World Bank Recruitment in Ghana: June 2013

Sub-Saharan Africa is the largest and most complex region in the Bank, spanning 47 countries (including 34 of the world’s poorest countries) with a population approaching 800 million. While it was badly hit by the global financial and economic crisis, the continent has been on the rebound since 2010. Beyond, making headway against poverty will require a focus on job creation with Africa’s youth entering the labour force at an estimated 7-10 million annually.

A new Africa strategy is under implementation. It has two pillars – competitiveness & employment and vulnerability & resilience – and a foundation of governance & public sector capacity. It will be implemented through partnerships, knowledge and financing. The core values guiding work are passion for our mission of sustainable poverty reduction, putting the needs of the client at the centre of our activities, trust and respect, intellectual rigour and curiosity, honesty and integrity, teamwork, and openness to learning.

Job Description

Local, Term Appointment, Accra, Ghana

AFCW1 is the Country Management Unit (CMU) within Africa Region that covers Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The Country Director and Senior Operations Officer for AFCW1 are based in Accra, with a Country Programme Co-ordinator based in Washington DC. Collectively they provide strategic direction for, and oversee implementation of, a partnership set out in the World Bank Group Country Partnership Strategy for Ghana, which includes a large programme of Analytical and Advisory Activities as well as Trust Funds.

Duties and Accountabilities:

• The Senior Operations Officer (SOO) will be based in Accra, Ghana with primary responsibilities for supporting the Country Director (CD) and Country Programme Coordinator (CPC) for the management of the lending programme and the supervision of the existing portfolio, the design and execution of AAA work and management of a substantial trust fund portfolio. The incumbent would also be expected to contribute to the implementation of the Country Partnership Strategy and management of the relationship with key Development Partners (DPs). The SOO will also assist the CD in the general administration of the country office.
• The SOO will be expected to provide operational support/guidance and quality assurance on cross-cutting dimensions to task team and the CMU management (CD, CPC and Sector Leaders) including advice on the implementation of operational policies and guidelines and the use of instruments. The SOO will also support the CD, CPC and the Sector Leaders to help track overall project implementation performance and facilitate resolution of portfolio problems. The SOO will maintain up-to-date information on IDA and trust fund portfolio performance for Ghana in close collaboration with the CPC based in Washington. The SOO will be a member of the CMU Management Team that includes senior staff, which meets frequently to share information and resolve all relevant operational and administrative issues in the country office. 

Required Skills or Experience

Selection Criteria:

• Ability to operate effectively in matrix management environment, both as team and team member
• Ability to lead a team of professionals in the execution of major projects
• Ability to coach, mentor and develop more junior staff
• Ability to deal sensitively in multi-cultural environments and build effective working relations with clients and colleagues
• Effective verbal and written communications skills
• Minimum Education/Experience at recruitment/selection
• Minimum Education: MA/MS (In relevant discipline)
• Minimum Years of Relevant Experience: 8 

How To Apply

For the FULL job description and selection criteria for this vacancy, qualified candidates are requested to visit and submit an electronic application at the World Bank careers website: www.worldbank.org/careers. Once on the site, Click on > Current Job Openings > Job Family > Operational Services > Job type > Professional & Technical > Location > Accra Ghana > Job number >131291.

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. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Offer valid till: 16 Jun, 2013