Senior Programming Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank is a global international financial institution that provides loans and grants to the governments of poorer countries for the purpose of pursuing capital projects. Established in 1944, the World Bank's mission is to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity. It operates in over 100 countries and employs approximately 10,000 staff members from diverse backgrounds. The organization focuses on various sectors including education, health, infrastructure, and climate change, aiming to improve living standards and foster sustainable development.

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 at the World Bank. This position is pivotal in ensuring the effective implementation of programming modalities and instruments, particularly during the start-up phase of the Fund. 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 partner countries and access entities, to ensure that programming is country-led and owned. The Specialist will also engage in global dialogues and represent the Fund in various forums, making this position integral to the success of the FRLD's mission to assist developing countries vulnerable to climate change impacts.

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 assessment reports prepared for submission to the Board, ensuring consistency with assessment methodologies. Monitor the implementation status of the approved portfolio and report on key findings. Develop internal standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidelines.
• Policies and Systems: Lead the development of long-term modalities and instruments for the Fund, ensuring lessons learned from the start-up phase are incorporated. Conduct internal trainings on operationalizing adopted modalities and policies. Liaise with other teams to ensure coherence in programming.
• Country Engagement: Support the Program Manager in engaging with partner countries and access entities, ensuring that programming is bottom-up and country-owned.
• Board Meeting and Consultations: Prepare materials for Board meetings and consultations, ensuring timely delivery of programming-related documents. Coordinate with the Senior Governance Specialist for drafting decision texts required for Board meetings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, environmental studies, or a related field, with a preference for a focus on loss and damage, climate change adaptation, or disaster risk management. A minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience in programming and operations is required, particularly in international or regional institutions, UN agencies, or multilateral climate funds. Candidates should have expert knowledge of loss and damage and climate change, along with a proven track record in drafting complex technical papers and quality assurance. Experience in pipeline and portfolio management, as well as working with international financial institutions, is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, environmental studies, or a related field is required. Candidates with a focus on loss and damage, climate change adaptation, or disaster risk management will be preferred. The educational background should provide a strong foundation in the principles of international development and environmental policy.

Experience:
The position requires at least 8 years of relevant professional experience in programming and operations. This experience should include work in international or regional institutions, UN agencies, or multilateral climate funds. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in designing and reviewing proposals for funding, implementing projects, and managing budget support operations. Experience working in developing countries across multiple regions is preferred, as is familiarity with the operations of international financial institutions.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English. Proficiency in one or more UN languages beyond English, such as French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, or Chinese, is considered an asset and is highly desirable for effective communication in a diverse work environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the GG grade and is part of an international recruitment effort. The term duration for this role is 2 years, with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs. 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, identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.