Senior Private Sector Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank is a global development cooperative established to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries. Founded in 1944, it is owned by 189 member countries and is the largest development bank in the world. The organization aims to reduce poverty and support development by providing loans, guarantees, risk management products, and advisory services. The World Bank operates in over 100 countries, focusing on various sectors including education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure. Its mission is to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity, particularly in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, where it has a significant presence and a growing portfolio of projects.

Job Overview:
The Senior Private Sector Specialist position at the World Bank involves leading initiatives aimed at enhancing private sector development in Liberia. The role is critical in addressing the challenges faced by the private sector, including improving the business environment, supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and fostering entrepreneurship. The specialist will also engage in financial sector development, focusing on financial inclusion and climate finance. This position requires a strategic approach to coordinate the Finance, Competitiveness, and Investment (FCI) portfolio, ensuring that operations align with the World Bank's mission to support job creation and economic growth in Liberia. The selected candidate will work closely with various stakeholders, including government counterparts, to implement high-quality advisory and analytical work, and will be responsible for leading discussions and collaborations with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and donor communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Senior Private Sector Specialist include leading the FCI dialogue in Liberia, focusing on private sector development and financial sector issues. Responsibilities include supporting counterparts on firm-level productivity, business environment improvements, and value chain development. The specialist will prepare inputs for strategic documents and manage the implementation of the investment portfolio, ensuring quality and impact across projects. The role also involves developing and implementing high-quality analytical and advisory work, leading policy dissemination events, and collaborating with the IFC on joint analytics and advisory projects. Additionally, the specialist will facilitate partnerships with the donor community and participate in meetings with key stakeholders, while also taking on other tasks as requested by the Practice Manager.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in finance, business, management, economics, or a related discipline, with a minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience. A PhD is advantageous, particularly for those with experience in the private financial sector. Candidates should have broad-based technical experience, including knowledge of housing finance, payments systems, and capital markets. A strong track record of delivering high-quality analytical and advisory work is essential, along with substantial experience in leading operations and client dialogue in fragile and conflict-affected (FCV) or International Development Association (IDA) countries. Proven ability to conceptualize, design, and implement major projects, as well as to produce complex reports or studies, is required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in a relevant field such as finance, business, management, or economics. A PhD is considered an advantage, especially for candidates with experience in the private financial sector. The role demands a strong academic foundation to support the analytical and strategic aspects of the job.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience, with a strong preference for candidates who have led complex tasks and multi-country regional engagements. Experience in fragile and conflict-affected countries, as well as a proven ability to lead teams and manage significant projects, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate a history of successful client engagement and operational leadership.

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

Additional Notes:
This position is an international recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 4 years. The role is full-time and involves working in a dynamic and diverse team environment. The World Bank offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan, medical and life insurance, paid leave, and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates.