Manager, Operations, OPSIL

The World Bank Group is a unique global partnership of five institutions driven by a bold vision to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, we help solve the world’s greatest development challenges. When you join the World Bank Group, you become part of a dynamic, diverse organization with 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide. We work with public and private sector partners, invest in groundbreaking projects, and use data, research, and technology to bring tangible and transformative change around the globe. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org

VPU Context

The Operations Policy and Country Services (OPCS) of the World Bank plays a pivotal role in achieving the World Bank Group’s (WBG) mission. OPCS is at the center of the ‘operations complex’ and plays a critical role in supporting the Bank’s leadership on all issues related to Bank operations. OPCS develops and oversees operational policies and procedures for country engagement products, lending operations, advisory services and analytical support, financial management, procurement, environmental and social safeguards, as well as development outcome risk and results reporting. It also serves as a link between the operational units and the Board of Directors. OPCS provides advice and support to Bank management and staff as well as hands-on assistance to help teams apply the Bank’s policies, processes, and risk management tools for our country clients. Working in OPCS helps World Bank professionals gain broad exposure to strategic operations issues and develop a deeper understanding of the business of the Bank.

OPCS is organized into the Front Office and Four Departments

•The Front Office (OPSFO) focuses on supporting the OPCS Vice President (VP) in the management of the operations complex and the delivery of key corporate policy commitments and reforms.

•Operations Standards, Procurement, Financial Management (OPSPF) is responsible for safeguards, procurement, financial management and anti-corruption policies and support to operations;

•Operations Policy (OPSPO) consolidates the corporate support and oversight of country strategies and all financing and advisory instruments as well as managing the Operations Committee and the Operations Help Desk;

•Operations Strategy, Risk, Results and Learning (OPSRL) focuses on WB strategy; risk management in operations, strengthening results and effectiveness throughout the institution, support to the country directors’ and management communities; and operational learning; and

•Operations Standards, Environment and Social (OPSES) is responsible for the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and Safeguard Policies, including support to operations, learning and training, knowledge management, reporting, interface with the Inspection Panel, and management of the Grievance Redress Service (GRS).

Department Context

The Operational Policy Department (OPSPO) has overall responsibility for all financing instruments, analytic and advisory services, and Country Partnership Frameworks. The scope of work includes: proposing policies and reforms to facilitate innovation and to adapt the Bank’s engagement to an evolving developmental agenda; providing guidance and high quality operational advice; and undertaking corporate reviews including particularly for high risk operations. In undertaking these activities, the department works closely with Regions, GPs and GPSOS, and other corporate units. The Department is led by a director and two managers who form the department management team.

Unit Context:

The Investment Lending Unit (OPSIL), in the Operations Policy Department (OPSPO) of the Operations Policy and Country Services (OPCS) Vice Presidency, is seeking is seeking a highly motivated Senior Operations Officer with strong operational experience.  The Unit’s work involves stewardship of operational policy regarding Investment Lending products including Investment Project Financing (IPF), Program for Results lending (PforR), Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA) and Guarantees in addition to several other sub0business lines.  In addition, the unit handles of the Operations Help Desk and is the main counterpart with ITS on the Operations Portal.  The position will involve frequent interaction with staff in Regions, Global Practices, Corporate Departments, and the Board.  It will provide the opportunity to gain broad exposure to strategic and operational issues across all Regions of the Bank, and the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the business and functioning of the Bank.

Duties and accountabilities:

The Manager leads a team of seasoned and motivated professionals, focused on (i) maintaining operational policy framework in the area of investment lending, (ii) advising task teams and Senior Management on the strength of operations and on adherence to the operational policy framework, (iii) looking for innovations to support operational effectiveness and efficiency and increase the development impact of our operations, and (iv) coordinating with IFC and MIGA on operational issues to advance the One WBG approach. S/he is accountable for performing the responsibilities, modeling the behaviors and maintaining technical competencies in his or her capacity as a member of the OPCS Leadership Team. Accountability means being answerable for managing quality, risks, results, institutional initiatives and compliance with Bank policies and procedures.

The Manager reports to the OPSPO Director and works in close consultation and coordination with the OPCS Leadership Team. S/he supports World Bank operations management, including instrument innovation, operational policy management and training.

The Manager will be accountable for timely and high-quality performance on the following responsibilities:

Solutions and Client Results

•Leadership in instrument innovation and product development to improve development impact and delivery of key corporate strategic objectives.

•Manage operational policy, directives, procedures and guidance, including revising and updating to reflect corporate priorities. This will require close interaction with management across the WBG, as well as the Board.

•Manage corporate reviews and support for country teams on issues pertaining to IPF (including guarantees) and PforR, as well as on issues related to MPAs.

•Work closely with IFC and MIGA to maximize operational synergies in support of the One WBG approach.

•Together with ITS, oversee operations of and investments in the Operations Portal, including the current Operations Portal Modernization.

•Work closely with WFA, DFI, BPS, LEG, ECR, and ITC to ensure that corporate messaging, policies, guidance, procedures and systems are consistent across units, and are designed to efficiently assist operational teams.

•Oversee analytical and research work focused on improving the development impact of investment lending.

People/ Talent Management responsibilities:

•Supports staff recruitment, development, deployment, coaching, and evaluation.

•Advises the Director on emerging issues and initiate strategic staffing responses to meet demand.

Resource Management responsibilities:

•Supports the Director of Regional Programs in managing the unit's budget. Ensures effective formulation of the unit's budget proposal, input into budget decisions and managing the unit's financial resources effectively and efficiently.

Relationship Management responsibilities (Internal and External):

•Assists the Director in representation of the Bank and outreach to key stakeholders, development partners, regional economic commissions and donors, as well as NGOs, civil society, and the media, especially as they relate to project operational matters and the broader strategic agenda for the Bank.

•Represents the unit on behalf of the Director, as requested.

Knowledge Management responsibilities:

•Coordinates with the Communications team to disseminate best practices and lessons learned, as well as help CMU identify and report on results stories in the Regional Programs portfolio.