Senior Programming Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank is a vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world. Established in 1944, the organization aims to reduce poverty and support development by providing loans, grants, and expert advice. The World Bank operates in over 100 countries and employs approximately 10,000 staff members. Its mission is to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity, focusing on sustainable development and climate change initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Senior Programming Specialist will play a crucial role within the Programming and Country Engagement (PACE) division of the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) Secretariat. This position is pivotal in ensuring the effective implementation of programming modalities and instruments, particularly during the start-up phase known as the Barbados Implementation Modalities (BIM). The specialist will be responsible for managing the pipeline and portfolio of funding requests, ensuring quality assurance in reviews, and developing frameworks for the long-term operations of the Fund. The role requires close collaboration with various stakeholders, including countries and access entities, to facilitate coherent and effective programming that aligns with the Fund's objectives. The Senior Programming Specialist will report directly to the Program Manager and will be expected to contribute to the overall strategic direction of the PACE team.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Senior Programming Specialist include:

• Pipeline and Portfolio Management: Coordinate the completeness check, conformity review, and technical review of funding requests submitted to the FRLD. Conduct quality assurance reviews of the Secretariat assessment reports prepared for submission to the Board, ensuring consistency and full alignment with the assessment methodology and guidelines. Monitor the implementation status and progress of the approved portfolio, consolidating key findings and issues identified. Assess the effectiveness and operational rigor in the execution of Fund modalities and regularly report to the Program Manager on the status. Monitor internal timelines and deadlines for all key areas of work and regularly monitor the status of risk mitigation measures at the portfolio level, escalating key issues to the Program Manager as needed. Develop internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), guidelines, and manuals, coordinating with other teams in the Secretariat where relevant.
• Policies and Systems: Lead the development of the long-term modalities and instruments of the Fund, including drafting Board papers and ensuring lessons learned from the BIM are incorporated into the design of the long-term model. Quality assure all documents before approval by the Program Manager, ensuring high quality and technical rigor and full alignment with the Governing Instrument and decisions of the Board. Conduct regular internal trainings on operationalizing the modalities, instruments, and policies adopted by the Board. Liaise with other teams in the Secretariat to ensure coherence, providing programming-related inputs where required. Serve as the PACE focal point for the development of knowledge and communication products, collaborating with KMEL and RMCP teams. Support the Program Manager in developing key performance metrics and provide regular updates on the status to the Program Manager. Conduct ad hoc assignments as tasked by the Program Manager.
• Country Engagement: Support the Program Manager in engaging with partner countries and access entities to support bottom-up, country-led, and country-owned programming. Lead the preparations for the Program Manager’s external engagements in representing FRLD, including preparing briefing notes, talking points, and presentation slides.
• Board Meeting and Consultations: Support the Program Manager with preparations for Board meetings, ensuring programming and country engagement-related Board papers are delivered in a timely manner. Lead the preparations for consultations with the Board and Observers, delivering high-quality presentation materials, talking points, and summaries of key issues. Coordinate with the Senior Governance Specialist to support the drafting of decision text required for Board meetings.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Senior Programming Specialist position should possess a strong background in climate finance, development programming, or a related field. They should have demonstrated experience in managing complex projects and programs, particularly in the context of international development and climate change. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders are essential. The candidate should also have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively convey complex information to various audiences. Familiarity with the UNFCCC processes and climate finance mechanisms will be an advantage.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as international relations, environmental science, public policy, or economics is required for this position. A PhD or equivalent advanced degree would be considered an asset. The educational background should reflect a strong understanding of climate change issues, development finance, and policy analysis.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5-7 years of relevant professional experience in programming, project management, or policy development within the context of climate change and development finance. Experience working with international organizations, governments, or NGOs in a similar capacity will be highly regarded. Proven track record in managing funding cycles and engaging with stakeholders at various levels is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages, particularly French or Spanish, would be considered a strong asset, as it would facilitate engagement with a broader range of countries and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role based in Washington DC. The contract duration is initially for four years, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The World Bank is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience, and the position may offer additional benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.