Senior Operations Officer

Job #:
req37049

Organization:
World Bank

Sector:
Operations

Grade:
GG

Term Duration:
4 years 0 months

Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment

Location:
Washington, DC,United States

Required Language(s):
English

Preferred Language(s):
English, French

Closing Date:
6/25/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

West and Central Africa

Western and Central Africa is a vast region with diverse cultures, beliefs, languages, and lifestyles. Stretching from the westernmost point of Africa, across the equator, and partly along the Atlantic Ocean till the Republic of Congo in the South, it encompasses 22 countries that spread across semi-arid areas in the Sahel, large coastal areas on the Atlantic Ocean and along the Gulf of Guinea and tropical forest covering many countries from Guinea to the Republic of Congo, through Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon and Gabon.

Home to about half a billion people, the sub-region has seen its population multiplied by 4 in the last 50 years. The population is mostly concentrated in the coastal areas, while landlocked countries generally experience lower density. The region has experienced accelerated urbanization, with cities hosting 48% of the population. With 12% of its population being under the age of 15, Western and Central Africa has one of the youngest populations in the world.

Read more: https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/afr/western-and-central-africa

UNIT CONTEXT

The Africa Western and Central Development Effectiveness unit services the Africa Western and Central Region, providing timely, effective operational support and services to the Regional Vice President, the Operations & Strategy Director, the Regional Management Team, and teams.

The Development Effectiveness Unit is looking for two experienced, high-performing, energetic Senior Operations Officers with particular expertise in leading high-quality operational reviews. The successful candidates will be expected to lead the reviews of a number of IPF and PforR, operations and be very familiar with operational policies and procedures. They will report to the DE Manager, and work closely with the DE team, as well as other colleagues in the RVP Front Office.

Note: This vacancy announcement is for two positions.

Duties & Responsibilities:
• Reviewing operational lending packages/requests on behalf of the RVP to ensure: (i) consistency with the regional strategy and corporate operational guidelines; and (ii) that the due diligence and quality standards are met.
• Providing strategic operational support and policy guidance to Regional Management and task teams in connection with the preparation, approval, implementation, and evaluation of operational products.
• Advising Regional Management and task teams on complex operational issues, including strategic, technical and institutional aspects.
• Contribute to the region's pipeline and portfolio management efforts and contribute to background materials and briefs for Regional Management.
• Reviewing country engagement products and providing advice/support to team, particularly including on FCV aspects.
• Supporting regional results management, in particular in relation to the corporate scorecard.
• Liaising with OPCS, IEG and other corporate units on portfolio and operational quality issues.
• Monitoring of regional high risk operations and participating in the resolution of issues to manage risks and accelerate implementation.
• Preparing regular operational updates and briefs for Regional Management, as well as comments and presentations on operational policy matters.
• Carrying out learning activities on operational policies, instruments and innovations.
• Monitoring, following up and reporting on the region's achievements and compliance with corporate commitments such as Citizen Engagement, Gender, and Climate Change.

Selection Criteria
• Advanced degree (MA/MS) and a minimum of eight years of experience in a relevant field/discipline (e.g. economics, management, business administration, social sciences, technical studies, or another field related to development).
• Solid knowledge of World Bank operational policies, procedures and systems and M&E skills for both operations and country products.
• Experience from FCV context and operations would be an asset.
• Demonstrated operational experience as TTL or task team member with specific deliverables, or as quality assurance support.
• Understanding of internal systems, processes and procedures, and of the roles and responsibilities of various Bank units.
• Outstanding client orientation and inter-personal skills with proven ability to work cooperatively with multi-disciplinary country teams, all levels of staff and managers.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake a diversity of tasks within a rapidly changing and demanding environment and capacity to meet tight deadlines.
• High level of integrity and discretion, sound judgment, and diplomatic skills.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills in English, including the ability to speak and write persuasively and present ideas clearly and concisely.
• Operational experience in more than one region or corporate experience (OPCS, CRO, DFI etc.) would be a plus.

COS competencies -

https://worldbankgroup.sharepoint.com/sites/hr/Documents/Career%20Management/Professional%20Family%20Mapping

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

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.