Job: Senior Operations Officer

Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Deadline: Wednesday, 04 September 2013 

Description

Background / General description

The development of a vibrant private sector is central in promoting economic growth and expanding opportunities for poor people. Research shows that encouraging firms to invest, improve productivity and create jobs requires the right legal and regulatory environment – including protection of property rights, stable access to credit, and ease of starting a business. The World Bank Group's Investment Climate Department (CIC) advises client country governments on improving their investment climate for domestic and foreign investors.

The department acts as a focused center of expertise on business environment reform, and collaborates on these critical issues across the World Bank Group (WBG). About WBG Investment Climate Advisory Services Investment Climate (IC) Advisory Services is a multi-donor service of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) and the World Bank, advising member country governments on how to improve their investment climate and promote both foreign and domestic investment in key sectors. IC's Industry Department (CICIN) specialists identify practices that impede productive private investment, design financially and politically practical plans of action, and support their clients through all phases of transition and implementation.

Typically many projects are developed and delivered in conjunction with the Regional Advisory offices in the field, as well as World Bank colleagues, to maximize the relevance of client focused interventions and leverage local stakeholder relationships. About Nepal Investment Climate Reform Program, NICRP The Nepal Investment Climate Reform Program, NICRP, provides advisory services aimed at improving business operating environment in Nepal. It is managed by IFC, in partnership with the UK Government and the Norad, and has three closely related Projects, namely, Regulatory Reform; Public Private Sector Dialogue and IC for Industry. The overall objective of the Projects is to stimulate private investment in Nepal, which is critical for job creation and economic growth. NICRP teams work closely with local and international teams, and with both the government and private sector to achieve this overall objective. The IC team is looking to recruit a Senior Operations Officer based in Kathmandu to co-ordinate and oversee the Nepal IC reform program and lead specifically on the industry IC Program in Nepal.

Duties and Accountabilities

The Senior Operations Officer will be expected to help coordinate the Investment Climate advisory services in Nepal and lead on selected Nepal IC program activities. As a member of the IC South Asia leadership team, the candidate will also be involved in ensuring a ready flow of knowledge and expertise between country teams in the region.

The position will include the following specific responsibilities and deliverables: IC program related activities:

• Lead and oversee the implementation of IFC's Nepal IC Reform Program. The selected candidate is expected to work along with Regional and Global Specialists and the Nepal IC team and to involve all relevant colleagues from other Business Lines, IFC Investment Services and the World Bank teams (including FPD) with a strong focus on results and communicating stories of impact;
• Lead the implementation of Nepal's industry IC program with a special focus on tourism, hydropower and agribusiness, working closely with the Regional Tourism Specialist and colleagues from IFC Investment team and the World Bank team;
• Develop strong links with IFC investment services (IS) and other Advisory Business Lines (BLs) with a view to addressing regulatory/policy constraints to facilitate private investments in the fragile and conflict affected market
• Liaise closely with relevant local counterparts and stakeholders across the government, private sector and development community and World Bank Group colleagues related to this assignment;
• Lead on fund raising activities and developing proposals for working with other development partners;
• Be responsible for all Nepal IC related communication materials and monthly newsletter/updates for management;
• Manage Nepal IC team members, including coordination of work functions, delivery and performance evaluation.

IC program co-ordination activities include:

• Ensure that the procurement of consultants are as per WBG guidelines and that administrative procedures are in accordance with IFC policies and procedures for delivery of project activities;
• Inform and build links to the appropriate stakeholders within IFC and the WB, acting as a point of contact for all Nepal IC programs; this role of an integrator is very important in markets such as Nepal;
• Develop a network of contacts within other international development institutions, private sector organizations, and client countries that will aid in the effective administration of the task managed projects;
• Provide input on new business development by identifying potential advisory services clients and assessing their needs;
• Track Nepal IC budget needs and financial management including updates in IBIS of all Nepal IC projects working closely with the project task leaders with a strong focus on efficiency and value for money;
• Provide input to the Investment Climate Business Line strategy and related contributions to other sectoral, thematic and country strategies.
• Coordinate monitoring of developmental impact of IC projects in Nepal, periodic review of client satisfaction, and reporting to internal and external stakeholders;
• Contribute to recruitment, talent management, and staff development of IC colleagues in Nepal.
• Proactively network with country IC co-ordinators across South Asia as well as other regions to promote cross-regional and peer-to-peer learning;
• Work very closely with the Regional Business Line Manager for IC in managing the regional program and leading on regional tasks at the corporate level.

The successful candidate will be an experienced professional who has a robust understanding of and operational experience in dealing with public policy issues that enable or constrain private investments. S/he will be a self starter who is highly motivated and results-oriented. S/he will have deep technical skills, especially on industry investment climate issues; domain knowledge of at least 1 sector of strategic focus in IFC; strong interpersonal, networking, and communication skills; an effective teamplayer; a willingness to travel and significant experience in managing and working with a multicultural team.

Selection Criteria

Essential skills and qualifications:

• Advanced degree (Masters or equivalent) in a relevant area including international business, economics, law, corporate finance and/or international relations;
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in investment climate, policy-making, investment promotion, and/or investments in developed and developing countries
• Established leadership skills and team player skills that will permit the candidate to position work within the institution and facilitate a global network of individuals that are not direct reports and vary in terms of seniority . A strong conceptual and strategic ability combined with good communication skills and client focus; innovative and open-minded;
• Solid understanding of the Nepal business environment, related laws for doing business and strong operational experience of having worked with national and/or sub-national governments in Nepal as well as leading business firms or chambers in Nepal;
• Strong research and analytical capability, including extensive knowledge of relevant analytical tools, data analysis, benchmarking, training and knowledge management, knowledge management and training tools and instruments, on-line services and delivery methods, etc.;
• Demonstrated ability to work and implement projects effectively in multi-disciplinary teams – including in one or more developing countries;
• Excellent networking skills, bringing a good existing network of contacts and credibility within both the development sector and broader private sector (including major private sector players and industry associations)
• Fluency in English essential as well as proven technical writing skills. Fluency in other regional languages, particularly Nepali would be an additional asset.
• Familiarity with the IFC investment operations and approaches in project management and procurement procedures would be an additional asset;

The WBG is committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality, culture and educational background. Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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