Practice Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a unique global partnership of five institutions established with a bold vision to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, the World Bank Group plays a crucial role in addressing the world’s greatest development challenges. With 189 member countries and over 120 offices worldwide, the organization collaborates with public and private sector partners, invests in groundbreaking projects, and utilizes data, research, and technology to bring about tangible and transformative change globally. The World Bank Group is committed to fostering sustainable development and improving living standards across various regions, particularly in developing nations. For more information, visit www.worldbankgroup.com.

Job Overview:
The Practice Manager position is situated within the Digital Development (DD) Global Practice of the World Bank Group, which is instrumental in achieving the Twin goals and the Sustainable Development Goals. The DD Global Practice focuses on leveraging digital technologies to transform the lives of individuals, firms, and governments. The role entails managing the delivery of digital development programs specifically in the Latin America & Caribbean (LCR) region, which includes collaborating across technical, geographic, and institutional boundaries to design and implement development solutions tailored to a diverse range of clients. The Practice Manager will be responsible for leading business development efforts, ensuring the quality of the lending and advisory services pipeline, and aligning with the World Bank Group's regional strategies. This position requires a strategic mindset to prioritize initiatives and ensure high-impact solutions that address the pressing challenges faced by the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Practice Manager will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: leading a team to deliver on the Global Practice's strategic priorities; assuring the quality of the lending, advisory services, and analytical work in the region; collaborating with various stakeholders, including country management units and program leaders; ensuring alignment with the World Bank Group's regional strategies; providing evidence-based analytical insights to inform decision-making; managing a balanced portfolio of innovative products and services; fostering partnerships with other Global Practices, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) to address complex development challenges; modeling exemplary leadership values and supervisory behaviors; mentoring staff and ensuring their professional development; responding to global and regional challenges in the digital development sector; and establishing funding priorities while managing resources effectively to maximize client impact.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's or PhD degree in economics, public policy, private sector development, technology, telecom engineering, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience in progressively complex roles is required. Experience in the telecommunications sector, digital consultancies, or telecom regulators is particularly advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate excellent operational skills in policy lending and possess strong leadership and supervisory capabilities, with a proven track record of managing multi-location and virtual teams. A solid understanding of digital development areas and the ability to influence policy dialogue are also essential qualifications for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's or PhD degree in relevant fields such as economics, public policy, private sector development, technology, or telecom engineering. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of digital development and the economic factors influencing the region's growth and job creation.

Experience:
The position requires at least 12 years of relevant experience, with a focus on roles that have increased in complexity and responsibility over time. Candidates should have experience working in various regions or a combination of regional and corporate assignments. A background in telecommunications, digital consulting, or regulatory environments is highly desirable, as is experience in leading complex policy dialogues and managing diverse teams.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Spanish is mandatory for this position, as strong written and oral communication skills in both languages are essential for engaging with stakeholders, media, and expert groups. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a term duration of 4 years. It involves international recruitment, and while the primary location is Washington, DC, alternative locations in the Latin America and Caribbean region may be considered based on business needs and management approval. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a retirement plan, medical, life, and disability insurance, paid leave, and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees.