Operations Adviser

World Bank Group•Washington, DC

5d•Onsite

About The Position

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 Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan (MENAAP) Region serves twenty two clients, of which fourteen are active/ potentially active IBRD, IDA, or Special Financing (SF) borrowers (Afghanistan, Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Syria, West Bank and Gaza, Tunisia, and Yemen) and eight are users of the Region's non-lending services, mostly on a reimbursable basis (Bahrain, Kuwait, Libya, Malta, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates). The mission of MENAAP is to foster sustainable growth with a focus on job creation and poverty reduction, economic and social inclusion, and good governance. The MENAAP region is highly heterogenous, but most countries confront a vast array of development challenges, from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East to the implications of decelerating global economy, deepening geopolitical divisions, protracted social tensions, aging populations, and climate change. These overlapping crises are amplified by longstanding structural challenges, such as those related to governance, which contributes to an outsized presence of the state in the economy, high unemployment rates among women and youth, and limited intraregional trade and investment. Overcoming these challenges would allow MENAAP countries to realize their vast development potential, as the region is endowed with highly educated populations, a favourable geo-strategic location, and an abundance of renewable energy options. To unlock this potential, the World Bank Group is advancing inclusive, sustainable, and resilient development through a three-pronged strategy that seeks to boost (i) More and Better Jobs (MBJ), particularly though increased youth, and female labor force participation, (ii) more resilient and sustainable water and food security; and (iii) remaining engaged in Fragile, Conflict, and Violence (FCV) affected countries. The World Bank’s MENAAP region is led by the Regional Vice President and his leadership team, including the Director of Strategy and Operations (DSO), the Operations Manager for Development Effectiveness (DE), the Chief Economist, seven Country Directors/Division Directors, five Regional Practice Directors, and the Managers for HR, Budget, and Legal aspects. More broadly, the MENAAP region consists of nearly 800+ staff. In FY26, MENAAP region delivered $5.4 billion in IBRD, $2.1 billion in IDA, and $300 million in SF, plus 82 knowledge products for clients, including $18.5 million in Reimbursable Advisory Services (RAS). The MENAAP Region emphasizes strong client orientation and responsiveness; innovation and high quality; results; teamwork and collaboration across sectors; and a dedication to attracting and developing a diverse and talented staff. The primary responsibility of MENAAP’s Development Effectiveness Unit (MAPDE) is to advise MENAAP’s leadership and to support teams to enable optimal outcomes across 3 key priorities: (i) Strategic Alignment; (ii) Operations and Risks Management; (iii) Partnerships, Knowledge, and Learning. The Operations Adviser reports to the MAPDE Manager. The Unit consists of approximately 20 staff based in Washington and liaises closely with regional staff in the Country Management Units (CMUs) and Verticals and Global Practice (GP) units, while also coordinating closely with all relevant global units to achieve regional objectives. 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.

Requirements

Post graduate degree (Master’s or PhD) in relevant field of discipline.
Typically, the successful candidate will have at least 12 to 15 years of relevant experience.
Prior substantive and sustained operational work experience in achieving results on the ground in more than one world region (including both pre-Bank experience and Bank experience). Candidates with field experience are encouraged to apply.
Operational experience and hands on experience with Bank instruments and operational policies is critical.
Strong team player, willing to collaborate closely with colleagues and across boundaries; ability to operate effectively in a decentralized, matrix environment.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills; ability to listen carefully and provide sound advice in a constructive manner; ability and readiness to stand firm on difficult and sensitive issues; ability to convey ideas and positions clearly and tactfully to staff and managers at all levels.
Wide range of operational experience with external clients, preferably both as a member and leader of task teams, across a full range of Bank operational and analytical products.
Knowledge of the Bank's instruments (lending, AAA, Trust Funds, etc.), country engagement model, policies, procedures, and strategies, and capacity to apply them effectively in the preparation and implementation of Bank operations.
Knowledge of procurement, E&S, governance and financial management design and implementation issues.
Deep knowledge of portfolio management issues and demonstrated understanding of the Bank's risk management system and results agenda.
High performance in previous assignments; recognition by peers and managers for excellence and innovation in operational work.
High capacity to conceptualize, organize, manage and bring to closure high-quality work quickly and independently; proven capacity to integrate and synthesize across disciplines.
Demonstrated ability to mentor staff and lead a team without formal authority.
Demonstrated ability to embrace change with a positive and constructive mindset and to be a role-model for other staff throughout various institutional changes.
Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

Nice To Haves

Candidates with field experience are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Effectively acting as the deputy to the DE Manager on a range of Operational matters across the region, while also supporting and mentoring all GE-GG staff in the DE unit.
Providing strategic operational support and policy guidance to CMU staff and GP teams in connection with the preparation, approval, implementation, and evaluation of all operational products and initiatives, together with relevant DE staff, to ensure that the Bank and the Region’s due diligence and quality standards are met.
Advising Regional management and staff on complex operational issues, including strategic, technical, and institutional aspects and liaising with LEGAM, WFA, Procurement, FM, E&S, OPCS and other corporate units to help come to resolution when needed.
Championing the identification and dissemination of innovative operational approaches and best practices, including in pushing greater synergies with IFC and MIGA, both within MENAAP and across other regions.
Supporting the effective roll-out of all Operational Effectiveness and Efficiency (OpsEE) initiatives and the effective calibration and monitoring of MOU targets, both for the Region as a whole and for specific CMUs.
Leading regional portfolio monitoring efforts and providing advice to CMUs and GPs on portfolio management matters, as relevant, including in the context of CPPRs/portfolio reviews and any other ad-hoc needs in support of optimal portfolio quality.
Providing strategic guidance to CMU staff and GP teams in connection with the preparation, approval, implementation, and evaluation of country products and initiatives, such as CPFs and the ABPE exercise.
Ensuring adequate coordination and reporting for the Region's Risk Management (RRM) system, including by supporting other DE staff working on this agenda in liaising with all relevant units (such as CMUs, Procurement, FM, E&S makers and checkers, Legal, and INT) when needed.
Leading the Region’s Learning Program on topics of interest for operational staff and A2D staff working in operations across MENAAP, including on all relevant institutional changes and to ensure synergies between the most recent knowledge produced in the Region and globally and the relevant operational implications.
Supporting the Region in addressing a range of other relevant tasks, as needed, when requested by the RVP, DSO, and/or DE Manager.