Social Protection Specialist

The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges.

Duties and Accountabilities

The successful candidate will support the World Bank’s engagement in the design and implementation of the SPJ program in Guinea, as a key member of the team, based in Guinea. The successful candidate would focus on the effective implementation of the ongoing projects and analytical and technical assistance work, while working to broaden the engagement with clients and development partners in-country.  Prior experience or readiness to work in low-income settings will be essential.

Major responsibilities include:

  • Support Task Team Leaders /Co-Task Team Leaders with implementation support for operations currently under implementation and with preparation of new projects.
  • Carry out responsibilities for a variety of operational tasks, e.g. technical analyses, design of technical assistance interventions, participation in loan negotiations, briefings, etc.
  • Provide Technical Assistance to Government, including technical inputs and guidance to counterparts on appropriate scope, technology, costs, etc., and serve as the day-to-day interface with government counterparts on social protection operations.
  • Help shape the high-level policy dialogue on social protection, with a focus on social protection delivery system building with key sector ministries and development partners. 
  • Ensure high quality implementation support to the Government implementation team and oversight of risk management issues working with relevant safeguards experts.
  • Ensure strong coordination and teamwork within the SPJ program and liaise across Human Development and other Global Practices to support joint programming and analytical activities to strengthen program delivery in both countries.
  • Serve as a core member of the Guinea Country Team, providing inputs into strategic country work and liaising closely with the CMU.

Selection Criteria

  • Minimum of MSc degree in Development, Economics, Social Sciences, Public Policy, or relevant discipline with at least 5 years of relevant work experience in social assistance or other human development interventions and programs that promote the income-generating capacity of poor households and their resilience.
  • Demonstrated experience with operations and key aspects of program management and with operational implementation of development programs in the field. Experience with large scale, multi-sectoral programming and multiple partners, including within low capacity environments is an asset.
  • Strong operational track record in delivering results in challenging and low-capacity contexts, including program monitoring & evaluation. 
  • Demonstrated strong understanding of issues related to social protection policy and preferably adaptive social protection. Understanding of relevant cross-sectoral areas connecting across Human Development and other sectors and how they are interrelated; ability to undertake issues and assist in building systems and institutional linkages to promote effective delivery.
  • Strong analytical skills and proven ability to conduct and oversee policy-relevant research, translate theory into practical applications, and adapt professional knowledge and technical skills to analyze, diagnose and propose solutions to policy issues and challenges. 
  • Ability to convey analysis in easily communicable and compelling fashion, and on often short turnaround times. Demonstrated ability to capture knowledge and communicate main messages in knowledge briefs and policy notes, as well as power point presentations for high level audiences.
  • Fluency in French and English (written and verbal) is required. 
  • Ability to maintain client relationships in the face of conflicting demands or directions and provides evidence-based advice and solutions based on sound diagnosis and knowledge. 
  • Evidence of strong interpersonal skills, judgement and with proven ability to work in a team and intercultural environment, with minimal supervision.
  • Proven track record of multi-tasking, managing competing demands and effectively time-manage tasks.

Source: https://worldbankgroup.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=19129&site=1