Principal Strategy and Operations Officer
Apply NowCompany: The World Bank Group
Location: Washington, DC 20011
Description:
Principal Strategy and Operations Officer
Job #:
req32860
Organization:
IFC
Sector:
Strategy
Grade:
GH
Term Duration:
3 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment
Location:
Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s):
English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date:
5/5/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
IFC - a member of the World Bank Group - is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet.
The CAO's mandate is to assist the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)-the private sector lending and insurance arms of the World Bank Group-to address complaints from people affected by IFC and MIGA activities in a manner that is fair, objective, and constructive and to enhance the E&S outcomes of activities in which these institutions play a role. For more information visit www.cao-ombudsman.org.
CAO's Strategy and Operations Unit (SOU) is responsible for the strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation of CAO's operations. CAO's SOU also drives the digital transformation of CAO's operations (case and non-case) through data analysis and use of technology; and leads CAO's complaint intake and reporting to the IFC and MIGA Boards.
IFC is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. Working with more than 2,000 businesses worldwide, IFC uses its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities where they are needed most.
MIGA promotes cross-border investment in developing countries by providing guarantees (political risk insurance and credit enhancement) to investors and lenders.
The Role: Working under the direction of CAO's Director General, the Principal Strategy and Operations will lead CAO's Strategy and Operations Function and be responsible for planning and monitoring of its strategic priorities, annual work plan, budget and workforce plan, as well as the evaluation of CAO's effectiveness and efficiency of operations through the tracking of specific productivity, efficiency and effectiveness indicators. The principal technical leader will drive CAO's digital transformation, data management strategy and business process improvement initiatives for efficiency and represent the Director General in key meetings and events.
Role & Responsibilities
Strategy Formulation: in consultation with key stakeholders, lead the preparation of CAO's strategic priorities, annual work plan, budget and workforce plan for Board consideration and approval.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Lead the implementation of CAO's monitoring and evaluation framework by ensuring timely deployment of data capturing activities, collecting information, drawing insights and identifying trends and lessons from CAO's case and non-case work. Lead the dissemination and integration of CAO's M&E framework with other IAMS and WBG departments.
Reporting: in coordination with CAO's functional teams, lead the preparation, quality review, editing and submission of quarterly and annual report of activities to the Board of Directors as required by CAO policy. Design and continuously improve CAO reports of activities to CODE based on CAO's monitoring and evaluation framework.
Complaints Intake: Supervise the screening of new complaints against eligibility criteria set out in the CAO Policy, and recommendations to the Director General on whether the complaint should be deemed eligible. Manage interactions with other relevant World Bank Group departments and accountability mechanisms and serve as secretariat to the CAO Eligibility Committee.
Data Management, Analysis and Visualization: Formulates CAO's data management strategy by driving a substantial primary data collection and analysis research program which contributes to the understanding of CAO operations. Oversees CAO's data management, analysis and visualization process ensuring its reliability and use for decision making.
Stakeholder Management: serve as primary contact for Board members and the Office of the Board's Secretariat regarding CAO operations. Define strategies for effective engagement with key CAO stakeholders such as complainants and parties involved in CAO processes, IFC and MIGA management, Civil Society Organizations and other accountability mechanisms.
Digital Transformation: Direct the digital transformation of CAO operations (case and non-case) by championing the use and improvement of CAO's case management system, an increased implementation of data-driven decisions and the use of Artificial Intelligence and related tools to leverage efficiencies.
Business Process Improvement: lead ongoing identification and documentation of opportunities to make CAO operations more efficient and effective through business process analysis and leverage of technology.
People Leadership: actively contribute to the development and effective functioning of CAO's Leadership Team. Define work planning activities, manage performance, coach and mentor the four SOU staff. Manage the function's allocated budget. Lead and motivate the staff in SOU.
Selection Criteria
Master's degree in a relevant field, for example audit, evaluation, governance, data science, business administration, project management, environmental or social studies, economics, among others, etc. Understanding of IFC's environmental and social standards and CAO's processes is preferred.
Minimum 15 years of relevant experience in strategy formulation, planning, monitoring and evaluation, project management, business administration or digital transformation.
Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct quality reviews of analysis performed by others, including consultants, and to package analytical results focusing on relevant stakeholders needs.
Highly developed ability to engage and influence effectively and build rapport and trust with a broad spectrum of stakeholders in polarized contexts around complex issues.
Advanced project management skills including ability to independently monitor milestones, deliverables, risk and outputs of complex initiatives.
Ability to communicate complex messages and perspectives and effectively handle difficult questions in a range of contexts.
Demonstrated judgment under high levels of scrutiny from both internal and external stakeholders, requiring the ability to present evidence-based reasonings in an objective, technically sound and constructive manner.
Demonstrate leadership qualities managing technical staff and mentoring junior staff.
Lead and inspire staff to perform and deliver for better results. Help others achieve
their fullest potential through coaching and mentorship.
Ability to work in highly sensitive and politically charged environments and to navigate sensitive situations and manage issues of confidentiality appropriately.
Proven experience in coordination and collaboration of cross-functional teams, willingness to receive and manage diverse perspectives.
Maintains emotional distance and strategically deals with frustrations to maintain process integrity and progress.
Proficiency in English required, with other languages an asset.
Note: 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.
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 #:
req32860
Organization:
IFC
Sector:
Strategy
Grade:
GH
Term Duration:
3 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment
Location:
Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s):
English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date:
5/5/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
IFC - a member of the World Bank Group - is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet.
The CAO's mandate is to assist the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)-the private sector lending and insurance arms of the World Bank Group-to address complaints from people affected by IFC and MIGA activities in a manner that is fair, objective, and constructive and to enhance the E&S outcomes of activities in which these institutions play a role. For more information visit www.cao-ombudsman.org.
CAO's Strategy and Operations Unit (SOU) is responsible for the strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation of CAO's operations. CAO's SOU also drives the digital transformation of CAO's operations (case and non-case) through data analysis and use of technology; and leads CAO's complaint intake and reporting to the IFC and MIGA Boards.
IFC is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. Working with more than 2,000 businesses worldwide, IFC uses its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities where they are needed most.
MIGA promotes cross-border investment in developing countries by providing guarantees (political risk insurance and credit enhancement) to investors and lenders.
The Role: Working under the direction of CAO's Director General, the Principal Strategy and Operations will lead CAO's Strategy and Operations Function and be responsible for planning and monitoring of its strategic priorities, annual work plan, budget and workforce plan, as well as the evaluation of CAO's effectiveness and efficiency of operations through the tracking of specific productivity, efficiency and effectiveness indicators. The principal technical leader will drive CAO's digital transformation, data management strategy and business process improvement initiatives for efficiency and represent the Director General in key meetings and events.
Role & Responsibilities
Strategy Formulation: in consultation with key stakeholders, lead the preparation of CAO's strategic priorities, annual work plan, budget and workforce plan for Board consideration and approval.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Lead the implementation of CAO's monitoring and evaluation framework by ensuring timely deployment of data capturing activities, collecting information, drawing insights and identifying trends and lessons from CAO's case and non-case work. Lead the dissemination and integration of CAO's M&E framework with other IAMS and WBG departments.
Reporting: in coordination with CAO's functional teams, lead the preparation, quality review, editing and submission of quarterly and annual report of activities to the Board of Directors as required by CAO policy. Design and continuously improve CAO reports of activities to CODE based on CAO's monitoring and evaluation framework.
Complaints Intake: Supervise the screening of new complaints against eligibility criteria set out in the CAO Policy, and recommendations to the Director General on whether the complaint should be deemed eligible. Manage interactions with other relevant World Bank Group departments and accountability mechanisms and serve as secretariat to the CAO Eligibility Committee.
Data Management, Analysis and Visualization: Formulates CAO's data management strategy by driving a substantial primary data collection and analysis research program which contributes to the understanding of CAO operations. Oversees CAO's data management, analysis and visualization process ensuring its reliability and use for decision making.
Stakeholder Management: serve as primary contact for Board members and the Office of the Board's Secretariat regarding CAO operations. Define strategies for effective engagement with key CAO stakeholders such as complainants and parties involved in CAO processes, IFC and MIGA management, Civil Society Organizations and other accountability mechanisms.
Digital Transformation: Direct the digital transformation of CAO operations (case and non-case) by championing the use and improvement of CAO's case management system, an increased implementation of data-driven decisions and the use of Artificial Intelligence and related tools to leverage efficiencies.
Business Process Improvement: lead ongoing identification and documentation of opportunities to make CAO operations more efficient and effective through business process analysis and leverage of technology.
People Leadership: actively contribute to the development and effective functioning of CAO's Leadership Team. Define work planning activities, manage performance, coach and mentor the four SOU staff. Manage the function's allocated budget. Lead and motivate the staff in SOU.
Selection Criteria
Master's degree in a relevant field, for example audit, evaluation, governance, data science, business administration, project management, environmental or social studies, economics, among others, etc. Understanding of IFC's environmental and social standards and CAO's processes is preferred.
Minimum 15 years of relevant experience in strategy formulation, planning, monitoring and evaluation, project management, business administration or digital transformation.
Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct quality reviews of analysis performed by others, including consultants, and to package analytical results focusing on relevant stakeholders needs.
Highly developed ability to engage and influence effectively and build rapport and trust with a broad spectrum of stakeholders in polarized contexts around complex issues.
Advanced project management skills including ability to independently monitor milestones, deliverables, risk and outputs of complex initiatives.
Ability to communicate complex messages and perspectives and effectively handle difficult questions in a range of contexts.
Demonstrated judgment under high levels of scrutiny from both internal and external stakeholders, requiring the ability to present evidence-based reasonings in an objective, technically sound and constructive manner.
Demonstrate leadership qualities managing technical staff and mentoring junior staff.
Lead and inspire staff to perform and deliver for better results. Help others achieve
their fullest potential through coaching and mentorship.
Ability to work in highly sensitive and politically charged environments and to navigate sensitive situations and manage issues of confidentiality appropriately.
Proven experience in coordination and collaboration of cross-functional teams, willingness to receive and manage diverse perspectives.
Maintains emotional distance and strategically deals with frustrations to maintain process integrity and progress.
Proficiency in English required, with other languages an asset.
Note: 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.
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.