Internship | Job Vacancies at World Bank Group

E T Consultant (2 Posts) at World Bank Group

E T Consultant

• Job ID: req35263
• Organization:
• Sector: Finance & Accounting
• Grade: EC1
• Contract Duration: One (1) Year
• Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment
• Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
• Languages Required: English and French or Portuguese
• Preferred Languages: French, Portuguese
• Application Deadline: 15 January 2026 at 11:59 PM (UTC)
• Number of Positions: Two (2)

About the World Bank Group

The World Bank Group (WBG) is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. It is a global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, WBG collaborates with public and private sector partners to address critical global development challenges.

Department Overview

The Controllers Vice Presidency is responsible for financial reporting, internal control frameworks, fiduciary oversight, and disbursement operations across IBRD/IDA, IFC, MIGA, and Trust Funds. Within this structure, the Loan Clients Services (CTRCS) unit provides front-end client services, fiduciary support, and portfolio management to regional and global practice teams.

CTRCS is seeking highly motivated Extended Term Consultants (ETC) – Finance Analysts to be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Role Purpose

The Finance Analyst plays a critical role in supporting disbursement operations during project implementation. Working closely with Finance Officers and Regional Team Leaders, the role supports task teams, operational staff, and external borrowers to ensure efficient, compliant, and timely disbursement processes.

The selected candidate will report to the Regional Team Lead.

Key Responsibilities

1. Disbursement Processing

• Serve as country focal point for assigned countries on disbursement-related matters.
• Process disbursement transactions, including release of funds, in line with established policies.
• Liaise with clients to resolve exceptions or processing issues promptly.

2. Client Advisory & Engagement

• Provide advisory support to task teams, financial management specialists, procurement specialists, and legal teams.
• Utilize the AskLoans Helpdesk to manage client interactions and generate analytical insights on engagement performance.

3. Project Preparation & Restructuring

• Support preparation of low-risk Trust Funds.
• Review and process project restructuring packages as assigned.

4. Portfolio Management

• Monitor inactive Designated Accounts and support orderly loan closures.
• Coordinate with clients to ensure timely documentation or refund of account balances.
• Perform system updates and other portfolio management activities.

5. Training & Capacity Building

• Identify borrower capacity gaps through transaction and portfolio reviews.
• Deliver training to clients on World Bank systems, tools, and data platforms, including analysis of disbursement data.

6. Systems, Data & Reporting

• Support system design, enhancements, testing, and modernization initiatives.
• Develop disbursement and analytical reports, dashboards, and data visualizations using Power BI and Advanced Excel.
• Act as a liaison between business users and technical data engineering teams.

Selection Criteria

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field (required).
• Professional accounting qualification (CA, CPA, ACCA, or equivalent) preferred.
• Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related discipline is an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience in financial institutions or accounting firms is desirable.
• Big Four or equivalent public accounting experience is an advantage.
• Exposure to financial systems, AI, blockchain, or emerging technologies is a plus.

Language Proficiency

• Advanced proficiency in English and one additional language (French or Portuguese) is mandatory.
• Ability to conduct meetings and prepare professional documentation in required languages.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, and financial management.
• Familiarity with World Bank Operational Policies and disbursement procedures.
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage complex, time-sensitive tasks.

Core Competencies

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural environments.
• Client-focused mindset with strong relationship-building skills.
• Willingness to travel and work across different time zones, including US EST, as required.
• Openness to leveraging AI, blockchain, and innovative technologies in daily work.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The World Bank Group is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

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Environmental Specialist at World Bank Group 

The Position – Environmental Specialist

This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya and will focus on environmental and social risk management, including on health and safety in Kenya and Somalia.

This position will focus on implementing the World Bank’s environmental and social risk management policies (including the Safeguard Policies and the Environmental and Social Framework, or ESF) and building national systems and capacity in this regard.  All World Bank-supported investment projects must meet ambitious environmental, social, health and safety standards. SAEM2 is responsible for providing technical support and oversight into all investment projects to meet these obligations.

The Environmental Specialist will have the following key responsibilities:

• Ensure the effective integration of environment, health, and safety into the design, appraisal, and implementation of World Bank-supported projects, in line with the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), WBG EHS guidelines, IFC Performance Standards, and other good international practices.
• Oversee compliance with World Bank Group EHS guidelines, IFC Performance Standards, and other relevant frameworks.
• Guide and support clients and counterparts in preparing project documents, including Environmental and Social Commitment Plans (ESCPs), Labor management plans (LMP), Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEPs), Project Implementation Manuals (PIMs), and others to meet ESF and operational policy requirements.
• Support timely and accurate disclosure procedures and public consultation for all required environmental assessment and management instruments.
• Provide guidance on specialized plans (e.g., natural resource management, waste management, biodiversity, occupational health and safety, dam safety, international waterways).
• Organize and deliver needs assessments, capacity building, and technical training on environmental, health, and safety risk management for national agencies, local governments, and public/private sector practitioners.
• Collaborate with other World Bank teams to integrate risk management capacity development into sectoral programs.
• Work closely with the unit’s Lead Environmental and Social Specialist and the CMU ESF Coordinator to ensure quality and consistency in safeguards work and risk management across the region.

Selection Criteria

• Advanced degree (PhD or Master’s) in environmental/natural sciences or environmental/civil engineering with good technical training in related topics such as OHS, solid waste management, large scale civil engineering, pollution prevention and control, biodiversity and conservation, etc.
• Minimum 5 years of full-time, relevant professional experience in environmental management, including:
• Managing environmental, social, health, and safety risks of large infrastructure, extractive, or industrial projects;
• applying World Bank Group ESF and/or similar global sustainability frameworks including the preparation of environmental safeguard/risk management documents.
• Technical experience in the management of the environmental, social, health and safety risks of large infrastructure projects (e.g., roads, dams, irrigation, power systems, water systems) is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated project management and operational skills, including occupational health and safety management and working with contractors with varying capacity.
• Experience in capacity building for environmental, health, and safety risk management is an advantage.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; diplomatic approach and ability to work under pressure.
• Experience working in developing countries, with understanding of institutional/political context and national environmental policy challenges; experience in FCV (Fragile, Conflict, and Violence) countries is beneficial.
• Fluency in English, both oral and written (Required). Fluency in Somali added advantage.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills; ability to synthesize diverse qualitative and quantitative environmental data.
• Willingness to travel extensively, including to remote rural areas.

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Portfolio Analyst-Financial Institutions Group at International Finance Corporation (IFC) World Bank Group

Description

Build a career with impact. Working at the World Bank Group (WBG) provides a unique opportunity to help countries solve their greatest development challenges. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, the WBG is a unique partnership of five global institutions dedicated to ending poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, the WBG works 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.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions, and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

Private sector financial development is essential to the promotion of successful and sustainable economies in low and middle-income countries around the world. Sound and efficient financial markets can ensure that resources are allocated where they are most productive, assisting job creation and spurring economic growth. IFC’s goal is to prioritize investment in the financial sector because it promotes development in all other sectors.

The Financial Institution Group (FIG) is one of IFC’s key departments responsible for a significant portion of IFC’s business volume, profitability and development reach, approximately 40%. FIG engages in a wide range of sub-sectors, including Microfinance, SME, Gender, Climate, Insurance, Capital Markets, Housing, Distressed Assets, and other areas, with both investment and advisory services delivered to IFC’s clients through IFC’s global network. FIG has three main objectives: 1) financial inclusion, 2) indirectly servicing the real economy, and 3) mobilizing third-party resources. The goal is to develop efficient financial systems that will increase financial inclusion and fuel economic growth in client countries and enhance IFC’s developmental impact.

Duties and Accountabilities

• Provide analytical support to the Portfolio Managers in the management of the regional FIG portfolio.
• Provide analytical support to portfolio investment staff in the monitoring and servicing of portfolio companies.
• Conduct industry, market, and company research to inform portfolio strategy and other forward-looking actions.
• Analyze patterns, risks, and performance of portfolio companies to inform new business strategy.
• Prepare regular (mostly quarterly) reports that provide analytical insight to multiple dimensions of the portfolio, including impact, profitability, risk, capital utilization, etc.
• Participate in and take minutes of portfolio-related meetings

Selection Criteria

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably with focus on finance, economics or mathematics.
• Strong analytical skills in general; high level proficiency in Excel specifically.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in a numerical/analytical role.
• Good understanding of the financial and operational characteristics of financial institutions.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully in multicultural teams and across boundaries.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English; understanding of French a significant plus.
• High proficiency in preparing financially oriented PowerPoint presentations; and
• Preferred but not required: proficiency in programming for data analytics (SQL, Python) and proficiency with advanced data analytics software (PowerBI)

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Senior IT Assistant, Client Services – World Bank

Senior IT Assistant, Client Services – World Bank (Nairobi)

• Job #: req34494
• Organization: World Bank
• Sector: Information & Communication Technology
• Grade: GD
• Term Duration: 3 years 0 months
• Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Required Language(s): English
• Preferred Language(s): –
• Closing Date: 10/17/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Professional development courses

Description

WBG: Innovation and partnership bond the five institutions of the World Bank Group (WBG): The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA), which together form the World Bank; the International Finance Corporation (IFC); the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA); and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).

The World Bank Group is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. It uses financial resources and extensive experience to help our client countries to reduce poverty, increase economic growth, and improve quality of life. To ensure that countries can access the best global expertise and help generate cutting-edge knowledge, the World Bank Group is constantly seeking to improve the way it works. Key priorities include delivering measurable results, promoting openness and transparency in development, and improving access to development information and data.

Information and Technology Solutions (ITS) enables the WBG to achieve its mission of ending extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity in a sustainable way by delivering transformative information and technologies to its staff working in over 150 locations.

Our vision is to transform how the Bank Group accomplishes its mission through information and technology. In this fast-paced, ever-changing world, the formulation and implementation of the ITS strategy is an ongoing, iterative process of learning and adaptation developed through extensive consultations with business partners throughout the World Bank Group.

ITS shapes its strategy in response to changing business priorities and leverages new technologies to achieve three high-level business outcomes:

• Business enablement, by providing World Bank Group units with innovative digital tools and technologies to transform how they deliver value for their end-users.
• Empowerment & effectiveness, by ensuring that all World Bank Group staff are connected, able to find information, and productive to accelerate the delivery of development solutions globally.
• Resilience, by equipping the World Bank Group to provide risk-based cybersecurity and robust data protection for a global network and a growing cloud platform.

Implementation of the strategy is guided by three core principles:

1. Deliver solutions for business partners that are customer-centric, innovative, and transformative.
2. Provide the World Bank Group with value for money with selective and standard technologies.
3. Excel at the basics by providing a high performing, robust, and resilient IT environment for the organization.

ITSR1: The IT Regional Tech Solutions 1 (ITSR1) is primarily tasked with ensuring cohesive delivery of regional IT programs and IT Support initiatives in South Asia, East Asia, and Africa, as well as aligning existing support channels with business needs.

In achieving its objectives and providing the best possible IT customer experience, Technology Solutions Team directs and partners with other ITS teams/ Service-Desks, Training and Outreach, as well as cross-functional teams delivering products and solutions.

The Senior IT Assistant will provide ongoing support for all Nairobi, Kenya World Bank Group Office staff as well as visiting staff and missions from HQ or other Country Offices. S/he will manage the full range of information technologies for the office, including desktop support, conferencing support, remote access and network support, IT standards implementation, knowledge sharing, asset inventory, vendor relations, contracts/Service Level Agreements (SLA), and local office training.

This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and reports to the Regional IT Lead and Team Coach for Africa East.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Works directly with customers to probe and ask effective questions to fully diagnose both the root cause of a problem and the customer’s comfort level with technology.
• Assesses more complex, non-routine problems in his/ her area of specialization including those escalated by others.
• Serves as first/ second point of contact called upon to resolve customer problems. Identifies and engages the resources necessary to fully evaluate and address the situation, following up to ensure effective resolution.
• Conducts complete diagnostics of most business technology problems, including those involving multiple systems, WBG staff, platforms, and technologies.
• Analyzes information related to business partnership, identifying, and reporting on trends, anomalies, etc. Identify opportunities for improvements and escalate to management.
• Supports and maintains the end-user environment including configuring new hardware, addressing virus alerts, installing, and troubleshooting software including patches, performing tests, and monitoring the environment.
• Participates in facilities work and vendor management, as part of CO administrative teams. Participate in security and business continuity activities. Supports installation, maintenance, upgrades to local networks and communications infrastructure.
• Disseminates information on common problems and issues to WBG staff.
• Tracks trending of issues and proactively escalates to Supervisor/ Service Providers.
• Recommends topics and provides necessary IT training sessions to WBG staff.
• Evaluates and pilot tests new products and services, both hardware and software.
• Administers WBG information security standards; enforces WBG technology standards.
• Demonstrates strong customer service, client orientation, and teamwork skills.
• Supports technology adoption and provides desk-side coaching.
• Works with Agile teams using Scrum/Scale agile framework and updates product backlog in Azure Dev Ops & Service Now.
• Configures teams, boards, analytics and queries in Azure DevOps; creates dashboards in Power BI and designs workflow using PowerApps/PowerAutomate.

Selection Criteria

• Education: Bachelor’s degree with no experience required or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Preferred Certifications: ITIL Foundation, Scrum, Azure DevOps, Power BI/Power App/Power Automate.
• Technical Knowledge:
• Windows Platform, Microsoft Office, MFD, Servers, Smartphones.
• Microsoft Active Directory, DNS service, networking methods/technologies.
• IT Service Management, ITIL best practices.
• Agile, Scrum, Azure DevOps, Power BI.
• M365 applications including Co-Pilot/AI.
• WAN/LAN communication technologies, IP Telephony troubleshooting.
• Videoconference facilities setup and support.
• Remote access and remote troubleshooting.
• Skills:
• Strong user support and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, both spoken and written (English).
• Ability to work under pressure with professionalism.
• Knowledge of the World Bank Group’s mission and business requirements.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.

Note: Only applicants who are nationals of the duty station or legal residents with authorization to work in the duty station will be considered.

WBG Culture Attributes

1. Sense of urgency – Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful risk-taking – Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
3. Empowerment and accountability – Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

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Investment Officer -Public Private Partnership Transaction Advisory at World Bank Group

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions, and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

IFC’s Transaction Advisory Services Department (CTA) is housed in the IFC Africa Vice Presidency and consists of two business lines:

PPP Transaction Advisory (C3P) offers transaction advisory services to governments/public entities to assist them in partnering with the private sector in sustainable long-term infrastructure projects through designing and structuring PPP transactions able to provide solutions to the countries’ economic and social constraints, delivering high-quality, affordable, and efficient public and social services. Projects are typically in electricity, water and sanitation, solid waste, transportation, telecommunications, social housing, health, and education sectors.

Corporate Finance Services (CFS) has three key product offerings: (1) M&A Advisory: advising on buy-side / sell-side transactions; (2) Equity Mobilization Program (EMP): supporting third-party equity mobilization alongside IFC investment; (3) Asset monetization involving listed or listing public entities.

CTA mobilized $6.2 billion of private investment in FY25, translating into about 25% of IFC’s total core mobilization. Drawing on over 30 years of experience and over 120 staff across the globe, CTA currently manages over 100 active client engagements. Africa has 25 to 30 staff distributed in five regional hubs located in Cairo, Johannesburg, Nairobi, Abidjan, and Abuja. The CTA department is expected to continue playing a leading role in mobilizing private capital on behalf of the IFC.

The CTA team focuses on advising on the following types of transactions across all infrastructure sectors:

• Public-Private Partnerships e.g. BOT-type concessions.
• Restructuring and privatization of state-owned enterprises.
• Corporate Finance type activities (equity raising, M&A, pre-IPO support).

PPP Transaction Advisory is seeking an Investment Officer with relevant experience to support the Eastern Africa (EA) hub in Nairobi, which includes 9 countries: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.

The IO will be strongly engaged in business development and execution of mandates in the sub-region. Both origination activities and the preparation work of complex PPP transactions may require close collaboration within the World Bank Group to ensure consistency with the country’s strategy, grant access to expertise in institutional and sector reforms, development of legal and regulatory frameworks (tariff structures, and others), as may be necessary, and often the necessary credit enablers. The work of the IO will be carried out under the supervision of and in close collaboration with the EA Hub Leader. Further to the activities developed in the EA region, the IO could also be required to work across the broader Africa region, depending on business needs.

He/she will report directly to the EA Hub leader and the Regional Manager for CTA in Africa.

Role & Responsibilities:

• The IO’s work will involve business development and the implementation of advisory mandates of a variety of PPP types. These activities require, among others, strong interactions with government clients aimed at signing new mandates and during the execution of the same towards financial closing. Duties will include, but will not be limited to:
• Develop client relationships and project leads in the EA region and carry marketing activities in assigned countries/strategic infrastructure sectors.
• In developing marketing activities, the IO will collaborate with other WB/IFC teams to identify opportunities based on country strategies and market creation potential. In doing so, foster strong relationships with the World Bank Group counterparts to identify collaboration opportunities and enhance business delivery at the country level. Close collaboration with the WBG is key to overcoming political, legal, and regulatory impediments for private sector participation.
• Lead in the negotiation of the mandates with clients and ensure supervision of the preparation of commercial proposals, etc.
• When appropriate, undertake project scoping to assess the feasibility of potential projects
• Prepare/review memos and documentation for the Project’s internal approval.
• Prepare/review/supervise the elaboration of Tors for the Specialized Consultants and oversee their procurement process and selection.
• Manage each project’s budget and ensure deliverables are submitted per the contractual timetable.
• Lead the day-to-day management of project preparation, managing teams working on sell-side PPP mandates, both the IFC Team and the Specialized legal, technical, environmental, and other consultants; review the outputs, reports, analysis, financial models, etc. of the different teams.
• Develop transaction structure options for the PPP project(s) under development providing innovative and practical solutions to address the client’s objectives and concerns, while ensuring the Project’ bankability and long-term sustainability. Present and negotiate the proposed project structure with the Client after obtaining IFC approval.
• Assist in the organization and management of the tendering process of the project(s), including marketing, participation in road shows, and preparation of the Request for Prequalification (RfQ) and the Request for Proposals (RfP) documents.
• Direct the preparation of the legal documentation, ensuring the proper representation of the approved Project structure and the bankability of the documents
• Coordinate with IFC teams—including environmental, social, legal, investment, and World Bank colleagues—to deliver tailored solutions that help Projects meet their sustainable development goals.
• Participate/lead the pre-bidding meetings with government clients and investors.
• Assist in the final negotiation of the project agreements leading to Commercial Closing. Strong negotiation skills to develop solutions and overcome impasses in transactions is paramount.
• Develop, coach, motivate, and manage junior members of the team.
• As appropriate, participate in the development and implementation of upstream activities in line with IFC 2030 to create, deepen, and expand markets with the regional and global team from across IFC and the WBG.
• As appropriate, contribute to the elaboration of the sub-regional strategy.
• Support Corporate Finance mandates, both in terms of origination and execution that may include the preparation and delivery of pitch presentations to companies, reviewing and advising on corporate structure, balance sheet structure, valuation, prospectus review, corporate governance, etc.
• As requested, participate in the preparation of the regional strategy for the PPP advisory business, with a focus on strategic priorities, mobilization of private investment, and development of climate-friendly and high-impact projects.
• Support knowledge management by helping to disseminate PPP and CFS knowledge and experience and,
• Assist in other PPP projects across the larger region or strategy-related activities, as the need may arise.

Selection Criteria

• MBA or equivalent Post Graduate degree in business, finance, or economics.
• Minimum of 13 years of relevant experience in PPP transaction advisory on buy and/or sell side, investment banking, project finance or corporate finance with a leading institution. PPP transaction advisory work experience in the region is desirable.
• Minimum 3-4 years of experience of sell//buy-side M&A advisory is a plus.
• Knowledge of overall infrastructure sector trends and experience in infrastructure transactions/PPPs, with a strong preference for Eastern Africa.
• Business development and client relationship skills and ability to effectively focus on clients’ needs.
• Proven track-record in originating, advising, structuring, and executing infrastructure transactions
• Strong grasp of legal documentation including risk allocation related to PPP projects, including concessions and privatizations, ensuring prudent and sustainable risk sharing among all parties.
• Sound business judgment in identifying potential business and development partners and other key stakeholders; ability to interact directly and independently with senior government officials and potential investors. Strong existing relationships with government officials and investors in the infrastructure space in EA is a plus.
• Ability to manage teams in multiple transactions.
• Strong analytical and financial modeling and structuring skills and demonstrated ability to lead a variety of transaction advisory, including debt, and equity transactions.
• Proactively address and resolve client challenges with a solution-focused approach, effectively engaging decision-makers when necessary
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills and ability to communicate ideas clearly and confidently (written and oral).
• Ability to operate in large, culturally diverse, and geographically dispersed teams.
• Proven experience building productive relationships and fostering open communication across diverse teams and organizations to share knowledge and resources.
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated record of accomplishment in leading, motivating and managing multidisciplinary and multicultural teams
• Strong commitment to project success, delivering innovative and sustainable solutions, while overcoming obstacles.
• Building organizational capacity through system and process improvements
• Ability to work under pressure, travel on short notice and frequently, and deliver high-quality work within deadlines to meet team objectives.
• Highly motivated, committed to the highest ethical standards, and aligned with the World Bank Group and IFC’s mission, strategy, and values, and
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

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Lead Agriculture Specialist/Economist at World Bank

Job #:	req34042
Organization:	World Bank
Sector:	Agriculture
Grade:	GH
Term Duration:	4 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:	International Recruitment
Location:	Nairobi,Kenya
Required Language(s):	English
Preferred Language(s):	French, Portuguese
Closing Date:	8/29/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Duties and Responsibilities

• The Lead Agriculture Specialist/Economist will be a key member of the Agriculture and Food Leadership Team in AFE, reporting to the Practice Manager (SAEA2). Specifically, s/he will lead a team to deliver impactful projects and strategic advisory and analytical tasks in Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia and Uganda, while working closely with the Practice Manager, Regional Program Director, Division Director and Country Managers. The specific responsibilities will include:
• Provide technical and thought leadership with clear vision, coherent strategy, and current knowledge to position the agriculture food systems in country programs, including designing innovative solutions to create jobs in agriculture value chains in close collaboration with IFC and MIGA.
• Lead the design, preparation and supervision of complex operation projects as Task Team Leader (TTL), ensuring high-quality outputs, and leveraging instruments such as DPLs, IPFs, P4Rs, and trust funds.
• Lead strategic and high-priority policy reforms dialogue with clients, manage strategic knowledge products, and position key sector reforms in development policy lending programs.
• Assume an active role in the CMU to ensure adequate and appropriate integration of relevant aspects of the agriculture and rural development agenda in core Bank products, including country partnership frameworks, strategic country diagnostics, country economic memoranda, and CCDRs.
• Serve as an active member of the AFE Planet team and contribute to the integration of Planet solutions into coherent programs, including on water, sustainable land management, and emission reductions, while working closely with the Planet leadership team, CMUs, and the clients.
• Actively engage with stakeholders and development partners and represent the Agriculture and Food team at relevant events and speaking engagements to identify opportunities for partnerships to improve program delivery.
• Serve as focal point for Agriculture and Food in Kenya CMU countries through close client engagement, liaison with the CMU, and provide quality assurance of the portfolio,
• Provide mentoring, advice and support to Agriculture and Food staff in the Kenya CMU, including TTLs of demanding operations.

Selection Criteria

Candidates must demonstrate proven professional excellence, outstanding oral and written communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to convert strategic thinking into practical solutions.  The following specific criteria will also apply:

• A master’s degree in agricultural and resource economics, agribusiness, agriculture or closely related discipline.
• At least 12 years of relevant professional experience in agriculture, agribusiness, and other disciplines related to food systems, including experience in two regions, or one region and corporate assignment.
• Recognized by peers and/or managers for cutting edge knowledge, the ability to identify problems and translate knowledge into innovative and concrete solutions, while maintaining strong client focus.
• Demonstrated intellectual leadership in the sector, based on strong technical capabilities and analytical credentials, and the capacity to lead discussions on policy reforms at high levels.
• In-depth knowledge of the issues faced by smallholders in agricultural value chains and the potential of agriculture value chains to address core development objectives in the AFE region, including jobs.
• Ability to take principled and balanced positions on complex issues and to communicate and defend them orally and in writing to senior Bank management and senior government officials.
• Effective verbal, analytical and written communication skills in English, and a demonstrated ability to produce high-quality documents and analytical reports.
• Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, and team skills with ability to think innovatively and strategically to find balanced, pragmatic and implementable solutions.
• High degree of ethics, tact, diplomacy, political judgement, negotiating skills and sensitivity in handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Self-motivated with ability to work under pressure and challenging conditions while retaining perspective and poise, and willingness to travel extensively.

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