Description

Do you want to build a truly worthwhile career? 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. Visit www.worldbank.org.

The Global Environment Facility (GEis a multilateral financial mechanism created in 1991 to provide grant and concessional funds to recipient countries for projects and programs that address biodiversity loss, climate change mitigation and adaptation, degradation of international waters, land and forests, ozone depletion, elimination or reduction of persistent organic pollutants and mercury, all within the framework of sustainable development.

The GEF unites 186 countries in partnership with international institutions, civil society organizations (CSO, and the private sector to address global environmental issues while supporting national sustainable development initiatives. An independently operating financial organization, GEF is the designated financial mechanism for Multilateral Environmental Agreements (ME, in addition to providing dedicated support to Least Developed Countries, Small Island Developing States, and a diversity of civil society partners. Since 1991, the GEF has disbursed over $24 billion in grants and provided technical guidance for the successful implementation of over 5,700 projects in more than 170 countries.

The GEF Secretariat (GEFSEis a VicePresidential Unit within the World Bank Group and has approximately 75 professional, administrative and client support staff. GEFSEC is seeking an expert and experienced Senior Environmental Specialist to serve as Africa Regional Coordinator, reporting to the Manager of the Programming Division.

Duties and Accountabilities:
The Africa Regional Coordinator will coordinate the Africa Regional Team within the Programming Division to ensure that GEF Trust Fund resources are programmed according to the GEF8 cycle and future cycle directions, and to support GEF recipient countries in the Africa region to optimize their GEF investments to achieve global environmental benefits.

S/He will coordinate a multidisciplinary technical team of environmental specialists to provide timely review and processing of proposals across all focal areas of the GEF submitted by African countries through GEFaccredited agencies. S/He, with that technical team, will also provide sound upstream guidance to project proponents to foster coherence with GEF cycle strategies.

The Coordinator will also work with other Regional Teams and the Focal Area Coordinators and with other Divisions on functions that require cooperation and collaboration related to the programming of GEF resources.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with the design and review of highquality technical environmental projects and programs in Africa, particularly with public funding mechanisms.

The candidate should also have strong interpersonal skills, management experience and the coordination skills necessary to motivate and lead diverse teams towards a common goal.

The candidate should have sound political acumen, diplomatic skills, and the capacity to work effectively and discretely on sensitive issues with partners including recipient country representatives, GEF implementing agencies, GEFrelated units (STAP, IEand with the GEF Council, among others.

Specific duties include the following:

• Coordinate the Africa Regional Team, ensure effective collaboration with Focal Areas, Integrated Programs and Conventions support teams, and support the successful implementation of the GEF Programming Directions and GEF business model.
• Lead and facilitate resource programming in Africa Region with GEFSEC staff, GEF Agencies and Countries, including leadership role at the regional and country dialogues.
• Facilitate and provide technical guidance for proposal development consistent with GEF Programming Directions from Africa Recipient Countries and Agencies in order to build robust GEF Work Programs for CEO and Council consideration
• Manage Africa regional and country portfolio of ongoing GEF projects through monitoring, evaluation and learning activities
• Provide quality inputs to the CEO and senior management on country and thematic briefings, talking points, speeches, analytical/strategic documents, etc.
• As directed, contribute to GEF strategies and successful execution of Multilateral Environmental Agreement (MEand Focal Area strategies and programs, as well as to GEF9 and later replenishment processes
• Contribute to ensuring programming in/across the respective focal areas is responding to guidance and recommendations from the MEAs in the Africa region, in consultation with the respective Focal Area Coordinator(, the Manager of the Programming Division and the Manager of Conventions and Funds, as directed.
• Support the development and delivery of GEF reports, Council documents, engagement plans, and other work products as requested by Manager of the Programming Division.
• Work on special topics and tasks, as directed by the Manager of the Programming Division

Selection Criteria

• Master’s Degree with at least eight years of professional experience, or a Ph.D., with at least five years of experience in the environmental field, particularly in biodiversity, climate change mitigation and adaptation, freshwater systems, oceans and marine resources, chemicals and waste, and/or land degradation
• Excellent knowledge and sound experience in achieving environmental outcomes from projects and programs in the Africa region
• Strong interpersonal skills, experience with multisectoral environmental projects in developing countries, combined with results management skills to build portfolio results and outcomes
• Ability to deal with a range of stakeholders, international organizations, development agencies, scientific and technical bodies, private sector entities, developing country counterparts, and NGOs would be an advantage
• Proven record of constructive and positive engagement in leading a program and policy dialogue with client governments, donors, and other stakeholders
• Proven ability to work in teams, both as a team leader and team member
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, including ability to communicate complex issues to a wide range of audiences
• Second language (French, Spanish or Portuguesis highly desirable.
• Ability to think analytically, strategically, and programmatically
• Ability to work independently on complex tasks on tight deadlines
• Working knowledge of the strategies and operations of the GEF and its Agencies

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.