Operations Officer Job #: req32781 Organization: World Bank Sector: Operations Grade: GF Term Duration: 3 years 0 months Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment Location: Freetown,Sierra Leone Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 4/28/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? 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 and promoting shared prosperity. 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. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org
About the World Bank Group
Established in 1944, the WBG is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for development solutions. It is governed by 188-member countries and delivers services out of 120 offices with nearly 15,000 staff located globally.
The WBG consists of five specialized institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Development Association (IDA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).
With 189 member countries, the World Bank Group is a unique global partnership fighting poverty worldwide through sustainable solutions.
Country Context
The World Bank Group (WBG) Office in Freetown-Sierra Leone is responsible for overseeing the World Bank’s programs for both IBRD and IFC in the Country. The WBG Office houses about 75 World Bank and IFC staff including consultants who are responsible for maintaining a successful WBG relationship with our clients. The team works with integrity, dedication and strong spirit to deliver on the WBG mission of eliminating extreme poverty and enhancing shared prosperity on a livable planet.
Duties and accountabilities
The Operations Officer will work in close collaboration with the Country Manager (CM) for Sierra Leone, the Operations Manager (OM), WB Director, IFC Director, and the other members of the CMU management and country teams on all aspects of the Sierra Leone work program to ensure strategic focus, integration and consistency across and within the portfolio. More specifically (s)he will, work under the overall supervision of the Country Manager:
Analyze and monitor the delivery of AWMSL work program; and this will entail liaising with relevant members of AFCW1 management team, Global Practices (GPs), other Bank units and internal partners such as IFC, MIGA and IEG, as required. Take the lead on portfolio management, monitoring, analysis and problem resolution; this will include managing the periodic working sessions with Government technical teams and project coordination units, country portfolio performance reviews (CPPRs), regular analysis of operational performance, quality and trends. Provide problem solving advice to operations teams and interact with government counterparts to facilitate action needed to address challenges facing operations. Help foster teamwork and cross-sectoral cooperation on program preparation and implementation and contribute to country team meetings and activities. Play a key role in the formulation and implementation of the Sierra Leone Country Partnership Framework (including Performance/Completion and Learning Reviews - PLRs/CLRs),and assess sector and thematic issues in relationship with the broader country developments. Prepare briefing notes (e.g., for Spring and Annual Meetings, Sr. Management country visits, etc.) and other internal complex reports; and draft and review operational correspondence. Make substantive contributions to Sierra Leone country and sector strategies, lending and non-lending work programs. Monitor and interpret political, social and economic developments; develop and maintain understanding of country socioeconomic and political conditions. As necessary and subject to agreement with the Country Manager, assume a supervisory role of GA-GD staff (administrative and country services staff; ACS); this entails leadership in managing ACS work program and performance, ensuring delivery of high quality administrative and operational services, and providing mentoring and coaching as needed.
Selection Criteria
• Masters in a relevant field (Economics, Business Studies, Political Science, Finance, International Relations, or similar filed relevant to the Bank's mission.)
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience. Knowledge of Bank operational policies and business practices would be a plus.
• Proven ability to think strategically, and to apply this to the design and implementation of country assistance programs.
• Outstanding inter-personal skills with proven ability to work cooperatively with a multi-disciplinary country team, other groups throughout the Bank, and development partners.
• Demonstrated initiative, leadership skills and drive for results, including ability to undertake diverse tasks within a rapidly changing and demanding environment on short deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving skills and solutions-oriented attitude.
• Political sensitivity and mature judgment; and ability to focus on the big picture, while not losing sight of details.
• Highly developed spoken and written communications skills; including the ability to draft concise briefs, reports and correspondence.
• Language proficiency in English (speak, read and write)
Competencies:
COS_PFM_Criteria.pdf
World Bank Group Core Competencies
The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.
Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.