WBG Director, Farming and Agribusiness

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group (WBG) is a unique global partnership of five institutions established with the mission to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. Founded in 1944, the WBG has grown to include 189 member countries and operates more than 120 offices worldwide. The organization is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, focusing on solving the world’s greatest development challenges through partnerships with public and private sectors, investing in groundbreaking projects, and leveraging data, research, and technology to drive transformative change globally. For more information, visit www.worldbankgroup.com.

Job Overview:
The WBG Director for Farming and Agribusiness will play a pivotal role in leading a diverse and multidisciplinary team within the Planet Vice Presidency. This position is responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction to the Farming and Agribusiness department, ensuring the delivery of thought leadership and impactful solutions for public and private sector clients. The Director will be accountable for mobilizing resources, driving organizational change, and fostering collaboration across various sectors to unlock private sector financing and achieve significant developmental outcomes. The role requires a deep understanding of food systems transformation and the ability to engage with senior-level stakeholders to influence policy and drive results.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The WBG Director for Farming and Agribusiness will lead a team of 75 staff and 2 managers, reporting directly to the WBG Vice President, Planet. Key responsibilities include:

• Providing vision and direction for the department, ensuring alignment between policy and operational teams.
• Leading the development of sector strategies and mobilizing private finance for clients.
• Supporting project development across regions and overseeing the delivery of high-quality advisory services.
• Fostering partnerships with public and private sector stakeholders to enhance solution delivery.
• Engaging in global advocacy efforts and positioning the WBG as a thought leader in agriculture and agribusiness.
• Managing knowledge dissemination and ensuring the implementation of access to information policies.
• Leading talent management and development initiatives within the team, promoting a culture of collaboration and ethical leadership.
• Overseeing the department’s budget and ensuring compliance with internal policies and risk management frameworks.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in agriculture, development economics, business, or a related field, along with a minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in relevant positions. They should be recognized leaders in food systems transformation and agribusiness, with a proven track record of delivering impactful development outcomes. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated ability to engage with senior government and private sector leaders, represent the institution in high-level discussions, and possess significant field-based experience in client countries. Additionally, candidates should have experience managing complex portfolios and building effective teams.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in agriculture, development economics, business, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure the candidate has the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of food systems and agribusiness effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of experience in roles of increasing responsibility and complexity, particularly in the fields of agriculture, agribusiness, and food systems transformation. Candidates should have significant field-based experience working in client countries and familiarity with WBG operations and policies or comparable areas in other international financial institutions.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English. Proficiency in additional languages would be considered advantageous but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a term duration of 4 years. It involves international recruitment, indicating that candidates from various countries are encouraged to apply. 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 applicants.