Senior Mining Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group (WBG) is a global organization that aims to address the world's most pressing development challenges. Established to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries, the WBG operates in 145 countries with over 182 offices worldwide. The organization focuses on various sectors, including infrastructure, health, education, and environmental sustainability, with a mission to reduce poverty and promote shared prosperity. The WBG employs a diverse workforce that collaborates across cultures and disciplines to create scalable solutions that improve lives and foster economic growth.

Job Overview:
The Senior Mining Specialist will play a pivotal role in the World Bank's operations in the metals and minerals sector, particularly in Guinea and the broader West African region. This position involves leading dialogues with the Government of Guinea and other stakeholders to develop a new WBG-Guinea country compact, focusing on policy and regulatory reforms, investment origination, and enhancing the minerals value chain. The specialist will supervise significant projects, such as the Guinea Natural Resources, Mining and Environmental Management Project, which has a financing component of up to US$40 million dedicated to mining sector development. The role requires collaboration with various teams within the WBG and external partners to implement initiatives that align with the WBG's broader mining and infrastructure agenda, ensuring sustainable and inclusive economic development in mineral-rich countries.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The selected candidate will be responsible for leading the dialogue on the mining sector in Guinea, maintaining relationships with government and sector stakeholders, and overseeing the development of a comprehensive sector assistance strategy. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the preparation of a WBG-Guinea country compact, focusing on policy and regulatory reform.
• Providing cross-support to WBG teams on mineral development initiatives.
• Supervising the Guinea Natural Resources project, ensuring effective governance and economic integration.
• Partnering with industry, government, NGOs, and regional institutions to implement mining and infrastructure initiatives.
• Advising governments on policy frameworks for mineral development and governance.
• Leading technical discussions on institutional development, regulatory reform, and environmental considerations.
• Monitoring ongoing initiatives related to ESG standards and advising on best practices.
• Participating in policy dialogue and reform processes in the mining sector.
• Conducting analytical work to inform strategic planning in key mining regions. 1
• Developing investment-related platforms in collaboration with national and regional partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of a master’s degree or higher in mining, engineering, geology, public policy, economics, management, or a related discipline. Additionally, a minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience is required, with significant exposure to mining sector policy, regulation, and institutional reform. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of mineral regulatory frameworks, governance, and environmental protection. Proven problem-solving skills and the ability to manage complex projects are essential, along with the capacity to build effective working relationships across diverse constituencies.

Educational Background:
The position requires a minimum of a master’s degree or higher in relevant fields such as mining, engineering, geology, public policy, economics, or management. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of the mining sector and for providing informed policy and technical advice to governments and stakeholders.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 8 years of relevant professional experience, ideally with a focus on the mining sector in Africa. Experience in large-scale mining investments and transactions, as well as a track record of working with government and industry stakeholders, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the West African region and its specific challenges and opportunities in mining is a plus.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French is mandatory for this position, as the role involves extensive communication with government officials and stakeholders in Guinea and the broader region. Excellent writing skills in English are also required, and candidates may be asked to provide a writing sample following interviews. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region would be advantageous but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an Open-Ended Staff (OPEN-OP) role, indicating a long-term commitment to the successful candidate. The recruitment is international, allowing for a diverse pool of applicants. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including retirement plans, 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 regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or other characteristics.