Senior Financial Sector Specialist

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Description

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The World Bank Group’s Finance, Competitiveness & Innovation Global Practice (FCI) combines expertise in the financial sector with expertise in private sector development to foster private-sector led growth and help create markets in client countries. Through this work, FCI strengthens the World Bank Group’s evolving approach to development finance: to maximize finance for development and to leverage private sector investments for sustainable and inclusive growth.

Globally, FCI leads the institution’s dialogue on financial sector policies and private sector development, as well as engagement with various standard-setting bodies, such as the G20, Financial Stability Board, the UN, etc.

Long Term Finance Unit Overview

The World Bank Group’s Long-Term Finance (ENFLT) Global Solutions Team helps countries design and implement: i) targeted policy and regulatory interventions to create an environment conducive for long term investments, and ii) tailored, country-specific, innovative financial instruments and capital markets solutions to close their financing gaps. The LTF team also plays a key role in international regulatory discussions through the G20 and the Financial Stability Board, and through standard setting bodies such as the International Organization of Securities Commissions, and the International Association of Insurance Supervisors. We work on the linkages between strategic sectors of the real economy – infrastructure, housing and agriculture – and the financial sector, specifically through developing capital markets and increasing the supply of institutional investors’ assets (primarily pensions & insurance) to safely fund long-term investments.

The Long-Term Finance team is looking for a Senior Financial Sector Specialist (GG level) to strengthen and support implementation of the Unit’s financial sector lending and knowledge work program in support of the real economy sectors listed above, particularly housing finance.  The position is based in Washington, DC, and involves frequent travel.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Within the focus sectors above, the Senior Financial Sector Specialist will undertake the following duties and responsibilities:

• Provide assistance to the regional teams in designing and implementing projects by providing support to lending and guarantee projects, leading advisory and technical assistance initiatives, monitoring analytical sector work;
• Cooperate with other WBG units (including IFC, and GP URL on land and housing supply) as well as with other international donors, specialized agencies and professional associations.
• Provide support and assistance where needed on issues of market policy, regulation and supervision, capacity building of policy makers and market regulators, and financial crisis management;
• Provide global advice to Bank staff in terms of integrating worldwide industry changes, sharing best practices, drafting policy reports and research papers, participating in knowledge management initiatives; 
• Provide support in the implementation and development of capital market solutions for housing finance, including supporting establishment of capital market instruments and solutions or financial structures such as funding vehicles, mortgage refinance companies, REITS or securitization structures;
• The role would have a specific function to develop the global unit’s knowledge base on green finance products and application within World Bank projects for the sectors of focus. This would involve interacting with internal and external bodies and providing leadership and guidance on the topic.
• Advise regional units and governments with respect to: (i) development of accessible and sound housing finance systems based on adequate market infrastructure, legal and prudential framework, proper funding and risk management tools; (iii) targeted policy instruments to support affordable housing.
• Other duties and tasks as might be specified by the EFNLT Practice Manager. 

Selection Criteria:

This job requires a seasoned Financial Sector professional who has strong technical and operational skills. He/she will have demonstrated ability to contribute to teams effectively and deliver results on the ground.

• Master’s degree plus 8 years work experience in finance, economics or related discipline; 
• International experience in housing finance including in emerging economies;
• Strong operational experience and familiarity with Bank operational policies and projects would be a strong plus; prior relevant public/government or private sector work experience would also be a plus;
• Recognized expertise in affordable housing finance for informal and lower income households (smart subsidies, risk sharing instruments, rental finance, etc); 
• Preferred experience as well on land, urban planning, and construction sector; 
• Advance analytical and synthesis skills;
• Capacity to propose and implement policy recommendations, via demonstrated track record to operate at a senior level and engage with high-level public officials and private sector stakeholders; 
• Capacity to inspire trust among colleagues and clients;
• Strong interpersonal, cross-cultural and team player skills, yet with a capacity to work effectively on an independent basis, 
• Demonstrated capacity to prioritize decisions for operational results; 
• Effective communication skills (both oral and written)
• Mandatory English fluency; French and Spanish proficiency would also be an advantage; 
• Ability to coach/mentor more junior staff
• Willingness to travel.

Source: https://worldbankgroup.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=21759&site=1

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