WBG Country Manager, Spain

WBG Country Manager, Spain

Description

The World Bank Group (WBG) is seeking a joint Country Manager based in Spain to represent IBRD/IDA, IFC, and MIGA and to lead the One World Bank Group engagement with government, with a focus on private sector clients, and key partners.
To address global development needs and challenges with impact and at scale, IBRD/IDA, IFC, and MIGA increasingly work as One World Bank Group through purposeful collaboration, coordination, and deployment of collective knowledge, financing, and advisory services. The Country Manager plays a critical role in delivering this integrated approach, driving knowledge, policy dialogue, country operations, and private sector solutions with a focus on Spanish private sector clients investing in emerging markets.
The Country Manager reports to the relevant IBRD and IFC Directors and serves as a member of the respective regional management teams.

VPU including Unit Context:
WBG CER is an expert team of communication and external engagement advisors working with the World Bank Group (WBG) leadership to secure political and financial support, as well as strengthen its role as a global leader in development. Our team manages the WBG's reputation and brand, focusing on relations with donors, clients, partners, key stakeholders, our senior management and staff. We promote an integrated WBG story and protect our license to operate. 

IFC’s Europe region is focused on boosting the energy transition, promoting innovation, capital markets development and improving competitiveness and connectivity. This takes place through providing a suite of investment and advisory products to private sector in order to help economies grow sustainably and inclusively, protecting and creating jobs while leveraging private capital mobilization.

MIGA/WBG's guarantees support an ambitious growth agenda focused on building a pipeline by utilizing all guarantee products in key sectors such as water, energy (green hydrogen, transmission), agribusiness, and transport.

Duties and Accountabilities

Business Management 
•  Lead the One World Bank Group engagement aligned with the priorities set for Spain.
•  Lead IFC’s business development and stakeholder engagement for the private sector in Spain and Portugal aiming to invest in emerging markets.
•  Lead World Bank engagement with key stakeholders in Spain and Portugal including government officials, parliamentarians, private sector, NGOs, media, academia and think-tanks.
•  Represent the WBG on a broad range of routine to sometimes complex and sensitive issues, regularly addressing shareholders and major audiences on WBG business and development topics in business meetings and external speaking engagements.
•  Drive business development and origination of deals across IBRD/IDA, IFC, and MIGA from Spanish and Portuguese private sector clients.
•  Exercise sound business judgment balancing development impact, bankability, risk, and sustainability.

Relationship Management
•  Manage senior level relationships with government counterparts, private sector clients, and key stakeholders including parliamentarians, NGOs, academia and think-tanks.
•  Lead coordination with development partners.
•  Represent the WBG with credibility, diplomacy, and strategic clarity.

Knowledge Management and Communications
•  Apply global WBG knowledge to country context and support evidence based decision making.
•  Promote learning, innovation, and dissemination of best practices.
•  Lead internal and external communications in coordination with communications teams.

Country Office and Team Leadership
•  Lead and manage the WBG country office team.
•  Oversee budget, security, and administrative functions.
•  Foster an inclusive, high performing, and collaborative workplace culture.

Selection Criteria

•  Master’s degree or PhD in economics, finance, business, or a relevant field. 
•  Minimum 12 years of progressively senior experience with strong private sector focus and track record in an international context, in particular emerging markets. 
•  Demonstrated experience at the public–private interface, including country program management, investment, advisory, or operational leadership. 
•  Strong understanding of WBG instruments, products, and the Evolution Roadmap. 
•  Proven leadership, stakeholder management, and people management capabilities. 
•  Excellent communication, judgment, and diplomatic skills.

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.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC including our values and inspiring stories.