Operations Analysts at World Bank

JOB #: 130618
JOB TITLE: Operations Analyst
JOB FAMILY: Public Sector Management
JOB TYPE: Professional & Technical
GRADE: GE
LOCATION:  Abuja, Nigeria
RECRUITMENT TYPE: Local Hire
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT: English [Essential]
CLOSING DATE: 24-Mar-2013
 
Background / General description:
The Africa Poverty Reduction and Economic Management Group (AFR PREM) plays a key role in implementing the Africa Region Strategy, which identifies governance and public sector capacity as the foundational challenge for growth and development in the region.  AFR PREM has particularly significant responsibilities in strengthening efforts to build sustainable and effective institutions that can help bring about shared growth and poverty reduction in the countries of the region. 
 
In Nigeria, governance challenges and weak institutions for financial management and service delivery are major challenges. The World Bank and other development partners have committed significant resources to support the Government of Nigeria in its efforts to strengthen institutions and improve governance. Policy dialogue and technical assistance engagements are aimed at both the federal and state levels. Presently, the Bank is engaged in public financial management and institutional strengthening in 15 states and in collaboration with the European Union, under a trust fund, intends to extend similar reforms to six additional states. The fund is set to be implemented over five years.
 
To respond to increasing client demand AFR PREM is looking to recruit a dynamic and problem-solving individual as Operations Analyst to support the program.  
 
The selected candidate will be based in the World Bank Country Office in Abuja, Nigeria, for an initial period of two years (with the possibility of renewal).  Working as a member of the PREM Team and in close collaboration with the Task Team Leader, she/he will work particularly with six states and with their constituent Local Government Councils, as well as with government and non-government entities and other development partners.
The candidate will ensure close collaboration with staff in the related thematic Networks in the Bank and will foster multi-sector approaches to addressing systemic constraints to public service delivery and effective management across sectors.
 
Duties and Accountabilities:
  The Operations Analyst is expected to assume the following duties and responsibilities:
•             Provide research and operational support, monitoring and reporting to the existing AFR PREM portfolio, particularly the State and Local Governance Reform Project.
•             Support in identification and design of new operations in the AFR PREM.
•             Support in preparing analytical and advisory services in the AFR PREM and reviewing analytical work.
•             Support clients with enquiries on operational issues.
•             Assist in the monitoring of operational deliverables as well as the deliverables of the consultants supporting AFR PREM. 
•             Monitor emerging governance issues and developments in Nigeria or that affect Nigeria, and ensure that these are brought to the attention of the team.
•             Undertake other activities as requested by the Lead Public Sector Specialist.
 
Selection Criteria:
  •           Masters degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Economics, Public Policy and Management, Public Administration or related social sciences)
•             A minimum of two years experience in governance and public sector management
•             Good knowledge of World Bank operational policies and guidelines
•             Excellent interpersonal skills, including problem-solving skills and strong client orientation
•             Strong written and oral communications skills
•             Full proficiency in relevant software applications, including Lotus Notes databases and spreadsheets
•             Good organizational capabilities and attention to detail; good editing and proofreading skills
•             Strong teamwork orientation, with an ability to work effectively with a range of clients, development partners, and colleagues.
•             Sound judgment and ability to work under minimum supervision and to exercise individual initiative to meet and anticipate emerging requirements
•             Flexibility and ability to handle changes in priorities and work on multiple tasks simultaneously and under pressure
•             Good analytical skills; ability to synthesize and present data
•             Familiarity with the Nigeria portfolio
•             Motivation and enthusiasm for the opportunities and challenges of working in the Nigerian public sector.
 
COMPETENCIES
 
Project Management - Understands the basic concepts of project management, as they relate to the execution of tasks within a project 
Data Collection and Management - Demonstrates use of this competency 
Bank Instruments, Policies, Procedures, and Systems - Basic knowledge of Bank Instruments, Policies and Procedures, including Safeguards, FM and Procurement. 
Portfolio Management (OS) - Assists and/or organizes portfolio reviews; prepares portfolio monitoring reports, and follows-up on portfolio review recommendations. 
Analytical and Technical Skills, Operational Strategy Development & Advice - Solid theoretical base with relevance for specific Bank Network recognized Sector or Theme. 
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. 
Drive for Results - Takes personal ownership and accountability to meet deadlines and achieve agreed-upon results, and has the personal organization to do so. 
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.