Operations Adviser

Job #:
req38346

Organization:
World Bank

Sector:
Operations

Grade:
GH

Term Duration:
Open-Ended Staff (OPEN-OP)

Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment

Location:
Washington, DC,United States

Required Language(s):
English

Closing Date:
10/1/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

OPCS VPU Context:

Operations Policy and Country Services (OPCS) plays a pivotal role in achieving the WBG's mission. OPCS helps foster links between the knowledge verticals and the Regions, while assisting frontline staff in delivering results to clients through sound operations policy and strong country support. OPCS develops and oversees implementation of the World Bank's operational policies, procedures and guidance for country strategies, lending operations, advisory services and analytical support, financial management, procurement, and environmental and social safeguards. OPCS is also responsible for modernizing operational instruments (lending and non-lending) to help the World Bank become more responsive, and efficient in meeting country needs.

The 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 Operations Advisor (Lead operations) 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 sub-business lines. In addition, the unit handles 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.

Roles and Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will become a member of the Investment Lending Unit within the Operations Policy Department and will report to the Manager of the Investment Lending Unit. As the selected candidate will be advising project teams and representing OPCS at corporate level meetings, we are seeking an experienced operational professional who has worked on projects in all parts of the project cycle, including preparation, supervision, and closure (including preparing an ICR); as well as strong knowledge of the Bank lending instruments. The candidate must have sufficient experience, presentation skills, and gravitas to represent the department in key meetings, such as ROCs, OCs, or meetings with EDs.
The successful candidate's work program will comprise individual assignments as well as tasks jointly delivered by the Investment Lending unit. S/he will work on research, analytical, and operational work. More specifically, the selected candidate will be responsible for:
• Provide OPCS advice and guidance to RVPs, WBG and Regional Directors/Managers, Division Directors/Country and OM Managers and Task Team Leaders on the preparation of Investment Lending operations. Work directly with teams, and support the Operation Help desk on policy queries.
• Leading the team within OPSIL which reviews IPF and guarantee operations. The Advisor is responsible for assigning operations for review and oversees consistency and quality of reviews. The Advisor and the IPF team also work directly with project teams to help improve project design and quality.
• Represent OPCS at key meetings such as ROC meetings or meetings with senior management and executive directors.
• Lead the Secretariat for the Corporate Review of Guarantees Committee (CRGC); the CRGC reviews all guarantee projects.
• Conduct or contribute to research and outreach on issues related to the work of the Unit, including preparation of economic research papers, good practice notes and publications on emerging corporate issues.
• Contribute to corporate issues that involve OPCS, including the agendas for operational efficiency, effectiveness, and simplification initiatives, risk management, results-orientation, and aid effectiveness and FCV.
• Contribute to and/or lead the development of new instruments or new approaches.
• Provide support to operational teams, particularly on the identification of the appropriate instruments, including lesser used instruments such as guarantees.
• Support departmental responses to corporate requests-including from the Board and Senior Management-in areas related to the Department.
• Contribute to the integration of Bank operations into Operational Portal, including working with ITS to incorporate needed changes.
• Work with other units at the Bank, including Regions, Knowledge Bank and Corporate units to identify areas of improvement in Bank Operations.
• Conduct training on operational issues and develop and update training materials as needed.

Selection Criteria
• Advanced degree (PhD) in a relevant field with at least 10 years of relevant experience, or MA/MS in a relevant field with 12 years of relevant experience, preferably including a minimum of 5 years of TTL operational experience including lending in at least one GP or Region of the Bank; preference for candidates with experience in more than one region.
• Strong knowledge of Bank Instruments, Policies, Procedures, and Systems and recognized by peers and/or managers for providing high quality, pragmatic advice to teams on the appropriate use of Bank policies, procedures and instruments and financing mechanisms.
• Demonstrates in-depth knowledge and understanding of Bank operations including project management tools and methodologies, as well as of Bank instruments and processes related to project preparation and implementation, and processes related to restructuring and waivers/exceptions.
• Recognized by Peers and/or Managers for ability to identify and proactively solve operational issues and problems.
• Research and writing skills, as demonstrated by published research papers or significant Bank analytical work.
• Leadership skills, with experience in managing teams.
• Strong presentation skills, with the ability to present complex ideas in a straightforward way.
• Maintains client relationships in the face of conflicting demands and provides evidence-based advice and solutions based on sound diagnosis and knowledge.
• Leads in the sharing of best practice, trends, knowledge and lessons learned across units and with clients and partners, articulating ideas verbally and in writing in a clear and compelling way across audiences of varied levels.
• Gathers inputs, assesses risk, considers impact and articulates benefits of decisions for internal and external stakeholders over the long term.
• Knowledge and Experience in Development Arena - Understands policy making process; distills operationally relevant recommendations/lessons for clients.
• Integrative Skills - Working to develop an integrated view across all facets of current sector.
• Written and Verbal Communication - Delivers information effectively in support of team or workgroup.

As the World Bank Group continues to evolve, we value candidates who:

• Demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively across teams, disciplines, cultures, and institutional boundaries.
• Responsibly leverage digital and AI-enabled tools to enhance productivity, learning, and decision-making.
• Bring experience working in fragile, conflict-affected, and violent (FCV) contexts and are encouraged to highlight relevant experience in their application materials, where applicable.

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

COS Generic 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.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC including our values and inspiring stories.