Lead Governance and Public Sector Specialist - Hoofdinhoud

The Poverty Reduction and Economic Management (PREM) Network is the professional alliance of staff throughout the Bank that work on Public Sector Governance; Economic Policy and Trade, Poverty Reduction, and Gender. Within these thematic areas, the main PREM Network Anchor objectives are to: build and apply global knowledge; renew and strengthen staff skills; foster innovative and strategic thinking; and improve the quality of products and services to client countries and partners. The mission of the Public Sector and Governance Department (PRMPS) to support PREM regional units, global partners and overall Bank corporate work aiming to assist country clients in their efforts to build capable and accountable states that can deliver on their development objectives by making sound policies, providing public services, setting the rules governing markets, and providing oversight of how public resources are used. PRMPS currently has three business lines: (i) governance (accountability and legitimacy); (ii) public administration; and (iii) public finance policy and management.

PRMPS is seeking a Lead Governance and Public Sector Specialist to head its governance (accountability and legitimacy) business line, which will also include the Governance and Anticorruption (GAC) and Governance Partnership Facility (GPF) secretariats. The Lead Specialist reports to the Sector Manager, PRMPS. The position has a high level of responsibility and visibility in and outside the Bank.

PRMPS prioritizes strong client orientation and responsiveness; innovation, creativity, and high quality; results; teamwork; and attracting and developing diverse and talented staff.

Taken

Specific responsibilities include:

• Develop, organize, and oversee implementation of a business plan for the Department’s Governance business line that: (i) has a strategic orientation that reflects the needs of the regions and countries supported by the World Bank and the Bank’s corporate priorities, and which takes into account emerging issues and trends; (ii) builds and applies global knowledge, improving the evidence base for the Bank’s work on governance; (iii) provides tools, operational support and advisory services to improve the quality of products and services to client countries; (iv) renews and strengthen staff skills; and (v) strengthens key (internal and external) partnerships.

• Deliver parts of the Department’s work program, including selected knowledge products, advisory services, selected cross-support, and quality assurance. Participate in other work program activities as required.

• Further develop support to Political Economy Analysis, including strategies and mechanisms to better embed PEA into regular Bank operational work.

• Head the GAC Secretariat including: (i) liaison with regional teams and other networks with an aim to more strongly embed GAC approaches in the Bank’s work; (ii) ensure effective monitoring of GAC implementation; (iii) identify emerging implementation issues that need to be addressed; (iv) TTL for the Governance Partnership Facility (GPF); and (v) act as key spokesperson for the Bank on GAC issues.

• Provide intellectual leadership on governance issues, within the Bank and with external partners. Promote dialogue and close working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Identify and exploit synergies with other PREM business lines and other sectors.

• Mentor staff to develop professional and leadership skills and guide staff in the preparation of papers, policy notes, tools, and other services and other services and products.

Criteria

• Post-graduate degree (PhD preferred) in political science, economics, law, public administration or related field. A multi-disciplinary background is an advantage. Recognized expertise and intellectual leadership on governance issues.

• Extensive operational experience (as a guide, competitive candidates with sustained record of achieving high-quality substantive results over an extended period, typically at least 10 years), including in more than one region. Experience should include: (i) designing and providing implementation support for governance interventions in our client countries and (ii) designing and delivering of AAA in our client countries. Strong regional operational and analytic experience is highly desired. Demonstrated experience in developing and leveraging cross-sectoral activities is an advantage.

• Strong strategic skills with demonstrated ability to develop innovative, client-oriented, and result-focused work programs; to integrate strategies/policies into Bank programs; and to identify emerging issues and trends and associated business opportunities.

• Strong leadership skills with ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams, including developing, coaching and mentoring staff, and resolving conflicts taking into account cultural sensitivities.

• Demonstrated ability to perform as a lead specialist and effectively coordinate activities across multiple disciplines and organizational units, as well as to maintain high service standards and high quality assurance under pressure in fast paced environment, meet deadlines, and accommodate simultaneous demands from various sources.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills and demonstrated ability to take leadership and communicate ideas effectively under pressure.

The World Bank Group is committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality, culture and educational background. Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.