Senior Operations Officer/Senior Government Liaison

Senior Operations Officer/Senior Government Liaison

Job #: req34267 - Organization: World Bank - Sector: Operations - Grade: GG - Term Duration: 3 years 0 months - Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment - Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Required Language(s): English, Arabic - Closing Date: 9/29/:59pm UTC

Description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? The World Bank Group (WBG) provides a unique opportunity to help clients solve development challenges. The World Bank Group is a global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. The Region Context and program focus described pertain to the Middle East and North Africa region, with emphasis on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) program and the role of Senior Government Liaison within it. The Senior Operations Officer will report to the Country Director based in the Riyadh office.

Roles & Responsibilities

• 1. Client/Country Relations: Develop and maintain excellent relationships with government counterparts, contribute to business development, and grow the World Bank's Reimbursable Advisory Services (RAS) program in Saudi Arabia; coordinate the implementation of the TCP program with the Ministry of Finance and other government entities; support visiting technical teams; join key meetings with senior government agencies; liaise with Global Practices and task teams to ensure consistency in reports and correspondence; coordinate with IFC and MIGA for joint World Bank Group programs; stay informed on developments in KSA and identify new business opportunities; maintain relations with the Washington-based Country Anchor Unit and regional staff.
• 2. Portfolio Monitoring and Implementation: Perform monthly analysis of operational data; oversee development of a TCP monitoring dashboard with the Ministry of Finance; track and report on key deliverables, work program, and budget execution.
• 3. Monitor Program Delivery and Quality Assurance: Implement a monitoring system to track concept notes, aide memoires, completion summaries, and budget utilization; conduct regular monitoring with the Operations Team; participate in budget reviews and RAS billing in cooperation with the Budget department; monitor and follow up on payment arrears as needed.
• 4. VIP Visits: Lead preparations for visits, liaise with relevant government entities and World Bank teams, and contribute to briefing documents and internal/external correspondence for Bank management and external audiences.
• 5. Security Focal Point for KSA: Serve as the security focal point for the Kingdom.

Selection Criteria

• Masters or higher degree in economics, public policy, business administration, finance, or a related field.
• Minimum eight years of directly relevant experience in Bank Operations.
• Extensive operational leadership experience and a track record as a portfolio expert.
• Solutions-oriented with the ability to shape and contribute at a high level.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task and deliver under tight deadlines.
• Client-oriented with the ability to operate effectively in complex political, social, and cultural contexts.
• Excellent communication skills in English and Arabic, both verbal and written.
• Ability to focus on the big picture within the country development framework.

WBG Culture Attributes

1. Sense of Urgency - Anticipating and quickly reacting to stakeholder needs.
2. Thoughtful Risk Taking - Making informed, courageous decisions for greater impact.
3. Empowerment and Accountability - Engaging others in an empowered and accountable manner for outcomes.

World Bank Group Core Competencies are applicable as part of the role. The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits and is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.