These major challenges and crises re-emphasize the critical importance of ECA’s medium-term strategic agenda. To reach the World Bank Group’s twin goals, the ECA region’s strategy focuses on (i) boosting human capital – addressing inclusion, resilience, quality of delivery, and next generation of Human Capital challenges, (ii) enabling markets – supporting the private sector to compete in a knowledge-intensive global economy, (iii) green transition - innovative knowledge and financing engagements to decarbonize, build resilience and support a just transition through policy engagements, investments, and (iv) building & strengthening institutions - supporting the quality of spending, improve debt management, and enhance service delivery.
Duties and Accountabilities:
IECDR seeks to recruit a Senior Infrastructure Specialist/ Senior Economist to join the ECA Infrastructure Regional Director’s front office, which includes Energy, Transport, Urban Development, Disaster Risk Management, as well as Land Administration, in close collaboration with Extractives, Digital Development, and Infrastructure Finance, Public Private Partnerships and Guarantees. There is also an increasing emphasis to work closely with IFC and MIGA to deliver integrated solutions to clients. Key responsibilities include:
The duties of the candidate will include the following:
Provide proactive input and support to the Regional Director on infrastructure strategy, infrastructure financing, operational matters and other issues.
Support the Regional Director, Practice Managers and Operational teams in operationalizing WBG financing solutions across energy, transport and/or urban, disaster risk management and land administration in Europe and Central Asia.
Support the development and implementation of strategic initiatives undertaken within IECDR, in priority areas including Private Capital Mobilization, Global Challenge Programs and its multi-phase approaches, regional institutions and MDB coordination.
Liaise with infrastructure program leaders in the development of country level infrastructure programs responsive to client demand; and contribute to the development and reviews of country partnership frameworks, country climate development reports, structured financing products and innovative approaches to achieve scale and impact.
Assist the Regional Director and PMs in developing strong partnerships with organizations including the EU Commission, IFIs and regional organizations with a view to leveraging climate financing, structured finance and private capital for infrastructure engagements in Europe and Central Asia.
Lead and contribute to analytical work of projects and programs to inform policy advice and the selection and design of WBG instruments.
Coordinate the design and implementation of the IECDR skill-up/training programs; with a focus on retooling and reskilling the practice group; and contribute to the Knowledge Academies.
Selection Criteria:
Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) degree in economics, infrastructure planning/economics, finance, public policy, or equivalent areas relevant for infrastructure development.
At least 8 years of combined experience in the World Bank, IFC or MIGA; other international institutions and/or companies, government agencies, and/or utilities with demonstrated track record of successful engagement with complex analytics/ policy advisory and investments in infrastructure such as energy, transport, urban development, disaster risk management or land administration.
Demonstrated understanding of decarbonization and resilience priorities, infrastructure policies, technologies or strategies, private sector participation, and institutional development needed to support development and for the success of project and analytic work.
Demonstrated leadership in teamwork and inclusion to support collaboration and working across boundaries, and ensuring diverse talent and capability is mobilized across Infrastructure Global Practices.
Experience leading and/or playing key roles in policy dialogue with clients and stakeholders; proven ability to work across practice and disciplinary boundaries as well as with multiple stakeholders to build collaborative alliances for results.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English with strong presentation skills and ability to synthesize analyze and present materials effectively and tailored to different audiences. Excellent communications skills, specifically in writing briefs, reports and preparing power point presentations.
Demonstrated strong analytical research and organizational skills, ability to see the big picture as well as attention to detail and ability to prioritize work among multiple competing demands and tight deadlines.
High degree of initiative, problem-solving skills, flexibility and ability to work independently.
Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to build strong partnerships with clients, different stakeholders and colleagues across units and departmental boundaries in a multi-cultural environment with virtual teams located in different countries.
