Senior Governance Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group (WBG) is a global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting sustainable development. Established in 1944, the WBG has grown to include 189 member countries and operates in over 120 offices worldwide. The organization focuses on providing funding and knowledge to developing countries, helping them tackle their most pressing development challenges. The WBG's mission is to boost prosperity on a livable planet and to support countries in building capable, efficient, open, inclusive, and accountable institutions.

Job Overview:
The Senior Governance Specialist will play a crucial role within the ECA Governance Practice and the Centre for Financial and Sustainability Reporting Reform (CFRR). This position involves overseeing and reporting on CFRR’s corporate and public sector financial and sustainability reporting and governance work program. The specialist will coordinate with various stakeholders, including standard-setting bodies, to develop and implement the work program effectively. The role requires leading analytical and advisory work on accounting and auditing education issues, translating technical issues into practical applications for clients in the ECA region. The specialist will also provide training and mentoring to less experienced staff, promote knowledge exchange, and contribute to financial management fiduciary support for World Bank projects. This position is integral to enhancing the capacity of institutions in the region and ensuring that they can meet international standards in financial reporting and governance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Governance Specialist will be responsible for the following duties:

• Develop, oversee, and report on CFRR’s corporate and public sector financial and sustainability reporting and governance work program.
• Coordinate the development and implementation of the work program with internal and external stakeholders, including standard-setting bodies.
• Identify and develop opportunities for country engagement, building and sustaining key stakeholder relationships, and assisting stakeholders in establishing priorities.
• Lead analytical and advisory work on accounting and auditing professional and continuing education issues in both corporate and public sectors as task team leader, technical specialist, and team member as required.
• Lead, guide, and participate in research and knowledge products that translate technical issues and cross-country experience into practical applications for ECA clients.
• Coordinate accounting and auditing professional and continuing education activities at the regional and country level with Governance Practice and other World Bank practices and IFC teams.
• Provide on-the-job training and mentoring to less experienced staff to build a team familiar with international or regional education standards.
• Promote knowledge exchange on professional and continuing education related to corporate and public sector financial and sustainability reporting issues across the ECA region.
• Undertake financial management fiduciary support for World Bank projects as required. 1
• Contribute to briefing materials, policy and institutional assessments, country program products, and other on-demand outputs.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a relevant field such as finance, business administration, economics, or public policy. Additionally, a professional accountancy qualification and membership (CPA, CA, ACCA, or equivalent) from an internationally recognized professional accountancy or audit body is mandatory. Candidates should have at least eight years of relevant professional experience in public sector and/or corporate financial sector reporting, auditing, accounting policy, and institutional development. Extensive experience in institutional development and professional education in the public or corporate sector is also required. Candidates must possess in-depth knowledge of international and EU financial and sustainability reporting frameworks and standards, as well as international education standards for professional accountants.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree or Ph.D. in finance, business administration, economics, public policy, or a related field. A professional accountancy qualification and membership from an internationally recognized professional accountancy or audit body is also required, ensuring that candidates have the necessary academic and professional credentials to perform effectively in this role.

Experience:
The role requires at least eight years of relevant professional experience in public sector and/or corporate financial sector reporting, auditing, accounting policy, and institutional development. Candidates should have extensive experience in institutional development and professional education in the public or corporate sector, demonstrating a strong background in these areas.

Languages:
Strong written and verbal communication skills in English are required, along with proficiency in Russian as a preferred language. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication with stakeholders and for the successful execution of the role's responsibilities.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of three years. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The role is designed to empower individuals to act and hold each other accountable for results, fostering a culture of urgency and thoughtful risk-taking.