Practice Manager, HNP

Practice Manager, HNP

Description

Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. 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, increasing shared prosperity and promoting sustainable development. 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

As the leading development financier for more than 75 years, the World Bank has made major contributions to poverty reduction and economic development around the world, through its five institutions: The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA); the International Finance Corporation (IFC); the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA); and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).

The World Bank (WB) is embarked on an ambitious transformation agenda in order to meet the challenges of new times. We have a new vision to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet
and a new mission to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet. To achieve this at a time when multiple, intertwined crises threaten the vision and mission, the management and staff of the Bank must stand ready to do what is needed to drive impactful development that is inclusive, resilient to shocks and sustainable.

Health, Nutrition and Population (HNP) Global Practice Context

The HNP Global Practice includes staff members in Washington, DC and many country offices, who work with and across multiple sectors in recognition of the fact that HNP outcomes often depend on actions that lie outside the sector. The HNP Global Practice supports country and regional efforts to: (i) improve health outcomes, especially for the poor and most vulnerable; (ii) expand access to high-quality HNP services, interventions and technologies that give the most value for money; (iii) strengthen health systems for results; (iv) establish and improve health financing mechanisms that promote efficiency, equity and sustainability of investments; (v) strengthen heath-relevant institutions within and outside the health sector; (vi) harness multisectoral policies and investments for better health outcomes; and (vii) develop and learn from rigorous impact evaluations.

The Africa context

The AFW HD team serves 22 client countries in the West and Central Africa Region. Clients range from low-income countries, many of which are fragile and conflict-affected states, to a small but growing number of middle-income countries (LMICs) that have weak human development indicators. Inequalities persist in most countries, with most of the population living in poverty.

The selected candidate will report to the Regional Director, HD, in AFW and be an active member of the leadership teams of the HNP Global Practice and AFW HD, as well as the AFW Regional Management Team (RMT). The Practice Manager will cover three Country Management Units: Senegal (also covering Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, The Gambia); Cte dIvoire (also covering Benin, Guinea, Togo); and Mali (also covering Burkina Faso, Chad and Niger).

While serving in the role of PM, the staff will be co-located with the CD in Abidjan, Cte dIvoire or another AFW Country Office, in agreement with the regional management.

Roles and Responsibilities

The PM is responsible for the following areas:

Solutions and Results to Clients:

The PM would
Lead the AFW HNP team as a seamless and coherent program, working closely with the other HNP PM in the region; provide strategic leadership of cross-cutting HD issues and responsible for delivery of the Africa Human Capital Plan as part of the HD Africa Leadership Team;
Lead the team to deliver the key strategic priorities and, in collaboration with Country Directors, ensure alignment with the WB renewed vision and mission;
Draw on thought leadership and implementation know-how to ensure high impact multi-sectoral solutions;
Build and maintain a balanced portfolio of innovative, cost-effective and demand-driven products and services;
Work in partnership with public and private stakeholders at country, regional and global levels to find tailored and holistic solutions to complex development challenges;
Be accountable for delivering high-quality and timely results.

People/Talent Management:
Model exemplary WB leadership values and managerial behaviors, and build and reinforce these qualities in own team and staff;
Drive and inspire technical excellence within the team and the GP by creating an environment of learning and innovation that attracts and develops the best talent reflective of the diversity of our clients;
Closely support and advise staff on their performance, skills development and career planning
Support GP management in developing and implementing appropriate strategies for global staffing, deployment, talent and performance management.

Knowledge Management:
Ensure that the GP is at the forefront of the development debate and contributes to the global dialogue in the area of expertise of the GP
Ensure timely flow and capture of knowledge and expertise so that clients receive the highest quality support and knowledge they need, when and where they need it
Promote innovative and cross-cutting research, as well as the dissemination of technical and experiential knowledge and learning
Instill a culture of evidence-based, yet client tailored engagement for highest development impact.
Resource Management:
In consultation with relevant units within the WB, decide on the best use of internal and external resources for maximum client and developmental impact;
Deliver the agreed upon work program through cost-effective use of resources (human and budget) within the agreed parameters and in compliance with internal controls and policies, and ensure timely delivery and overall quality of the GPs outputs;
Communication: Develop and represent of GP and Practice Group brand and articulate the role of HNP in the Human Capital Project; effectively communicate with various audiences, including key stakeholders, clients, beneficiaries, general public, internal and external partners.

Selection Criteria

Masters or PhD degree in relevant field
12-15 years of relevant experience in positions of increasing complexity and responsibility.
Excellent operational skills covering policy lending, IPF and ability to lead complex policy dialogue.
Excellent leadership and supervisory skills with established track record managing multi-location and virtual teams.
Strong operational and development experience and track record, including experience in more than one Global Practice/VPU (including IBRD, MIGA, and IFC), and in more than one world region of those relevant to these positions.
Technical knowledge and experience in one or more of the areas described above is desirable, though solid managerial and influencing skills are at a premium for these positions.
Demonstrated in-depth experience and track record of results and successfully working across practices, disciplinary and institutional boundaries.
Ability to influence dialogue and policy and its use in other sectors without direct control or authority.
Strong sense of strategy, including ability to prioritize and exit some activities; track record in streamlining and rationalizing product offerings.
Good partnership experience, including involving multiple stakeholders both public and private in building collaborative alliances for results.
Experience in applying practice know-how and effective policy dialogue to achieve development results.
Strong written and oral communication skills with proven experience in dealing with the media, external constituencies and expert groups.

WB 5 Managerial Competencies: Courage of your convictions; Leading Teams for impact; Influencing across boundaries; Fostering openness to new ideas; and Building talent for the future WB Core Competencies for all staff: Client orientation; Drive for results; Teamwork of collaboration and inclusion; Knowledge, learning and communication; and Business judgment and analytical decision-making.

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.

Learn more about working at theWorld BankandIFC, including our values and inspiring stories.