Operations Officer

Operations Officer

Description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? The World Bank Group (WBG) is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity on a livable planet. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work 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. For more information, visit  www.worldbank.org

The Country Management Unit (CMU) for Senegal, Mauritania, Guinea Bissau, Cabo Verde, and The Gambia oversees the WBG’s strategy, portfolio, and results in the five countries. The Cabo Verde program comprises a diverse pipeline and a robust portfolio spanning Infrastructure, Transport, Health, Education, Social Protection, Energy, Water/Sanitation, Blue Economy, Tourism, Economic Governance, and Public and Private Sector Development. It also includes major regional operations and advisory work.

This position will be based in Praia, Cabo Verde, reporting to the WBG Resident Representative (RR) the Operations Officer will play an integrative role—bridging public sector-focused operational work for the World Bank and private sector-oriented business development for IFC—helping to identify opportunities, strengthen portfolio performance, and deepen client and partner relationships. As needed, the Operations Officer will also support/contribute to the portfolio management across the rest of the CMU. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

A. Country Program & Strategy

• Support the implementation of the Cabo Verde country program, including monitoring progress against the Country Partnership Framework and other strategic commitments.
• Coordinate with CMU staff, global practices, IFC and MIGA counterparts to align public and private sector engagement strategies.
• Contribute to analytical and advisory programs, ensuring linkages between development outcomes, operational performance, and investment climate priorities.

B. Client & Partner Engagement

• Maintain strong, regular liaison with government counterparts, development partners, private sector representatives, civil society, and media.
• Support high-level policy dialogue and sector discussions, under guidance of RR as well as the Division Director and Operations Manager.
• Represent the WBG in local forums, donor coordination platforms, and stakeholder meetings, fostering trust-based partnerships.
• Identify and help cultivate business opportunities for IFC and private capital mobilization, including through early-stage dialogue with potential investors and firms.

C. Portfolio & Pipeline Monitoring

• Monitor the full WBG portfolio in Cabo Verde—including IBRD/IDA operations, Trust Funds, regional projects, advisory services, and analytical work—to ensure compliance with policies and timely delivery of results.
• Analyze operational performance data and portfolio trends, preparing high-quality reports, briefs, and presentations for senior management.
• Track implementation milestones, resolve bottlenecks with teams, and recommend measures to improve quality and results.
• Support preparation of country portfolio performance reviews (CPPR) jointly with clients.

D. Business Development & Private Sector Diagnostics

• Collaborate with IFC country and industry teams to analyze investment climate trends, map key sectors for potential private investment, and assess opportunities to mobilize private solutions for development challenges.
• Collect and synthesize market intelligence, including regulatory developments, sector performance, and potential partnerships with local and international firms.
• Participate in joint client calls, industry events, and outreach engagements to originate and develop potential IFC pipelines for investment and advisory services, in alignment with country priorities.

E. Operational & Analytical Work

• Contribute to the review of operational documents for quality and compliance with WBG standards.
• Ensure integration of cross-cutting themes (climate change, gender, citizen engagement, digital economy, fragility, etc.) into the portfolio and pipeline.
• Support the preparation of Management Letters, mission planning, and implementation support activities.
• Provide briefings, talking points, and analytical inputs for senior leadership visits, Spring and Annual Meetings, and official communications.

F. Country Team Coordination & Office Support

• Act as a focal point for Cabo Verde-related information, ensuring effective communication across the country team and with headquarters.
• Help plan and facilitate country team meetings and cross-sectoral coordination.
• Support the smooth functioning of the country office, including mission coordination and liaison with administrative teams.

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree in Economics, Business Administration, Management, International Development, Finance, Political Science, or other relevant discipline.

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience managing or implementing development programs, combining strong knowledge of World Bank (or comparable institution) operations with understanding of private sector development and investment promotion.

• Proven experience in portfolio monitoring, program implementation, and results reporting.

• Familiarity with World Bank operational policies, procedures, financing instruments, and corporate priorities.

• Good understanding of IFC’s mandate, investment products, and business development processes.

• Advanced data handling, visualization, and analytical skills (Excel, Power BI, institutional databases).

• Strong grasp of economic, political, and sectoral trends in Cabo Verde and the West Africa region.

• Fluency in English and Portuguese required; knowledge of French is an advantage.

Core Competencies

·Country and Operations Services (COS) Competencies -

https://worldbankgroup.sharepoint.com/sites/myhr/Documents/Career%20Management/Professional%20Family%20Mapping/COS_PFM_Criteria.pdf

Other Competencies

• Strong integrative and strategic thinking—able to connect public and private sector interventions for greater impact.

• Ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders, including at senior government and corporate levels.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with proven ability to prepare clear and concise briefs, presentations, and reports.

• Political awareness, sound judgment, and integrity.

• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of diverse, multi-sectoral teams.

• Drive for results and capacity to manage multiple priorities under pressure.

Required WBG Core Competencies

• Client Orientation: Proactive, responsive, and collaborative in meeting and anticipating client needs.

• Results Focus & Accountability: Takes ownership for delivering timely and quality outputs.

• Teamwork & Inclusion: Works effectively with others, respecting different perspectives.

• Knowledge & Learning: Seeks and shares knowledge, builds capacity of self and others.

• Business Judgment: Integrates information and analysis to make reasoned decisions.

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.