Director – Regional Programs (covering AFE and AFW)

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, established as a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to boosting growth and creating jobs. With 189 member countries and over 120 offices worldwide, the organization focuses on investing in groundbreaking projects and utilizing data, research, and technology to address urgent global challenges. The World Bank aims to reduce poverty and enhance shared prosperity through sustainable development initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Director of Regional Programs will oversee the strategic direction and regional priorities for the Africa regions (AFE and AFW), working collaboratively with various leadership teams within the World Bank Group. This role involves managing flagship platforms such as M300, AgriConnect, and Universal Health Care, which are corporate priorities. The Director will be responsible for bringing best-in-class development knowledge to address issues facing African countries, collaborating with regional Chief Economists and Practice Directors to inform policy dialogue and operations. The position requires a strong focus on delivering impactful regional projects funded by IDA/IBRD resources and managing the implementation of the regional project portfolio. The Director will also facilitate cooperation among countries through formal structures and platforms, ensuring alignment with the World Bank Group's strategic direction and priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director, Regional Programs will be responsible for managing the overall strategic direction and regional priorities for AFW and AFE. Key duties include collaborating with IBRD, IDA, and IFC leadership to identify strategic priorities for regional development challenges, overseeing engagements with global and regional organizations, ensuring alignment of regional programs with country operations, and managing the quality of the project portfolio. The Director will also improve systems for impact reporting, lead regional tasks, and coordinate with MENAAP on strategic issues. Responsibilities extend to leading the team to deliver on strategic priorities, ensuring high-quality results, managing the department's budget, and engaging in knowledge management to support the implementation of the VPUs' strategy.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate a passion for the World Bank Group's mission, possess a PhD or Master's degree in a relevant field, and typically have 15 or more years of relevant experience in progressively complex roles. Prior experience in achieving results across multiple regions, strong engagement abilities across various sectors, and solid knowledge of Bank operations and policies are essential. Experience in the Africa Region is desired, along with demonstrated leadership values and the ability to manage complex work programs and change initiatives effectively. Strong written and oral communication skills are also required.

Educational Background:
A PhD or Master's degree in a relevant field is required for this position. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in development, economics, public policy, or a related discipline that aligns with the responsibilities of the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience, with a proven track record of managing complex projects and programs. Experience in leadership roles within international organizations, particularly in the context of development in Africa, is highly desirable. The ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and manage large teams across multiple sectors is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English. Proficiency in French is preferred, as it will enhance communication and collaboration within the regions covered by the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is an international recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 4 years. The selected candidate will be based within the Africa region or Washington D.C., with the exact location to be determined later. The role is full-time and involves significant responsibilities in managing regional programs and engaging with various stakeholders to achieve developmental goals. The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave.