Job #: 130446
Job Title: Operations Analyst
Job Family: Operational Services
Job Type: Professional &
Technical
Grade: GE
Location; Vientiane, Laos
Recruitment Type; Local Hire
Language Requirement; English
[Essential]; Laotian [Essential]
Closing Date: 04-Mar-2013
Regional Context
The East Asia and Pacific (EAP) Region presents a dramatic illustration of the global dynamics, opportunities and risks of the 21st century. After making the fastest progress in growth and poverty reduction of any region around the world in the last fifteen years, some countries in the region – such as Mongolia – are poised to become middle-income, and some are preparing to join the small group of high-income countries. Such a rapid transformation is leading to the largest shift in rural-to-urban population in human history, generating rising inequality within and across countries, leaving individuals and regions behind in the dash for prosperity. Meanwhile, the uncertainty in the advanced economies clouds the prospects for countries across the region which are being forced to adjust to changed growth and development prospects while addressing evolving impacts on macroeconomic stability, employment and poverty.
EAP comprises of more than 20 countries, including China, several MICs, LICs, and fragile states (EAP has the second highest number of fragile states amongst all the Bank regions). The Region is characterized by generally rapid growth, both sophisticated and low capacity borrowers, and some highly dynamic sectors. At the same time, EAP countries are faced with weak governance environments. The Bank's program in EAP is multi-faceted and has grown rapidly in recent years: lending in FY12 will have exceeded $8 billion; the portfolio consists of nearly 300 operations for about $30 billion; and the TF program is significant (with a portfolio of about $4.3 billion). EAP consists of about 800 staff with 20% in Washington and 80% based in the country offices in the six CMUs.
Department Context
The Sustainable Development (SD) Department covers Infrastructure (transport, energy, urban/water and sanitation); Social, Agriculture and Rural development; and Environment and Natural Resources Management. The Department accounts for a substantial part of East Asia’s overall business. Overall, SD is responsible for:
• delivery of about 50 operations per year, amounting to about $ 4-5 billion annually;
• an active dialogue on regional issues, such as climate change, urbanization and decentralization, and huge demand for efficient infrastructure development;
• about 160 active projects in the portfolio, amounting to around $16 billion;
• about 220 regular staff.
A key characteristic of the Bank program in the region is a high level of decentralization. About 60% of staff is located in the field, and about 45% of operations are managed and led from the field. The underpinning of this decentralization rests on four main pillars:
• better integration at the field level to provide greater synergies and integrated responses;
• a decentralized management structure supported by regional and global knowledge;
• provision of faster responses and management decisions to our clients; and
• the need to reposition ourselves in the region given the large urbanization and decentralization trend in almost all countries, the need to incorporate better environment dimensions of the fast growth rates and huge demand for infrastructure, and the need to better deal with governance issues and growing income disparities between urban centers and rural areas and lagging regions.
To address this high level of decentralization, SD’s Management Team is headed by a Sector Director at HQ, seven field based Sector Managers responsible for the client interface in Indonesia (two, of which one is the SM for SDV), Vietnam, China/Mongolia, Australia/Pacific, Philippines, Thailand/Cambodia/Lao PDR/Myanmar, and three HQ based sector managers responsible for the corporate interface grouped around platforms of engagement, and organized around thematic lines, as in the rest of the Bank. They are supported by technical Practice Leaders in each major field of business.
Unit Context
The World Bank office in the Lao PDR is looking for a potential candidate who would serve as an Operations Analyst to support the supervision of Road, Energy, and Disaster Risk Management projects under the Sustainable Development (SD) Sector. The primary responsibility of the Operations Analyst is to monitor the implementation of bank-funded projects/Trust Funds under the close supervision and guidance of Task Team leaders, and help ensure that broad operational issues that may occur due to the project implementation are properly monitored and managed. S/he is expected to spend some of her/his input and working time on field visits to the projects located in provinces based on the needs from the Task Teams and the availability of the Operations Analyst. In addition to the operational aspect, the Operations Analyst is expected to provide advice/guidance to the Assistance Client Support (ACS) staff under the SD Sector to help improve the overall administrative efficiency and effectiveness.
Note: If the selected candidate is a current Bank Group staff member with a Regular or Open-Ended appointment, s/he will retain his/her Regular or Open-Ended appointment. All others will be offered a 2 year term appointment.
Note: If the selected candidate is a current Bank Group staff member with a Regular or Open-Ended appointment, s/he will retain his/her Regular or Open-Ended appointment. All others will be offered a 1 year term appointment.
The East Asia and Pacific (EAP) Region presents a dramatic illustration of the global dynamics, opportunities and risks of the 21st century. After making the fastest progress in growth and poverty reduction of any region around the world in the last fifteen years, some countries in the region – such as Mongolia – are poised to become middle-income, and some are preparing to join the small group of high-income countries. Such a rapid transformation is leading to the largest shift in rural-to-urban population in human history, generating rising inequality within and across countries, leaving individuals and regions behind in the dash for prosperity. Meanwhile, the uncertainty in the advanced economies clouds the prospects for countries across the region which are being forced to adjust to changed growth and development prospects while addressing evolving impacts on macroeconomic stability, employment and poverty.
EAP comprises of more than 20 countries, including China, several MICs, LICs, and fragile states (EAP has the second highest number of fragile states amongst all the Bank regions). The Region is characterized by generally rapid growth, both sophisticated and low capacity borrowers, and some highly dynamic sectors. At the same time, EAP countries are faced with weak governance environments. The Bank's program in EAP is multi-faceted and has grown rapidly in recent years: lending in FY12 will have exceeded $8 billion; the portfolio consists of nearly 300 operations for about $30 billion; and the TF program is significant (with a portfolio of about $4.3 billion). EAP consists of about 800 staff with 20% in Washington and 80% based in the country offices in the six CMUs.
Department Context
The Sustainable Development (SD) Department covers Infrastructure (transport, energy, urban/water and sanitation); Social, Agriculture and Rural development; and Environment and Natural Resources Management. The Department accounts for a substantial part of East Asia’s overall business. Overall, SD is responsible for:
• delivery of about 50 operations per year, amounting to about $ 4-5 billion annually;
• an active dialogue on regional issues, such as climate change, urbanization and decentralization, and huge demand for efficient infrastructure development;
• about 160 active projects in the portfolio, amounting to around $16 billion;
• about 220 regular staff.
A key characteristic of the Bank program in the region is a high level of decentralization. About 60% of staff is located in the field, and about 45% of operations are managed and led from the field. The underpinning of this decentralization rests on four main pillars:
• better integration at the field level to provide greater synergies and integrated responses;
• a decentralized management structure supported by regional and global knowledge;
• provision of faster responses and management decisions to our clients; and
• the need to reposition ourselves in the region given the large urbanization and decentralization trend in almost all countries, the need to incorporate better environment dimensions of the fast growth rates and huge demand for infrastructure, and the need to better deal with governance issues and growing income disparities between urban centers and rural areas and lagging regions.
To address this high level of decentralization, SD’s Management Team is headed by a Sector Director at HQ, seven field based Sector Managers responsible for the client interface in Indonesia (two, of which one is the SM for SDV), Vietnam, China/Mongolia, Australia/Pacific, Philippines, Thailand/Cambodia/Lao PDR/Myanmar, and three HQ based sector managers responsible for the corporate interface grouped around platforms of engagement, and organized around thematic lines, as in the rest of the Bank. They are supported by technical Practice Leaders in each major field of business.
Unit Context
The World Bank office in the Lao PDR is looking for a potential candidate who would serve as an Operations Analyst to support the supervision of Road, Energy, and Disaster Risk Management projects under the Sustainable Development (SD) Sector. The primary responsibility of the Operations Analyst is to monitor the implementation of bank-funded projects/Trust Funds under the close supervision and guidance of Task Team leaders, and help ensure that broad operational issues that may occur due to the project implementation are properly monitored and managed. S/he is expected to spend some of her/his input and working time on field visits to the projects located in provinces based on the needs from the Task Teams and the availability of the Operations Analyst. In addition to the operational aspect, the Operations Analyst is expected to provide advice/guidance to the Assistance Client Support (ACS) staff under the SD Sector to help improve the overall administrative efficiency and effectiveness.
Note: If the selected candidate is a current Bank Group staff member with a Regular or Open-Ended appointment, s/he will retain his/her Regular or Open-Ended appointment. All others will be offered a 2 year term appointment.
Note: If the selected candidate is a current Bank Group staff member with a Regular or Open-Ended appointment, s/he will retain his/her Regular or Open-Ended appointment. All others will be offered a 1 year term appointment.
Duties and Accountabilities:
The operations analyst will work on the following tasks:
• Under supervision of the respective Task Team Leaders (TTLs), monitor implementation of projects and work closely with implementing agency throughout project preparation and implementation to explain and clarify WB procedures and requirements, and help anticipate project implementation issues.
• Support infrastructure team in project preparation, implementation, and sector policy dialogue in the infrastructure subsectors including transport, energy, water supply, sanitation, disaster risk management, etc;
• Facilitate the coordination between task teams and the concerned government counterparts, and the project implementing agency to follow up on actions or issues agreed during implementation.
• Build and nurture good working relationships with government officials, line ministries, project implementation units/teams as well as local bilateral and multilateral donor agencies to ensure their constant interaction with the infrastructure task teams
• Participate in supervision missions and field visits, with a particular focus on project management, implementation arrangements, and contribute to Aide Memoirs (AM) and ISRs as agreed with the task manager.
• Review and comment on operational manuals and other project documentation, and provide guidance to the client in preparation of these documents as required.
• Prepare input to analytic work, internal notes, and other outputs agreed with the task manager.
• Maintain knowledge of key latest development issues in related infrastructure sector and cross-cutting issues such as: environment, social, fiduciary, governance, road safety, rural infrastructure, private sector participation in infrastructure, gender and poverty reduction and assist the Bank teams to move the agenda forward.
• In addition to the above-described responsibilities, the Operations Analyst may perform a mentoring/advising role to the ACS staff to help improve the overall administrative efficiency and effectiveness.
• Under supervision of the respective Task Team Leaders (TTLs), monitor implementation of projects and work closely with implementing agency throughout project preparation and implementation to explain and clarify WB procedures and requirements, and help anticipate project implementation issues.
• Support infrastructure team in project preparation, implementation, and sector policy dialogue in the infrastructure subsectors including transport, energy, water supply, sanitation, disaster risk management, etc;
• Facilitate the coordination between task teams and the concerned government counterparts, and the project implementing agency to follow up on actions or issues agreed during implementation.
• Build and nurture good working relationships with government officials, line ministries, project implementation units/teams as well as local bilateral and multilateral donor agencies to ensure their constant interaction with the infrastructure task teams
• Participate in supervision missions and field visits, with a particular focus on project management, implementation arrangements, and contribute to Aide Memoirs (AM) and ISRs as agreed with the task manager.
• Review and comment on operational manuals and other project documentation, and provide guidance to the client in preparation of these documents as required.
• Prepare input to analytic work, internal notes, and other outputs agreed with the task manager.
• Maintain knowledge of key latest development issues in related infrastructure sector and cross-cutting issues such as: environment, social, fiduciary, governance, road safety, rural infrastructure, private sector participation in infrastructure, gender and poverty reduction and assist the Bank teams to move the agenda forward.
• In addition to the above-described responsibilities, the Operations Analyst may perform a mentoring/advising role to the ACS staff to help improve the overall administrative efficiency and effectiveness.
Selection Criteria:
It is expected that the successful candidate will meet the following selection criteria:
o At least an advance degree in engineering, development studies, economics, finance, business administration, public health, social science or other relevant fields of expertise;
o Post credible professional experience in project preparation, supervision, and implementation in one or more relevant infrastructure subsector projects either in Laos or in other countries
o Working knowledge of World Bank and other multilateral and bilateral donor operations and procedures, especially procurement of goods, works, and services under World Bank and other donor funding, would be a plus.
o Good analytical and report writing skill;
o Willing to undertake frequent field visits to rural area and remote communities;
o Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to effectively communicate with government officials, consultants, CSOs and the WB staff, and promote collaboration in a multi-cultural environment;
o Good training, facilitating and mentoring skills;
o Excellent skills in writing and speaking in English and Lao language;
o Advance computer skills; and full proficiency in the use of MS Office;
o Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Competencies (Level GE, Operations Analyst)
Project Management - Understands the basic concepts of project management, as they relate to the execution of tasks within a project
Data Collection and Management - Demonstrates use of this competency
Analytical and Technical Skills, Operational Strategy Development & Advice - Solid theoretical base with relevance for specific Bank Network recognized Sector or Theme.
Country Strategy - Basic understanding of CAS/CPS preparation process and familiarity with key related documents (PRSP, CAS, CAS results framework, CASCR, CASPR).
Country Operations Knowledge and Application - Basic knowledge of Bank instruments, policies and procedures.
Country Team Management - Ability to support internal communications and liaise within the country team, including supporting preparation of country team meetings and retreats, as well as preparing and disseminating materials as needed.
Client Orientation - Maintains client relationships in the face of conflicting demands or directions and provides evidence-based advice and solutions based on sound diagnosis and knowledge.
Drive for Results - Identifies the needed resources to accomplish results involving multiple stakeholders and finds solutions to obstacles affecting key deliverables.
Teamwork (Collaboration) and Inclusion - Shows leadership in ensuring the team stays organized and focused, and actively seeks and considers diverse ideas and approaches.
Knowledge, Learning and Communication - Leads in the sharing of best practice, trends, knowledge and lessons learned across units and with clients and partners, articulating ideas verbally and in writing in a clear and compelling way across audiences of varied levels.
Business Judgment and Analytical Decision Making - Gathers inputs, assesses risk, considers impact and articulates benefits of decisions for internal and external stakeholders over the long term.
o At least an advance degree in engineering, development studies, economics, finance, business administration, public health, social science or other relevant fields of expertise;
o Post credible professional experience in project preparation, supervision, and implementation in one or more relevant infrastructure subsector projects either in Laos or in other countries
o Working knowledge of World Bank and other multilateral and bilateral donor operations and procedures, especially procurement of goods, works, and services under World Bank and other donor funding, would be a plus.
o Good analytical and report writing skill;
o Willing to undertake frequent field visits to rural area and remote communities;
o Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to effectively communicate with government officials, consultants, CSOs and the WB staff, and promote collaboration in a multi-cultural environment;
o Good training, facilitating and mentoring skills;
o Excellent skills in writing and speaking in English and Lao language;
o Advance computer skills; and full proficiency in the use of MS Office;
o Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Competencies (Level GE, Operations Analyst)
Project Management - Understands the basic concepts of project management, as they relate to the execution of tasks within a project
Data Collection and Management - Demonstrates use of this competency
Analytical and Technical Skills, Operational Strategy Development & Advice - Solid theoretical base with relevance for specific Bank Network recognized Sector or Theme.
Country Strategy - Basic understanding of CAS/CPS preparation process and familiarity with key related documents (PRSP, CAS, CAS results framework, CASCR, CASPR).
Country Operations Knowledge and Application - Basic knowledge of Bank instruments, policies and procedures.
Country Team Management - Ability to support internal communications and liaise within the country team, including supporting preparation of country team meetings and retreats, as well as preparing and disseminating materials as needed.
Client Orientation - Maintains client relationships in the face of conflicting demands or directions and provides evidence-based advice and solutions based on sound diagnosis and knowledge.
Drive for Results - Identifies the needed resources to accomplish results involving multiple stakeholders and finds solutions to obstacles affecting key deliverables.
Teamwork (Collaboration) and Inclusion - Shows leadership in ensuring the team stays organized and focused, and actively seeks and considers diverse ideas and approaches.
Knowledge, Learning and Communication - Leads in the sharing of best practice, trends, knowledge and lessons learned across units and with clients and partners, articulating ideas verbally and in writing in a clear and compelling way across audiences of varied levels.
Business Judgment and Analytical Decision Making - Gathers inputs, assesses risk, considers impact and articulates benefits of decisions for internal and external stakeholders over the long term.
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