Practice Manager

World Bank Group•Washington, DC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The World Bank Group is a unique global partnership of five institutions driven by a bold vision to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, we help solve the world’s greatest development challenges. When you join the World Bank Group, you become part of a dynamic, diverse organization with 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide. We work with public and private sector partners, invest in groundbreaking projects, and use data, research, and technology to bring tangible and transformative change around the globe. The Digital Development (DD) Global Practice plays a critical role in enabling the achievements of the Twin goals and the Sustainable Development Goals. Digital technologies are transforming firms, governments and people’s lives; and with the digital economy growing at a rate significantly higher than that of the global economy, it offers emerging economies a unique opportunity to leapfrog traditional paths for development through digital solutions. Collaborating across technical, geographic and institutional boundaries, the DD team helps design and deliver digitally-enhanced solutions aimed at harnessing the full potential of digital transformation. This requires decisive policy action to mobilize private investment, promote competition in digital markets and support the rollout of infrastructure in commercially unviable areas. It also entails working with client countries to develop digital platforms, strengthen data protection against privacy and cybersecurity risks, and leverage the potential of digital technologies to enhance environmental sustainability. The DD Global Practice has been led by a Director supported by several Practice Managers (PMs) and Program Managers with specific regional responsibilities and global responsibilities. This Practice Manager will manage the delivery of DD’s programs in the Latin America & Caribbean (LCR) region.

Requirements

Masters or PhD degree in economics, public policy, private sector development, technology, telecom engineering, or another relevant field.
At least 12 years of relevant experience in positions of increasing complexity and responsibility.
Experience working for telecoms operators, digital consultancies or telecoms regulators would be a particular advantage.
Experience in at least two regions, or a combination of regional and corporate assignments.
Excellent operational skills covering policy lending (IPF/P4R/DPF) and ability to lead complex policy dialogue.
Excellent leadership and supervisory skills with established track record managing multi-location and virtual teams.
Strong operational and development experience and track record, including in more than one region.
Technical knowledge and experience in one or more of the DD areas described above is desirable, though solid managerial and influencing skills are at a premium for this position.
Demonstrated in-depth experience and track record of results and successfully working across practices, disciplinary and institutional boundaries.
Ability to influence dialogue and policy on DD and its use in other sectors without direct control or authority.
Strong sense of strategy, including ability to prioritize and exit activities and engagements; track record in streamlining and rationalizing product offerings.
Good partnership experience, including involving multiple stakeholders – both public and private – in building collaborative alliances for results.
Experience in applying practice know-how and effective policy dialogue to achieve development results.
Strong written and oral communication skills in English and Spanish are required with proven experience in dealing with the media, external stakeholder and expert groups.

Nice To Haves

Technical knowledge and experience in one or more of the DD areas described above is desirable, though solid managerial and influencing skills are at a premium for this position.

Responsibilities

Leads her/his team to deliver on the GP’s key strategic priorities and specific activities, including by (i) leading business development efforts, (ii) assuring the quality of the lending, ASA and RAS pipeline and portfolio in the region, (iii) working closely with the CMUs, the regional director, Program leaders, and (iv) ensuring alignment with the WBG Regional Strategy and Country Partnership Frameworks.
Draws on global thought leadership and implements know-how to ensure high impact solutions; provides focused, evidence-based and just-in-time analytical insights to clients with a view to inform better decision making.
Builds and maintains a balanced portfolio of innovative, cost-effective and demand-driven products and services.
Works in partnership with other GPs, IFC, MIGA to find tailored solutions to complex development challenges.
Accountable for delivering high-quality and timely results.
Models exemplary WBG leadership values and supervisory behaviors and reinforces these qualities in own team and staff.
Drives and inspires technical excellence within the team and the GP by creating an environment of learning and innovation that attracts and develops the best talent reflective of the diversity of our clients.
Supports the GP’s Leadership Team in developing and implementing appropriate strategies for global staffing, deployment, talent and performance management.
Supervises DD staff and agrees on respective responsibilities and work programs.
Mentors Washington and field-based staff, being responsive to staff requests, and ensuring they remain well connected with the rest of the team.
Attracts new talent to match the growth and changing nature of the agenda.
Responds to global, regional and national challenges and opportunities in the broader DD area. Ensures that the GP is at the forefront of the development debate and contributes to the global dialogue on DD.
Contributes to international fora on DD matters, in coordination with the DD Director and other PMs.
Develops close partnerships with donor agencies, international organizations and other development partners as well as private sector and technology leaders as well as academic institutions active in the DD area.
Strengthens the analytical base of the unit’s work and fosters partnership with leading global institutions and experts, ensures timely flow and capture of knowledge and expertise so that clients receive the highest quality support and knowledge they need, when and where they need it.
Promotes innovative and cross-cutting research, as well as the dissemination of technical and experiential knowledge and learning.
Instills a culture of evidence-based, yet client-tailored engagement for highest development impact.
Establishes funding priorities and manages within available budget constraints.
Provides leadership in fundraising efforts.
In consultation with relevant stakeholders within the WBG, decides on the best use of internal and external resources for maximum client and developmental impact.
Is accountable for delivering the agreed upon work program through cost-effective use of resources (human and budget) within the agreed parameters and in compliance with internal controls and policies and ensures timely delivery and overall quality of the GP’s outputs.