Description

Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. 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, increasing shared prosperity and promoting sustainable development. 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

Regional and Country Context

The recruitment is for Private Sector Specialist based in Accra, Ghana to work across multiple countries covered by the Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa unit
(EAWF2). Common priorities across the countries are addressing the business enabling environment, attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), developing more diversified sources of economic growth beyond commodities, and fostering regional and global trade.  The Private Sector Specialist reports to the Regional Practice Manager (EAWF2) for Finance, Competitiveness and Innovation (FCI). The FCI portfolio covers a range of lending operations, analytical work and technical assistance.

The World Bank has an active lending and technical assistance program targeting private sector competitiveness in Ghana. This position offers an opportunity to be an integral part of the Bank’s growing engagement in Ghana, and to contribute to work also underway in Sierra Leone and Liberia, representing FCI in the larger growth agenda.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Amongst other tasks, the candidate will be expected to:

* Contribute to the policy dialogue on private sector development, task manage, and/or support the implementation of ongoing FCI lending projects, analytical and advisory services work with a focus on strong country outcomes.

* Work closely with the Program Leaders/Country Economists and Senior FCI staff and CMUs to ensure the integration of relevant finance, competitiveness, and innovation sector issues in country strategies, SCDs/CPFs and work programs and country policy dialogue and engagement.

* Develop effective coordination mechanisms internally with the Global Practices and externally with development partners and with IFC and contribute on behalf of FCI to activities/projects led by other GPs/units.

* Produce technical notes, briefings, presentations, etc. as requested by Management.

* Business Development: cultivate strategic relationships with country clients and the CMU and contribute to building the FCI engagement further in line with the CPF and country priorities.

* Knowledge Management, and Teamwork: promote synergies across product teams, providing support through trouble shooting, anticipating problems and solving them. Facilitate learning across projects, regions and best practices.

* Donor Collaboration: Support the partnership with the donor community and facilitate/participate in formal and informal meetings with key development partners, civil society and other stakeholders.

Selection Criteria

This job requires a Private Sector Development (FSD) specialist with some knowledge of financial sector issues and strong client relationship management, technical and operational (lending and ASA) skills. He/she will have demonstrated an ability to manage tasks independently and deliver results on the ground. The following qualifications will be considered:

The following qualifications will be considered:

• A master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Management or a related field and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience including of working in the private sector/financial sector.

• The ideal candidate will have a combination of experience inside and outside the World Bank, and within the Bank have experience of preparing lending projects and ASA/AAA activities and have familiarity of operational policies on lending.

• The ideal candidate should have strong proven track record, experience, and technical expertise in one or more of the following areas: regional trade, particularly in support of the ACFTA implementation; business enabling environment; PPPs and SEZs; SME support and development; and strengthening competitive value chains .

•  Strong results focus, demonstrated ability to inspire confidence in senior country officials, and work in a culturally diverse environment.

•  Possess strong internal and external client engagement skills and ability to collaborate and work across boundaries and learn and bring new ideas in a challenging policy environment. 

• A track record of working on teams to deliver high impact projects and activities.

• Verbal and written proficiency in English is required. Strong written communication skills for both policy dialogue and analysis.

• Work experience in Ghana and/or other countries in West Africa and an understanding of the broader Africa regional context would be an added advantage.

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.

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