Senior Public Sector Specialist Job #: req33239 Organization: World Bank Sector: Public Sector Development Grade: GG Term Duration: 4 years 0 months Recruitment Type: International Recruitment Location: Nouakchott,Mauritania Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): French Closing Date: 6/7/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
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.
Selection Criteria
The successful candidate will be a professional with thematic experience in public sector governance, and a good knowledge of Western Africa. Specifically, the candidate will be selected on the basis of the following competencies:
· MA/MS degree in economics, political economy, public administration, or a public financial management related field.
· Minimum 8 years of relevant professional experience with a strong record on policy advisory services to government and overall public financial management.
· In-depth technical and sectoral expertise in the areas of good governance, transparency and accountability, fiscal management/economic governance and political economy.
· Proven track record in project and program design, management, and implementation, particularly PforRs, in public sector reforms, particularly in public financial management.
· Knowledge of ongoing public sector reforms in AWCF1 countries, and particularly Mauritania, is desirable.
· Familiarity with World Bank operational procedures and practices.
· Demonstrated internal and external client facing skills.
· Strong leadership skills and demonstrated ability to lead multi-faceted teams.
· Team player and proactive team member with a clear ability to work effectively with others in a multicultural environment, but equally able to work autonomously.
· Demonstrated proactivity and ability to take initiative, including developing business.
· Fluent in English and French (written, read and spoken).
Evaluation Criteria
Professional with solid operational experience on governance, public sector lending and non-lending instruments of the World Bank and/or other multilateral lending institutions, including trust-funded, Investment Project Financing (IPF), and result-based lending.
CORE COMPETENCIES
• Public Administration - Understands the overall dimensions and structures of the mechanics of government and its public administration, including public financial management, SOE reform, domestic resource mobilization (especially tax policy and tax administration), decentralization and service delivery.
• Drive for Results - Takes personal ownership and accountability to meet deadlines and achieve agreed-upon results and has the personal organization to do so.
• Client Orientation - Takes personal responsibility and accountability for timely response to client queries, requests or needs, working to remove obstacles that may impede execution or overall success.
• Written and Verbal Communication - Delivers information effectively in support of team or workgroup
• Teamwork (Collaboration) and Inclusion - Collaborates with other team members and contributes productively to the team's work and output, demonstrating respect for different points of view.
• Knowledge, Learning and Communication - Actively seeks knowledge needed to complete assignments and shares knowledge with others, communicating and presenting information in a clear and organized manner.
• Business Judgment and Analytical Decision Making - Analyzes facts and data to support sound, logical decisions regarding own and others' work.
WBG Culture Attributes:
1. Sense of Urgency – Anticipating and quickly reacting to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful Risk Taking – Taking informed and thoughtful risks and making courageous decisions to push boundaries for greater impact.
3. Empowerment and Accountability – Engaging with others in an empowered and accountable manner for impactful results.
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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