Senior Public Sector Specialist

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.

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). The World Bank is organized into six client-facing Regional Vice-Presidencies, several corporate functions and thirteen Global Practices to bring best-in-class knowledge and solutions to regional and country clients.
The World Bank, a leading multi-lateral institution in global economic development, is looking for a highly organized, energized and experienced person capable of operating effectively in a very demanding fast-paced environment to serve as a Program Assistant. The Program Assistant will be under direct supervision of the Executive Assistant (EA) who is responsible for her/his technical and professional development and performance evaluation. The Program Assistant is an integral part of the Togo Country Office Administrative and Client Support (ACS) team. (S)He will provide Administrative and client support to the Operational Staff. The job implies frequent interaction with other institutional units, staff in other locations (locally and internationally), Government officials, consultants and external organizations.

Regional context

While the overall business climate in Africa is the weakest in the world, several countries including some fragile states have made great strides in improving their environment for business. What is emerging as a result is a growing region, with setbacks from time to time, that is increasingly seen as a destination for investment as much as for aid; and one where leaders are increasingly willing to address problems of poor governance that harms development effectiveness. For more e information: https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/afr  

Country management unit context

The AWFC1 Country Management Unit (CMU), covers 5 countries (Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Mauritania and Senegal) and delivers Advisory Services and Analytics (ASA) and lending services to these countries.

Governance Global Practice context

The Governance GP helps developing countries build capable, efficient, open, inclusive and accountable institutions that can support economic growth, reduce poverty, deliver needed services and earn the confidence of citizens. Our work encompasses public financial management, public procurement, civil service reform, open government, anti-corruption, and using technology to improve quality and access to government services. More information: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/governance  

Roles & Responsibilities:

The Senior Public Sector Specialist will be under the supervision of the Governance Practice Manager for the Unit in charge of Africa Francophone group countries, EAWG1 (Cabo Verde, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Mauritania, Senegal, Chad, Guinea Conakry, Mali, Niger, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, and Togo). The Senior Public Sector will focus on the program in Mauritania where he/she will provide support to the Governance program.

He/she will be expected to:

· Be the principal Governance GP focal point for the Mauritania country program.

· Contribute to the preparation and supervision of public sector governance operations and ensure effective and timely delivery of programs.

· Contribute governance-related inputs across the Mauritania country program, forging partnerships with other Global Practices and teams.

· Actively engage in dialogue and build working relationships with key government counterparts and development partners.

· Contribute to business development.

He/she will specifically work on providing support to:

Mauritania

- Lead a Program-For-Results (PforR) operation on public spending efficiency with a focus on enhancing fiscal space through improving revenue collection, sound public financial management and reallocation of resources to high impact areas for better public service delivery in social sectors.

- Lead on analytical work in public sector governance, including co-leading the Strategic Governance Analytics PASA.

- Lead dialogue with external clients on public sector governance and represent the World Bank in related working groups.

- Contribute public sector governance inputs to Development Policy Operations.

- Contribute to relevant cross-sector operations and analytics.

Others

- Contribute, where relevant and appropriate, to the EAWG1 program in other AWFC1 countries, including contributing to PforRs in Senegal and/or in the Gambia.