Program Manager, Policy and Regulation of Mixed Health Systems

World Bank Group

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The World Bank Group (WBG) is seeking a Program Manager for Policy and Regulation of Mixed Health Systems. This role is strategic and technical, overseeing the delivery of the program to ensure policy and regulatory priorities are translated into operationally relevant tools, country support, and institutional collaboration. The Program Manager will work closely with the Central Program Implementation Unit (PIU) and interface with other programs within the Directorate, regional health teams, IFC, MIGA, FCI, and other Global Practices. A key focus will be on contributing to and benefiting from the Knowledge Bank's cross-institutional knowledge architecture, with an emphasis on upstream and downstream engagement and co-creation with regional health teams to support country dialogue and the design and implementation of WBG operations and health policies. The program addresses the gap in government capacity to effectively govern mixed health systems, providing technical leadership, practical frameworks, and country support to advance health targets, build resilience, and generate jobs. Its scope includes mixed health systems stewardship, contracting, strategic purchasing, health-system-aligned PPPs, policy and regulation for health value chains, and the links between health reforms and the jobs agenda.

Requirements

Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Economics, Public Policy, Political Economy, Health Systems, or a closely related field. Candidates with a Master's degree will be considered where there is a demonstrated strong track record of analytical and policy-relevant work.
A minimum of 12 years of progressively complex and responsible experience in health systems, health policy, or health sector regulation, with a focus on mixed (public and private) health systems, with a demonstrated track record of working at the intersection of technical and operational challenges.
Demonstrated record of analytical and policy-relevant work in at least one of the core technical areas, including published research, major technical reports, or policy instruments that have shaped national or global health policy.
Experience setting and managing a research or analytical agenda in a global health context, including the ability to commission, supervise, and quality-assure the work of economists and technical specialists.
Demonstrated experience managing complex work programs with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities within the WBG, a multilateral development bank, or a comparable international organization.
Significant experience working across at least two different world regions, with a demonstrated ability to translate technical expertise into operationally relevant guidance, reform programs, and country support in diverse income and institutional contexts.
Strong familiarity with WBG health lending instruments and with the WBG's operational policies and country engagement processes.
Deep technical knowledge and expertise in one or more of the following areas: mixed health systems governance, private sector engagement in health, strategic purchasing/contracting with the private sector and PPPs, pharmaceutical policy, market shaping, health value chains, or jobs in health.
Strong analytical and synthesis skills — ability to integrate complex technical, operational, and political inputs into clear, actionable recommendations for policy makers.
Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate multidisciplinary teams and to bridge boundaries between global and regional teams, technical and operational colleagues, and internal and external stakeholders.
Strong program management skills, including results-based management, performance monitoring, and budget oversight.
Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent people management skills and openness to feedback, new ideas, and the ability to guide and incentivize staff, inspire trust, and achieve results.
Strong diplomatic acumen and political sensitivity, with the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments — including senior government officials, donor representatives, and internal institutional dynamics — with tact, credibility, and sound judgment.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in French and/or Spanish would be an advantage.
Proven experience leading high-level policy dialogue with national governments and working with or alongside the private sector, IFC, or regulatory bodies in the health sector is a strong asset.

Responsibilities

Set the multi-year technical direction of the Directorate's knowledge and analytical program.
Provide substantive technical leadership and quality assurance across the program’s four work areas: Mixed Health Systems Stewardship, Contracting, Strategic Purchasing, and PPPs, Policy and Regulation for Health Value Chains, and Jobs and Better Jobs in Health.
Engage proactively with regional health teams and governments to shape national policy dialogue.
Lead engagement with WBG research departments to align analytical priorities and commission joint research.
Advise senior management on strategic direction and positioning related to policy and regulation of mixed health systems.
Work closely with the Methods, Impact Measurement and Innovation Team to develop and maintain the program's theory of change, results framework, and monitoring architecture.
Facilitate strong collaboration with the PIU and the Solutions & Impact (S&) team.
Represent the program in senior-level internal and external forums.
Position the mixed health systems agenda as a core element of the WBG's health offer.
Lead the day-to-day management and coordination of the program, including staff co-supervision and managing the program workplan, budget, and deliverables.
Build and maintain strong working relationships across the Health Directorate and with relevant WBG units.
Provide upstream and downstream technical support to regional and country teams.
Support integrated One WBG approaches where public policy, regulation, private investment, and risk mitigation need to be aligned.
Manage the program's knowledge generation and dissemination function.
Contribute to, and draw from other WBG teams, knowledge and lessons to strengthen the program.
Lead, supervise and motivate a multi-disciplinary program team, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance working environment.
Create a positive, inclusive and collaborative work environment in which staff can succeed and maximize their impact.
Model exemplary WBG leadership values and supervisory behaviors.
Manage the program budget ensuring strategic allocation of resources and compliance with WBG financial management rules and administrative procedures.
Monitor budget execution and report on resource utilization.
Identify resource gaps and work with senior management to mobilize additional funding.
Manage donor stewardship responsibilities for the program as required.