The World Bank, a member of the World Bank Group, is a vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world. Our mission is to fight poverty with passion and professionalism for lasting results and to help people help themselves and their environment by providing resources, sharing knowledge, building capacity and forging partnerships in the public and private sectors.
In 2015, the World Bank Group launched a recruitment mission to attract Sub Saharan African professionals to its work force. The initiative was the first of its kind for the institution and resulted in numerous hires into business areas such as Education, Health, Development Economics, Information Technology Systems, Social Urban/Rural & Resilience and Governance. The World Bank Group continues its commitment to hiring Sub-Saharan African professionals and announces its latest recruitment mission to again attract highly qualified Sub-Saharan African professionals who are looking for an exciting career, where their effort will contribute to the institution’s goal of ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity.
Senior Energy Specialist
Job TypeFull Time
QualificationMBA/MSc/MA
Experience8 years
Job Field Engineering / Technical Finance / Accounting / Audit
Job Summary
The Africa Energy Program is growing rapidly, covering reforms (sector and corporate governance, energy security and the environment, regional energy trade, public-private partnerships, energy efficiency, etc.) and investment support in power generation, power and gas transmission and distribution, rural energy services, renewable energy development, low-carbon and climate friendly initiatives. The current portfolio comprises about 50 projects with a value of over US$10 billion. New lending is approximately US$1.5 billion per annum, with a growing share of renewable energy and regional activities. The Bank’s Africa Energy Program uses a variety of instruments, including investment lending, guarantees for public private partnerships, and development policy lending. In addition the team manages a strong knowledge agenda to inform the policy dialogue in the sector.
The Africa energy sector grouping consists of three Units. Each of the three units is managed by a Practice Manager. The three units together have over 75 staff with over 25 in various field locations, and more than half of the operational and advisory activities are managed /led by field-based staff.
The World Bank’s Cameroon energy program is large and diverse, and covers the whole energy value chain including generation, transmission, and distribution. The program also includes a strong policy dialogue component.
Duties and Accountabilities
The Senior Energy Specialist will play a key role in the strategic, advisory, and operational work of the Energy practice in Burkina Faso but also encompassing other countries in Central Africa.
The Senior Energy Specialist’s primary responsibilities will be to prepare, appraise, negotiate and supervise complex energy projects in selected countries in West and Central Africa. S/he will actively participate in overseeing implementation of energy operations with the aim to enhance quality and accelerate implementation.
The focus of the position will include utility focused projects for generation, transmission, and distribution investments, energy access, and sector policy dialogue.
The Senior Energy Specialist should lead an active Bank policy dialogue with clients and other stakeholders on strategic energy issues and implementation of the region’s ongoing energy sector reforms.
This includes the promotion of regional power trade and advancing prospect for development of cross-border interconnections. The Senior Energy Specialist will also maintain sufficient knowledge of individual operations and activities (including those not managed by him/her) to be able to identify and help resolve project-specific or systemic issues.
The candidate will be required to lead and contribute to analytical and advisory work. This includes supporting the development of national and regional analytical activities and advising governments.
In doing this, the senior energy specialist will be expected to forge partnerships with organizations and individuals which can both better inform the Bank’s energy strategies, and also result in higher quality implementation and impact of Bank-supported programs.
This will require effective communication and outreach to key stakeholders including client governments, academia, civil society organizations, media, other development partners and other Bank units.
Candidates must meet the generic criteria for international level GG: Sustained record of achieving high-quality substantive results over an extended period (typically at least 8 years).
Selection Criteria
Master’s degree in Finance, Energy Planning, Engineering, Economics, or related field
At least 8 years of combined experience in the World Bank, other international institutions/companies and/or government in energy with demonstrated track record in the management of large complex projects
Experience and/or substantive exposure with recent developments in the energy sector such as utility reform and public-private partnerships
Experience in hydropower development would be an advantage
A track record of team work and ability to produce high-quality results and outputs with minimal supervision
A track record of good external client relations skills at all levels of seniority
High level of energy, initiative and flexibility in quickly adjusting to changing work program requirements
Excellent oral and written communication skills, in particular ability to effectively dialogue with and relate to clients and stakeholders
Proficiency in French and English is essential.
Competencies:
Knowledge and Experience in Development Arena – Translates technical and cross-country knowledge into practical applications and contributions to country and sector strategies; interacts with clients at the policy level.
Policy Dialogue Skills – Anticipates needs and requests in the field and conducts independent policy discussions with representatives of the government and non-government partners.
Integrative Skills – Understands relevant cross-sectoral areas how they are interrelated; able to undertake cross-sectoral work in lending and non-lending operations.
Energy Policy, Strategy and Institutions – Solid understanding of energy policies, strategies, institutions, and regulations.
Sector/Network Representation – Demonstrates ability to coordinate, participate in, and act as a catalyst for, strategic cross-sector dialogues within the network, across the country, among Bank colleagues and other development institutions, government, and other organizations.
Project Design for Impact and Sustainability – IL – Contributes to the design of projects and programs, based on an understanding of the country and sector context.
Sector Dialogue – IL – Able to conduct a dialogue with the client on familiar topics, with a narrow scope, based on a solid understanding of the sector.
Operational Project Management – Demonstrates in depth knowledge and understanding of project management tools & methodologies, as well as of Bank instruments and processes related to project preparation & implementation, resource management, and stakeholder communications.
Team Leadership – Leads teams to achieve challenging outcomes, providing a role model and enhancing the team-leadership skills of team members.
Lead and Innovate – Develops innovative solutions with others.
Deliver Results for Clients – Achieves results and identifies mission-driven solutions for the client.
Collaborate Within Teams and Across Boundaries – Initiates collaboration across boundaries and broadly across WBG, and brings differing ideas into the forefront.
Create, Apply and Share Knowledge – Creates, applies and shares knowledge from across and outside WBG to strengthen internal and/or external client solutions.
Make Smart Decisions – Recommends and takes decisive action.
Recruitment Timeline
End of July – September 2016 – Review applications and update application status to candidates
August – September 2016 – Contact all shortlisted candidates and conduct interviews in Washington, D.C. and locations in Africa
Click here to apply online
Disaster Risk Management Specialist
Job TypeFull Time
QualificationMBA/MSc/MA
Experience5 years
Job Field NGO/Non-Profit
Job Summary
The Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), established in 2006, is a multi-donor partnership and grant-making financing mechanism. The Facility provides on-the-ground technical assistance to help developing countries integrate disaster risk management (DRM) and climate change adaptation into development strategies, policies and investment programs, including post-disaster recovery and reconstruction.
GFDRR draws upon a wide range of sector-specific expertise, and has an extensive geographic and operational presence. In fiscal year 2015, GFDRR helped leverage over $3 billion in financing from the World Bank Group, catalyzing resilient recovery in 12 countries and supporting disaster risk management capacity in 89 countries. The current portfolio of projects under implementation consists of 280 grants worth approximately $216 million, with Sub-Saharan Africa being the largest recipient.
Five pillars of action provide GFDRR’s operational framework: (1) risk identification; (2) risk reduction; (3) preparedness; (4) financial protection; and (5) resilient recovery. GFDRR’s work is structured around three programs supported by various trust funds: (i) country programs; (ii) thematic programs; and (iii) advocacy, partnership and knowledge programs. In addition, GFDRR is responsible for managing and administering two special programs: the Japan-World Bank Program for Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Management in Developing Countries – financed by Japan – and the African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP)-European Union (EU) Natural Disaster Risk Reduction Program – financed by the EU.
The GFDRR Secretariat is hosted by the World Bank in Washington D.C. with satellite offices in Brussels and Tokyo. The Secretariat is responsible for awarding and managing grants, reporting on results, and carrying out outreach and partnership development. It also acts as the support hub for a decentralized network of DRM experts in the World Bank and provides a global platform for knowledge-sharing and capacity building.
GFDRR is seeking a Disaster Risk Management Specialist who help to carry out the work of the Resilient Recovery thematic program. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision and oversight of the GFDRR Resilient Recovery Team Leader, in close coordination with other GFDRR teams, and with regional experts forming the DRM Community of Practice.
Duties and Accountabilities
General:
Under the overall supervision of the GFDRR Resilient Recovery Team Leader, the DRM Specialist will provide assistance to development and implementation of the strategic approach to disaster prevention and resilient recovery in all disaster-prone countries.
S/he will work in close collaboration with the Bank’s Regional Coordinators for DRM, GFDRR Team Leaders, and relevant network focal points in the Bank.
Specific tasks:
Lead the review of grant proposals, consultation on technical issues, preparation of progress reports, project briefings and other relevant monitoring information for GFDRR support of post-disaster/conflict assessments and recovery frameworks.
Participate in post-disaster emergency missions, as required, including the organization of Post -disaster Damage and Needs Assessments (PDNAs) and support to authorities in the mobilization of recovery resources and design of recovery plans/frameworks, including Emergency Recovery Loans.
Manage relations with external partners such as UN agencies and the EU, and develop and manage joint programs for strengthening of recovery and preparedness systems.
Undertake research and knowledge management activities, including analytical papers and guidance notes for Bank staff, on best practices for Bank’s DRM-related operations, promote and facilitate knowledge exchange and dissemination, and regularly contribute to conducting trainings on PDNAs and disaster recovery frameworks (DRFs).
Provide cross-support to regional task teams for the preparation and supervision of DRM and disaster recovery projects, including drafting and processing of project concept notes, project appraisal documents and Board packages, operations manuals, fiduciary arrangements, and participation on missions.
Perform other duties and functions as assigned by supervisor and/or task team leader.
Selection Criteria
A Masters’ degree in Public Policy, International Development Studies, Social Science, Disaster Risk Management, or related fields.
At least five years of relevant experience in disaster risk management, post-disaster/conflict recovery or related areas. Direct work experience in post-disaster situations is preferred.
Demonstrated track record of working independently, seeking guidance on complex projects/issues from senior specialists.
Demonstrated experience in sharing of best practice, knowledge and lessons learned across units and with clients and partners, articulating ideas verbally and in writing in a clear and compelling way across audiences of varied levels.
Highly developed communication and advocacy skills, including ability to write concisely and clearly in English and synthesize complex documentation and ideas for a range of audiences. Demonstrated skills and experience in speaking and writing to senior management, government officials, donor partners, etc.
High degree of motivation, initiative, flexibility, reliability, and responsiveness to changing demands; capacity for effective multi-tasking, with demonstrated ability of being an independent starter with minimal supervision, and a high capacity to persevere for results.
Deals sensitively in multi-cultural and matrix environments.
Written and spoken fluency in English is required. Fluency in French or Spanish is desirable.
Strong ability to analyze and resolve issues cross cutting areas of specialization, with an understanding of how solutions affect the overall work program strategy.
Ability and flexibility to travel to remote countries and regions.
Recruitment Timeline
End of July – September 2016 – Review applications and update application status to candidates
August – September 2016 – Contact all shortlisted candidates and conduct interviews in Washington, D.C. and locations in Africa
Click here to apply online
Education Specialist
Job TypeFull Time
QualificationMBA/MSc/MA
Experience5 years
Job Field Education / Teaching
Job Summary
Are you a passionate advocate for education? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of children in the world’s poorest countries? The Global Partnership for Education would like to hear from you.
The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) works with 65 developing countries to ensure that every child receives a quality basic education, prioritizing the poorest, the most vulnerable and those living in fragile and conflict-affected countries.
GPE mobilizes financing for education and supports developing countries to build effective education systems founded on evidence-based planning and policies.
Established in 2002 as the Education For All Fast Track Initiative, the Global Partnership has evolved into an independently governed partnership of governments, civil society, multilateral organizations, private sector and foundations. The Board of Directors is GPE’s governing body, sets its policies and strategies and approves all funding. Since its inception in 2002, GPE has allocated approximately $4.4 billion in education grants to developing countries.
With about 78 staff, the GPE Secretariat is hosted by the World Bank in Washington, D.C. As a consequence of the partnership taking a greater leadership role in achieving international development goals in education, the Secretariat is developing its capacity to support country-level processes and meet expectations from the partnership’s stakeholders to achieve concrete results and education outcomes for children in developing countries.
The successful candidate will be part of GPE’s Strategy, Policy, and Performance Team, reporting to GPE’s Chief Technical Officer and Director of Strategy, Policy, and Performance.
GPE is committed to achieving diversity in terms of race, gender, nationality, culture, and educational background. Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
Duties and Accountabilities
The successful candidate will assist GPE’s Senior Education Specialist (Systems and Planning) on a broad range of issues related to education sector policy, monitoring and management including: Education Sector Analysis, planning concepts and techniques, plan implementation & monitoring mechanisms, EMIS, education sector costs and financing/public financial management, effective sector dialogue, system strengthening and related capacity development, and results based financing.
In particular and in relation to the areas listed above s/he will:
Support the development of technical guidelines, methodologies and methods for purposes relative to country advisory, GPE results framework monitoring, and global engagement
Provide technical assistance to support GPE related in-country processes including those needed for the operationalization of GPE’s funding for education sector analyses and plans and education program implementation grants (including the requirements of GPE’s results based financing model)
Perform relevant qualitative and quantitative analysis to contribute to the development of policy briefs, technical reports, and other GPE knowledge products including flagship studies
Support capacity development exercises throughout the Partnership and within the Secretariat
Provide project management and overall guidance, direction, and technical support to the Planning and Finance cross- team and facilitate work collaboration within SPP and across the Secretariat.
Additionally it is expected that (s)he will:
Represent SPP in certain Secretariat meetings and tasks
Support SPP to prepare materials for presentations and follow up actions
Contribute content to the GPE web site
Undertake periodic mission travel to support country level work
Contribute to other tasks as needed.
The Education Specialist is accountable for performing the responsibilities, modeling the behaviors and maintaining the technical competencies (listed below) in his or her capacity as a member of the GPE Strategy, Policy and Performance Team. Accountability means being answerable for managing quality, risks, results, institutional initiatives and compliance with GPE policies and procedures.
Selection Criteria
Master’s degree in Education Sciences, Political Science, Economics of Education, Development Studies, or a related discipline; with supporting skills in both quantitative and qualitative analysis
At least five years of prior experience in educational policies, planning, and management as well as in capacity development programs
At least 3 years’ experience working in a developing country with relevant hands-on experiences in supporting education policy development, implementation, and monitoring at sector level including successful experience in supporting policy dialogue
Must have specialized expertise in at least one of the following areas: education sector analysis, education sector planning including techniques for sector simulation and resource projections, Education Management Information Systems, education costs and financing issues
Strong analytical and writing skills
Knowledge and application of social science or economic sciences research methods is desired
Familiarity with education data and information derived from both administrative sources and household surveys
Proficiency in English, fluency in French highly desired
Ability to communicate clearly and accurately both verbally and in writing.
Competencies:
Knowledge and Experience of Education in developing countries- Demonstrates relevant experience in the field of education policy and policy implementation
Policy Analysis – Demonstrates substantive working or functional proficiency level sufficient to apply this competency to all tasks requiring the competency including those with significant challenges
Lead and Innovate – Develops innovative solutions
Deliver Results for Clients – Proactively addresses clients’ stated and unstated needs.
Collaborate Within Teams and Across Boundaries – Collaborates across boundaries, gives own perspective and willingly receives diverse perspectives.
Create, Apply and Share Knowledge – Applies knowledge across WBG to strengthen solutions for internal and/or external clients.
Make Smart Decisions – Interprets a wide range of information and pushes to move forward.
Recruitment Timeline
End of July – September 2016 – Review applications and update application status to candidates
August – September 2016 – Contact all shortlisted candidates and conduct interviews in Washington, D.C. and locations in Africa
Click here to apply online
Financial Officer
Job TypeFull Time
QualificationMBA/MSc/MA
Experience5 years
Job Field Finance / Accounting / Audit
Job Summary
Are you a passionate advocate for education? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of children in the world’s poorest countries? The Global Partnership for Education would like to hear from you.
The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) is the only global organization focused exclusively on improving basic education in developing countries. GPE is a global fund and a partnership whose members include over 60 developing country governments, over 20 donor nations, multilateral development and humanitarian agencies, as well as organizations from the private sector, philanthropy, civil society and the teaching profession.
The GPE Secretariat of over 80 full-time staff is hosted by the World Bank with headquarters in Washington DC. A constituency-based Board of Directors sets policies and strategies and approves performance-based funding grants to improve learning outcomes and equity through building stronger education systems. In recent years, GPE has disbursed approximately US$500 million annually.
GPE’s new five-year Strategic Plan, GPE 2020, aligns with the new global development agenda. While its vision mirrors Sustainable Development Goal 4, ‘to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all’, GPE recognizes that education is the foundation for reaching the full suite of agreed global goals. It works through inclusive partnership, focusing on increasing financing and building effective and efficient education systems that can deliver equitable, quality education and learning for all.
Note: If the selected candidate is a current Bank Group staff member with a Regular or Open-Ended appointment, s/he will retain his/her Regular or Open-Ended appointment. All others will be offered a term appointment.
GPE is committed to achieving diversity in terms of race, gender, nationality, culture, and educational background. Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
Duties and Accountabilities
The position reports to the Senior Financial Officer within the Finance and Operations group of the secretariat. The position has the following responsibilities:
Support the quality assurance process for GPE grants with particular emphasis on the fiduciary aspects of the process. More specifically:
Reviews grant proposal documentation and under the guidance of the Senior Financial Officer
Engages with relevant partners to ensure that fiduciary risk has been appropriately addressed
Ensures that the grant budget is consistent with the grant targets, that the budget is reasonable, and implementable in the time frame proposed.
Responsible for monitoring financial performance and compliance of GPE funded programs. More specifically:
Ensures that financial reporting requirements related to GPE grants are complied with
Reviews relevant reports (implementation status reports, audit reports, annual reports etc.) for overall portfolio monitoring and analysis
Analyzes progress on grants and identify at risk grants
Engages with relevant stakeholders under the guidance of the Senior Financial Officer and in coordination with relevant Secretariat teams, to diagnose the issues and support corrective action
Ensures appropriate documentation of monitoring activities is complete and accessible per GPE’s standard operating procedures.
Conducts financial analysis of GPE funded programs. More specifically:
Develops a database on unit costs of common GPE activities and identifies and explains trends and discrepancies
Works with other internal and external stakeholders as appropriate to benchmark costs of GPE funded programs (particularly overhead costs)
Performs ad hoc analysis of GPE grants and portfolio to support internal and external stakeholder queries and to contribute to GPE reports (e.g. Annual Report, Portfolio Review, CEO monthly reports etc).
The Finance Officer will also fully participate in activities outlined in GPE’s Operational Risk Framework including the identification and assessment of fiduciary risk, and contributing to the development and implementation of Country Risk Management Plans
The Finance Officer may be called upon to contribute to Secretariat-wide activities or ad-hoc tasks as required (e.g. supporting replenishment work, development of GPE’s information systems, or other task specific working groups etc.)
Selection Criteria
Master’s degree in a relevant Finance discipline, or professional Accounting qualification combined with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant Finance discipline is acceptable.
At least 5 years’ prior relevant experience working in the field of financial management (public financial management, auditing, consulting etc.)
At least 3 years relevant work experience in international development
Experience in the education sector is preferable
Experience in budget review and financial analysis of grants essential
Knowledge and experience of working with multi-lateral and bilateral agencies, International NGOs, and developing country partner governments is highly desired
Familiarity with cross-cultural dynamics, and good negotiation skills
Willingness to work in a complex environment and travel occasionally
Ability to work under pressure
Ability to function in a flexible manner, where persuasion and facilitation skills are strongly valued
Excellent communication skills in English and French, both written and verbal
Strong knowledge of and commitment to the principles of the Global Partnership for Education.
Competencies:
Lead and Innovate Develops innovative solutions.
Deliver Results for Clients Proactively addresses clients’ stated and unstated needs.
Collaborate Within Teams and Across Boundaries Collaborates across boundaries, gives own perspective and willingly receives diverse perspectives.
Create, Apply and Share Knowledge Applies knowledge to strengthen solutions for internal and/or external clients.
Make Smart Decisions Interprets a wide range of information and pushes to move forward.
Recruitment Timeline
End of July – September 2016 – Review applications and update application status to candidates
August – September 2016 – Contact all shortlisted candidates and conduct interviews in Washington, D.C. and locations in Africa
Click here to apply online
Private Sector Development Specialist
Job TypeFull Time
QualificationMBA/MSc/MA
Experience5 years
Job Field Administration / Secretarial Law / Legal
Job Summary
The Development Economics Vice-Presidency (DEC) generates new knowledge for development. It feeds this knowledge both internally to inform Bank operations, working with Networks and Regions, and externally to the global development community. It is the leading provider globally of the public good of knowledge for development.
The Global Indicators Group is housed in DEC. The Special Initiative Unit is part of the Global Indicators Group and produces quantitative indicators and analysis on regulations and regulatory processes that are critical for private sector companies when entering and operating in the market.
Among those, Enabling the Business of Agriculture aims to promote smart regulations that ensure safety and quality control as well as efficient regulatory processes that support thriving agribusinesses. Particularly, the project identifies and analyzes legal barriers for the business of agriculture and quantifies transaction costs of dealing with government regulations. The ultimate goal of Enabling the Business of Agriculture is to provide governments with defined good practices that can inform policymaking and trigger reforms based on the examples of other countries.
The project is in its third year of implementation and is currently collecting data in 62 countries. The project is implemented through a series of questionnaires administered to a number of key contributors in different sectors. Within each of the topic areas listed below, legal, regulatory and policy elements will be identified and measured.
Eighteen indicators, covering six topics, have been developed to address various aspects relating to production inputs and market enablers that facilitate farmers, firms and producers to sell their goods and services. The indicators measured in this year’s report cover seed, fertilizer machinery, finance, transport, and markets. Four additional topics-land; water; livestock; and information and communication technology- are under development and will be included in next year’s report. Two overarching themes-environmental sustainability and gender-have also been explored so that the indicators being developed encourage inclusive and sustainable practices.
Results are presented in a series of annual reports, a website database of agribusiness environment indicators, and country reports that feed into WBG operational and analytical work. Two highly motivated Private Sector Development (PSD) Specialists are invited to join the Enabling the Business of Agriculture team. The positions require a mix of operational and analytical skills, as well as the demonstrated ability to work harmoniously in a team and meet deadlines. The level and quality of these skills will be a determining factor in the selection for these positions, and references will be given serious consideration in this determination. The PSD Specialists will be based in Washington, DC and report to the Special Initiative Program Manager.
Note: If the selected candidate is a current Bank Group staff member with a Regular or Open-Ended appointment, s/he will retain his/her Regular or Open-Ended appointment. All others will be offered a term appointment.
Duties and Accountabilities
Duties will include, but not be limited to, the following:
Lead the development and implementation of indicators, including administering surveys to local experts, verifying survey responses, data entry, developing a scoring methodology, and conducting policy analysis of the data. Among the 12 EBA core topics, special attention will be devoted to markets, seeds, environmental sustainability and transport;
Develop and maintain internal and external networks of stakeholders in the subject matter and related regulatory policy;
Participate in relevant policy research and dialogue activities to stay abreast of and contribute to the business climate field;
Contribute to overall project development and strategy, supporting the Program Manager in project design, project management, and donor relations as necessary;
Write and substantively review content of reports and related presentations;
Supervise the work of other consultants and experts contributing to the development of the indicators;
Collaborate across the Agriculture Global Practice (GFAGE) and DECIG teams to ensure the topic comprehensively meets the regulatory and policy decision needs of policymakers and the private sector;
Interact with internal (WBG) and external specialists in different fields relevant to the project topic areas, and harness their expertise to inform and refine project methodology;
Carry out, oversee and/or draw in country background research to address topic indicators within each of the target economies;
Participate in and support numerous project activities, including dissemination, presentations, background research, data organization, etc.;
Support other Indicators Group projects as necessary.
Selection Criteria
Advanced degree in Economics, Public Administration, Law, or related field (minimum master’s degree).
At least five years of relevant experience in private sector development, academia or policymaking for law or economic development is required, with a particular focus on entrepreneurship and business startup and a clear demonstration of understanding of substantive issues in comparative institutional and regulatory analysis.
Strong analytical skills and experience pertaining to business environment issues, including cross-border trade, seeds, environmental sustainability and transport.
Strong understanding of issues pertaining to selected EBA focus areas, particularly trade and market access, seeds, environmental sustainability and transport issues, and the impact of policy and regulations on rural development.
Knowledge of the Doing Business report and experience in cross country data collection and analysis is desirable.
Strong analytical skills and experience pertaining to business environment issues.
Demonstrated leadership capacity, with sound business judgment and initiative and ability to build effective working relations with internal and external WBG clients.
Ability to translate research findings into policy recommendations and support for operational work.
High degree of self-motivation and proven ability to work independently under limited supervision. Ability to multitask and work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
Ability to deal sensitively in multicultural environments and build effective working relations with internal and external partners.
Willingness to travel regularly.
Experience working in a developing country context.
Advanced skills in MS Excel and other data management and analysis software are highly preferred.
Fluency in English required. Fluency in Spanish, Russian and other languages will be highly valuable.
Well-developed interpersonal and team working skills; ability to operate effectively both as a task team leader and unit team member; methodical, proactive and positive attitude.
Ability to deal sensitively in multicultural environments and build effective working relations with internal and external partners and collaborators, in the public and private sector, with academic advisors, and clients across the WBG.
Ability to perform multiple tasks in a fast-moving environment.
Competencies:
Demonstrates broad knowledge of project management tools & methodologies; identifies key risks and mitigation measures; interprets background analysis and proposed solutions.
Demonstrates broad knowledge of business regulation reform, and how it improves the quality of and reduces the burden of regulation; demonstrates technical expertise to contribute to the design of, and then lead business projects.
Takes personal responsibility and accountability for timely response to client queries, requests or needs, working to remove obstacles that may impede execution or overall success.
Takes personal ownership and accountability to meet deadlines and achieve agreed-upon results, and has the personal organization to do so.
Leads a small team and contributes productively to the team’s work and output, demonstrating respect for different points of view.
Actively seeks knowledge needed to complete assignments and shares knowledge with others, communicating and presenting information in a clear and organized manner.
Analyzes facts and data to support sound, logical decisions regarding own and others’ work.
Recruitment Timeline
End of July – September 2016 – Review applications and update application status to candidates
August – September 2016 – Contact all shortlisted candidates and conduct interviews in Washington, D.C. and locations in Africa
Click here to apply online
Communications Officer
Job TypeFull Time
QualificationBA/BSc/HND MBA/MSc/MA
Job Field Media / Advertising / Branding
Job Summary
The World Bank’s strategy to help end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity in Africa takes shape across an array of programs tailored to the circumstances and needs of each country. Working with governments and other partners, the Bank is supporting delivery of basic services, extending safety nets, ensuring food security, strengthening small farmers, and supporting enterprise development. Investments in human capacity and in strengthened institutions underlie development strategies.
Africa’s recently robust growth rates are slowing due to lower international prices for oil and other commodities on which a number of countries depend. Meanwhile, stability and security concerns shape the Bank’s work in eighteen countries categorized as Fragile and Conflict-affected States (FCS), where programs aim to accelerate state rebuilding and lower economic disparities among regions and groups.
The Communication Officer will be based in the World Bank office in Bamako and will be responsible for communications, outreach and dissemination efforts in Mali and Niger. Both countries are addressing high levels of poverty, significant climate change impacts and high population growth. Mali’s gradual recovery from civil conflict and its vulnerability to eruptions of international terrorism add to the complexities of supporting a successful development strategy there. Niger, prone to political instability, chronic food security, and natural crises, notably droughts, floods and locust infestations, also faces pressures related to refugees flows from conflicted areas of Nigeria and Mali along with returning migrants from Libya.
To be effective, a Communications Officer will need to understand the surrounding political and social context, and possess a capacity to engage various stakeholder interests in the two countries. At the same time, the Officer will need fluency in written and spoken English, along with experience in using the full array of modern communications tools, including social media and on-line media channels.
The World Bank has a portfolio of 21 operations in Mali, of which seven are regional projects, representing a commitment of $892 million. The largest commitments are in energy, rural development and transport. A recently adopted strategic framework in Mali will require a well-aligned communications strategy to advance results. In Niger the Bank manages an active portfolio of more than a dozen projects across different sectors, the largest being rural development. Rapid population growth and high youth unemployment present special challenges.
Africa External Communications and Partnerships (AFREC) employs an extended team of professionals in World Bank Headquarters and across country offices to support the overarching goal of advancing inclusive growth in Africa. AFREC uses the full array of communications tools and methodologies to build awareness and understanding, and mobilize support for development goals. Work programs cover dissemination through traditional and online media, relationship building, analysis of political and project risks, and design of programs to manage those risks. A strategic renewal within AFREC emphasizes closer alignment with operations in the region, and coordination with the Bank’s External and Corporate Relations network, to ensure that AFREC services are critical to regional and corporate priorities, and that they employ state-of-the art communications tools to disseminate information, build understanding, and connect the Bank to a variety of actors involved in poverty reduction and development.
Recognizing that Africa’s economic and social context is rapidly changing, and that communications technologies have revolutionized the ways that information travels, AFREC is building a team of dynamic and innovative professionals prepared to use traditional and digital tools, including social media and multi-media production, to shape the debate on development priorities and trade-offs.
The Communications Officer will be based in the Bank Office in Bamako, strengthening the communications program there, with particular attention to providing strategic communications support to complex development projects the Bank supports in Mali and Niger. Given the context of political and security threats, it is crucial that a communications officer in Mali be equipped to provide timely political analysis to the Country Manager, and to design communications interventions appropriate to the context of fragility. Working with AFREC professionals in the region and in Washington, the Communications Officer will also support corporate communications priorities, including dissemination of World Bank flagship publications, executive visits to the region, and the Bank’s Annual and Spring meetings.
As part of the larger AFREC team, the Communications Officer will interact regularly with colleagues in Headquarters and in other field offices, as well as with operational teams in the Mali and Niger offices. A willingness to share knowledge, draw on expertise and help create a supportive work environment is critical. The Communications Officer will report to AFREC’s Communications Manager based in Washington, D.C.
Note: If the selected candidate is a current Bank Group staff member with a Regular or Open-Ended appointment, s/he will retain his/her Regular or Open-Ended appointment. All others will be offered a term appointment.
Duties and Accountabilities
The Communications Officer plans, develops, and implements effective communications and outreach strategies to support the WBG’s corporate, internal, and operational priorities, using the full range of modern communications tools including social media, digital publishing, and multi-media production.
It is critical that the communications officer be equipped to gauge risks associated with complex projects and to design and implement strategies to minimize those risks.
Strategies: Responsible for significant portions of planning, design, and implementation of strategies to promote effective communications with external and internal audiences on Bank-financed operations, research products, and campaigns. Must be prepared to employ the full array of modern communications tools, including social media, to reach key audiences.
Risk management: On high-risk operations in the country, must monitor perceptions, track shifts in opinion, and respond to inquiries, while publishing and updating key facts about project goals and milestones. Must be able to interact with operations staff and project teams, organizing meetings with media and civil society as appropriate. Must be able to take the pulse of the country and advise country teams, with analyses on the political economy, especially during election years, and regular monitoring of the media.
Relationships: Must be prepared to identify opinion leaders and influential organizations in Mali, and guide a strategy of engagement with these various stakeholders, which might range from parliamentarians to faith-based organizations to business associations. Must have experience mobilizing, and at times shifting opinions, around critical issues. Must have experience in advocacy work, particularly around strengthened governance, fiscal management and transparency. Products: Responsible for planning and delivering a range of written products on the Bank’s operational goals, results and knowledge. Must be capable of writing clearly and concisely. Outputs range from traditional press releases and Op-Eds to web features, brochures, Q&As, briefing notes, and speeches. Responsible for updating the World Bank’s internal and external websites for the country.
Events: Coordinates communications activities and events ranging from press conferences to large seminars and town hall meetings, involving external and/or internal audiences.
Representation: Must be prepared to represent the Bank, and Bamako office, before external and internal audiences, explaining WBG policies and operational goals.
Technical and advisory support: Advises Bank managers and project teams on trends, news developments, or changing circumstances in the political economy that may impact the WBG and its work. Having identified such trends, must be able to fashion strategic responses that mitigate risks. Provides regular communication support to WBG operational teams and government implementing agencies to assure that project goals are well-explained and that affected stakeholders are engaged. Must be able to make strategic use of public opinion research.
Resource management: Employs appropriate methodologies for handling simple and complex procurement tasks and/or issues. Manages specific line items of unit budget.
Selection Criteria
Typical candidates will possess a Master’s degree in Communications, International Relations/Public Affairs, Journalism, Political Science or related disciplines, with 5 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Communication Strategy and Execution in International Development:
Demonstrates a working proficiency to lead the planning, development, and execution of a communication strategy for moderately complex projects.
Leads research efforts to identify and map project stakeholders or intended audiences; leads media and audience outreach, identifying audience needs.
Independently implements communication strategies for moderately complex projects and can use feedback from evaluation tools to strengthen programs. Helps others develop this competency.
Broad Business Thinking:
Capable of distilling an in-depth understanding of the long term implications of decisions, both for Mali and for the Bank.
Involves the key players in identifying operational needs, challenges and immediate solutions. Ensures that decisions are supported by relevant stakeholders and can explain the business case for decisions.
Client Understanding and Advising:
Looks at issues from the client’s perspective and advocates for clients. Works with others across the VPU to define client needs and develop the best approaches to meet them.
Asks probing questions to understand unmet needs.
Focuses on achieving sustainable results for clients, and proposes solutions to mitigate risks.
Content Development and Editing:
Takes full responsibility for the development of content for timely dissemination. Can ensure the development of communications products meeting WBG standards on structure, clarity, and persuasiveness.
Social Media, Information Channels, and Communication Tools:
Demonstrates mastery of current media channels and tools, including social media. Modifies communication strategies and products to leverage innovative communication tools and channels.
Must have experience choosing communications tools and channels based on audience research and strategic goal-setting.
Relationship Management, Political Awareness and Diplomacy:
Builds strategic relationships with critical internal and external constituencies, fostering partnerships that strengthen support for development objectives and mitigate reputational risks.
Maintains and leverages high-level communication networks and contacts within key constituencies.
Provides guidance to other internal WBG groups on how to best manage critical relationships.
Lead and Innovate:
Contributes new insights into development challenges and fashions solutions to complex problems. Adapts as circumstances require.
Collaborate Within Teams and Across Boundaries:
Appropriately involves others in decision-making and communicates with key stakeholders. Approaches conflicts as common problems to be solved.
Actively seeks and considers diverse ideas and approaches, displaying a sense of mutuality and respect.
Integrates WBG perspective into work.
Recruitment Timeline
End of July – September 2016 – Review applications and update application status to candidates
August – September 2016 – Contact all shortlisted candidates and conduct interviews in Washington, D.C. and locations in Africa
Click here to apply online
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