
Operations Officer
Job #:
req31814
Organization:
World Bank
Sector:
Operations
Grade:
GF
Term Duration:
4 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment
Location:
Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s):
English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date:
2/26/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? 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 and promoting shared prosperity. 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. For more information, visit: www.worldbank.org.
Regional Context:
The Western & Central Africa (AFW), Eastern and Southern Africa (AFE), and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Regions of the World Bank (WB) are committed to helping the African continent (including both Sub-Saharan and North Africa) realize its considerable development potential. For this, we need the best and brightest talent to harness the potential and innovation happening across the three regions.
Africa is a continent on the move, with a young population and a growing market of nearly 1.3 billion people. Yet, these vast opportunities are tempered by persistent gaps in education, health, and skills, which have Africa only reaching forty percent of its estimated potential. Moreover, conflict, food insecurity, population growth, and the disruptive forces of climate change threaten to curtail or even reverse the progress that has been made over the past decades.
The Regional Integration (RI) program in Africa is an important strategic priority for the continent and the World Bank Group (WBG). The RI program is guided by the 2021 "Regional Integration and Cooperation Assistance Strategy Update", which adopts a 4X4 strategic framework of four thematic priorities and four Fragility Conflict Violence (FCV) geographical priority areas. The four thematic priorities are: regional infrastructure connectivity; trade and market integration; building resilience to shocks; and human capital development. The four FCV sub-regional priority areas are: the Horn of Africa, Sahel, Lake Chad, and the Great Lakes. The World Bank has an existing financial commitment of over $23 billion for RI programs in Africa, making it the single largest WB program in Africa. There are currently over 90 active projects in the portfolio. The RI program is the largest user of the IDA Regional Window. Under IDA20, the RI program is expected to have delivered about $9 billion in lending, or around $3 billion new lending annually, of which two thirds are from the IDA Regional Window. The RI program also maintains partnerships with regional organizations and manages a strong ASA program focused on regional integration.
Unit Context:
The RI Unit, led by a Director, covers AFE and AFW regions (Sub-Saharan African countries) and the MENA Region. The Unit has a small team of staff who help oversee the RI program and work collaboratively with the Country Management Units (CMUs) and Global Practices (GPs). The RI Unit operates like a CMU with similar ADM responsibilities. The Unit has the following responsibilities: ensure coherence in the overall strategic approach for the WB's RI program, commission necessary analytics to inform operational and policy dialogue, manage the delivery of IDA / IBRD resources, oversee the implementation of RI projects, and manage the convening of countries through formal structures (of Regional Economic Communities) or other platforms for cooperation.
Western and Central Africa (AFW) Region:
https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/afr/western-and-central-africa
Eastern and Southern Africa (AFE) Region:
https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/afr/eastern-and-southern-africa
Middle East and North Africa (MNA) Region:
https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/mena/overview
Duties and Accountabilities:
The RI Unit is seeking an experienced, high-performing, energetic, adaptable, and flexible team member with demonstrated dependability, ability to manage a large workload, and dedication to teamwork. He/she will report to the RI Manager, Operations and work closely with the RI team.
His/her main accountabilities would include:
1. Strategy/program development, project design, and results monitoring: (i) Conduct necessary analysis of the consistency of new investment financing proposals with World Bank's Regional Integration and Cooperation Assistance Strategy Update; (ii) advise World Bank project teams on how to design projects that meet the criteria for IDA Regional Window, and work with the project teams to articulate the justification of regional projects in collaboration with DFI colleagues; (iii) contribute to the preparation and monitoring of the results framework for the Regional Integration and Cooperation Assistance Strategy Update; (iv) monitor RI program's contribution to the Policy Commitments of IDA, and to other corporate strategic commitments such as climate change, gender, citizens' engagement, and FVC strategy; and (v) contribute to RI program briefs for annual and spring meetings and other similar events.
2. Pipeline and portfolio management and monitoring: (i) independently contribute to portfolio and pipeline monitoring as needed; (ii) support periodic and country/thematic reviews and analyses of portfolio; (iii) assist and/or organize portfolio reviews, prepare portfolio monitoring reports and presentations, and follow up on portfolio review recommendations; and (iv) conduct necessary analyses to prepare corporate operations and business meetings on lending, deliverables, and portfolio management, and prepare briefs and presentations ahead of the meetings.
3. Operational quality: (i) support reviewing lending packages/requests and documents to ensure consistency with the World Bank's operational policies and guidelines and that the due diligence and quality standards are met; (ii) support review of implementation support documents including ISRs, aide-memoires, back-to-office reports, ICRs, and other documents; and (iii) support the preparation and conduct of concept and decision meetings related to various milestones in the project cycle; and prepare summaries for the Director on project and program concept and appraisal documents.
4. Operational Knowledge Sharing and Communication: (i) Assist with drawing lessons from portfolio reviews and incorporating into future projects and operations; and (ii) assist in delivery of operational knowledge and learning events organized by the RI Unit.
Selection Criteria
Master's degree in a relevant field/discipline (e.g. economics, management, business administration, social sciences, technical studies, or another field related to development) with a minimum five years of relevant experience.
Thorough knowledge of and experience with Bank operational policies, procedures, guidelines, financing instruments, IDA, accountability and decision making, and results agenda.
Good understanding of Bank's corporate priorities and initiatives including, Climate Change, Gender, FCV, Maximizing Finance for Development, and Human Capital Project.
Solid experience in pipeline, operations, and portfolio management.
Demonstrated ability to use the Operations Portal, Client Connection, Standard Reports, and analytical/presentation tools such as MS Excel and PowerPoint.
Superior client orientation and inter-personal skills with proven ability to work cooperatively with multi-disciplinary teams, all levels of staff and managers.
Demonstrated ability to undertake a diversity of tasks within a rapidly changing and demanding environment on short deadlines.
Demonstrated attention to detail, and follow-through.
Strong spoken and written communications skills in English including the ability to speak and write persuasively and present ideas clearly and concisely at review meetings.
Diverse relevant experience in a variety of countries, regions, or corporate operational units would be an advantage.
This internal requisition is open to WBG and IMF staff only (including short-term and extended term consultants/ temporaries). External candidates are requested not to apply. In case an external candidate applies, their application will not be considered.
COS Competencies:
Click here for COS Competences
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 #:
req31814
Organization:
World Bank
Sector:
Operations
Grade:
GF
Term Duration:
4 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment
Location:
Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s):
English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date:
2/26/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? 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 and promoting shared prosperity. 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. For more information, visit: www.worldbank.org.
Regional Context:
The Western & Central Africa (AFW), Eastern and Southern Africa (AFE), and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Regions of the World Bank (WB) are committed to helping the African continent (including both Sub-Saharan and North Africa) realize its considerable development potential. For this, we need the best and brightest talent to harness the potential and innovation happening across the three regions.
Africa is a continent on the move, with a young population and a growing market of nearly 1.3 billion people. Yet, these vast opportunities are tempered by persistent gaps in education, health, and skills, which have Africa only reaching forty percent of its estimated potential. Moreover, conflict, food insecurity, population growth, and the disruptive forces of climate change threaten to curtail or even reverse the progress that has been made over the past decades.
The Regional Integration (RI) program in Africa is an important strategic priority for the continent and the World Bank Group (WBG). The RI program is guided by the 2021 "Regional Integration and Cooperation Assistance Strategy Update", which adopts a 4X4 strategic framework of four thematic priorities and four Fragility Conflict Violence (FCV) geographical priority areas. The four thematic priorities are: regional infrastructure connectivity; trade and market integration; building resilience to shocks; and human capital development. The four FCV sub-regional priority areas are: the Horn of Africa, Sahel, Lake Chad, and the Great Lakes. The World Bank has an existing financial commitment of over $23 billion for RI programs in Africa, making it the single largest WB program in Africa. There are currently over 90 active projects in the portfolio. The RI program is the largest user of the IDA Regional Window. Under IDA20, the RI program is expected to have delivered about $9 billion in lending, or around $3 billion new lending annually, of which two thirds are from the IDA Regional Window. The RI program also maintains partnerships with regional organizations and manages a strong ASA program focused on regional integration.
Unit Context:
The RI Unit, led by a Director, covers AFE and AFW regions (Sub-Saharan African countries) and the MENA Region. The Unit has a small team of staff who help oversee the RI program and work collaboratively with the Country Management Units (CMUs) and Global Practices (GPs). The RI Unit operates like a CMU with similar ADM responsibilities. The Unit has the following responsibilities: ensure coherence in the overall strategic approach for the WB's RI program, commission necessary analytics to inform operational and policy dialogue, manage the delivery of IDA / IBRD resources, oversee the implementation of RI projects, and manage the convening of countries through formal structures (of Regional Economic Communities) or other platforms for cooperation.
Western and Central Africa (AFW) Region:
https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/afr/western-and-central-africa
Eastern and Southern Africa (AFE) Region:
https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/afr/eastern-and-southern-africa
Middle East and North Africa (MNA) Region:
https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/mena/overview
Duties and Accountabilities:
The RI Unit is seeking an experienced, high-performing, energetic, adaptable, and flexible team member with demonstrated dependability, ability to manage a large workload, and dedication to teamwork. He/she will report to the RI Manager, Operations and work closely with the RI team.
His/her main accountabilities would include:
1. Strategy/program development, project design, and results monitoring: (i) Conduct necessary analysis of the consistency of new investment financing proposals with World Bank's Regional Integration and Cooperation Assistance Strategy Update; (ii) advise World Bank project teams on how to design projects that meet the criteria for IDA Regional Window, and work with the project teams to articulate the justification of regional projects in collaboration with DFI colleagues; (iii) contribute to the preparation and monitoring of the results framework for the Regional Integration and Cooperation Assistance Strategy Update; (iv) monitor RI program's contribution to the Policy Commitments of IDA, and to other corporate strategic commitments such as climate change, gender, citizens' engagement, and FVC strategy; and (v) contribute to RI program briefs for annual and spring meetings and other similar events.
2. Pipeline and portfolio management and monitoring: (i) independently contribute to portfolio and pipeline monitoring as needed; (ii) support periodic and country/thematic reviews and analyses of portfolio; (iii) assist and/or organize portfolio reviews, prepare portfolio monitoring reports and presentations, and follow up on portfolio review recommendations; and (iv) conduct necessary analyses to prepare corporate operations and business meetings on lending, deliverables, and portfolio management, and prepare briefs and presentations ahead of the meetings.
3. Operational quality: (i) support reviewing lending packages/requests and documents to ensure consistency with the World Bank's operational policies and guidelines and that the due diligence and quality standards are met; (ii) support review of implementation support documents including ISRs, aide-memoires, back-to-office reports, ICRs, and other documents; and (iii) support the preparation and conduct of concept and decision meetings related to various milestones in the project cycle; and prepare summaries for the Director on project and program concept and appraisal documents.
4. Operational Knowledge Sharing and Communication: (i) Assist with drawing lessons from portfolio reviews and incorporating into future projects and operations; and (ii) assist in delivery of operational knowledge and learning events organized by the RI Unit.
Selection Criteria
Master's degree in a relevant field/discipline (e.g. economics, management, business administration, social sciences, technical studies, or another field related to development) with a minimum five years of relevant experience.
Thorough knowledge of and experience with Bank operational policies, procedures, guidelines, financing instruments, IDA, accountability and decision making, and results agenda.
Good understanding of Bank's corporate priorities and initiatives including, Climate Change, Gender, FCV, Maximizing Finance for Development, and Human Capital Project.
Solid experience in pipeline, operations, and portfolio management.
Demonstrated ability to use the Operations Portal, Client Connection, Standard Reports, and analytical/presentation tools such as MS Excel and PowerPoint.
Superior client orientation and inter-personal skills with proven ability to work cooperatively with multi-disciplinary teams, all levels of staff and managers.
Demonstrated ability to undertake a diversity of tasks within a rapidly changing and demanding environment on short deadlines.
Demonstrated attention to detail, and follow-through.
Strong spoken and written communications skills in English including the ability to speak and write persuasively and present ideas clearly and concisely at review meetings.
Diverse relevant experience in a variety of countries, regions, or corporate operational units would be an advantage.
This internal requisition is open to WBG and IMF staff only (including short-term and extended term consultants/ temporaries). External candidates are requested not to apply. In case an external candidate applies, their application will not be considered.
COS Competencies:
Click here for COS Competences
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.