Operations Adviser

Job #: req37884
Organization: World Bank
Sector: Operations
Grade: GH
Term Duration:  4 years 0 months
Recruitment Type: International Recruitment
Location: Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s): English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date: 8/21/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank Group 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, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. 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.

South Asia Context

The South Asia Region (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka) is at a pivotal stage of development. Rapid economic growth—driven by urbanization and demographic trends—has reduced poverty, but significant disparities persist. The region also faces increasing climate risks, environmental pollution, and structural challenges, including informality and low female labor force participation.
Sustained, private sector-led growth—anchored in investments in infrastructure, logistics, energy, and connectivity—is critical to generating jobs needed to employ South Asia’s sizeable youth population. At the same time, the region needs to continue building human capital so that South Asia’s population is well equipped for the jobs of the future.. More information: South Asia Region overview

Unit Context

SARDE is recruiting a high-performing, deeply experienced and energetic Operations Advisor who brings adaptability, flexibility and sound judgment in ensuring the highest level of operational quality management for the SAR portfolio and pipeline, taking on special assignments as they arise, acting for the SARDE Manager as needed and providing ad hoc support to the DSO. The Operations Advisor will report to the SARDE Manager, work closely with the SAR ROC Secretary/Economic Advisor and will mentor a team of 6 GF/GG and A2D staff responsible for various operational functions within SARDE. The position is based in Washington, DC with travel to the South Asia region to be anticipated twice per year.

Main accountabilities include:

●Lead SARDE’s Quality and Operations Support Team, providing operational advice and resolution to CMUs, GPs and Task Teams on all complex operational matters in SAR with particular focus on policy/procedures alignment, meeting corporate targets and all aspects of OpsEE implementation.

● Lead all aspects pertaining to innovative approaches to accelerating impact in operations including but not limited to D-Ready implementation, SCCI, SAR Disbursement Challenge, dashboard and data management systems for optimized delivery and portfolio management, use of AI in operational applications, regional risk mitigation activities and relationship management with corporate functions including IEG, INT, OPCS, Legal and others. The Ops Advisor will have demonstrated experience in leading the design and implementation of innovative approaches to development solutions, will have strong communications and people management skills, with the ability to work seamlessly with corporate partners towards resolution and innovation. 

●Lead all aspects of RVP clearance process for pipeline/portfolio package reviews including new operations (AOB or Full Board approvals), restructurings and waiver requests among others. Advise and guide team of SARDE “package reviewers” to ensure that all elements of quality control and compliance are reflected, including the new ADM, integration of corporate scorecard indicators (including MBJ), corporate priorities (Gender, PCM, CE, Paris alignment and climate commitments), Outcomes and Targets integration and monitoring among others. Ops Advisor will require proven experience advising and guiding teams on instrument selection, project design, results framework and TOC development, implementation readiness, procurement, E&S and corporate commitments and will require deep understanding of CRI, Target Maps, MBJ and Outcomes work.

● Interface with SECPO and Board on all matters pertaining to SAR interventions at the Board including Board scheduling, SECPO comments, meetings with Board members and their advisors among others. The Ops Advisor will be expected to represent the SARDE manager at Board updates, Board meetings or other similar engagements as needed and will have the depth of operational experience, judgment and strength of communications skills to represent SAR positively, if called on.

●Collaborate closely with OPCS and task teams on all matters pertaining to instrument selection and design, FMRF, risk/ROC/OC reviews, comments on new policies/procedures and/or piloting of new initiatives among others. The Ops Advisor will work closely with the Sr. Partnerships specialist in SARDE on all matters relating to joint/parallel co-financing of pipeline operations, ensuring strong coordination with DFI, Legal and external partners. Ops Advisor must have deep experience in the design and implementation of all Bank instruments (IPF, PforR, MPAs etc) and be able to guide task teams on complex operational issues in this space. Experience with FMRF will be a plus.

● Interfaces with IFC and MIGA to identify and accelerate opportunities for deeper One WBG engagement in SAR. Operational experience with IFC will be important to this role and considered a plus in the shortlisting process.

●Coordinate with CMUs and GPs – establishing key relationships with Operations Managers, Practice Managers and RPD Representatives in particular - on key operational issues and updates to teams to ensure high-quality deliverables and full implementation of OpsEE, Knowledge Bank interfacing, new ADM, partnerships and others. Ops Advisor will need to have strong reputation for teamwork, solutions-oriented approach to complexity and strong communications skills. SAR meetings are often held in the morning EST (7 am onwards). SAR Ops Advisor will be expected to be available during these time frames as needed.

● Lead SARDE work relating to the use of AI in process simplification including the upcoming roll out of the AI Board Package Review Tool and other similar solutions.

●Prepare all materials for MDO DRM, internal DRM, quarterly updates etc including the management of SAR-specific initiatives for the full delivery of the MOU including Disbursement Challenges, Proactivity management etc. Oversee work of data team including SAR Dashboard and internal management systems. Lead deep dives on portfolio and pipeline performance to provide strategic solutions for improved performance and management of operational risks. Ops Advisor will be responsible for the full quality control of briefs prepared for DE Manager, DSO and RVP and for proactive management of portfolio and pipeline to ensure full delivery of MOU.

● Prepare and/or consolidate comments on corporate review products, non-SAR ROCs and OCs as well as corporate review products (IEG, GIA, OPCS etc) working closely with the SAR ROC Secretary. The Ops Advisor will have strong written communications skills with the ability to draft comments that challenge/question materials in a constructive and diplomatic manner, for DE Manager review.

●Lead – in partnership with ROC Secretary/Economic Advisor – all work pertaining to SAR’s contribution to major corporate milestones including those such as: MBJ integration into portfolio and pipeline project documents (working closely with Outcomes team on detailed documentation), IDA Midterm Review (connecting with DFI team and ensuring that SAR inputs are collected on time and in a high level of quality reflecting alignment with IDA commitments), Outcomes Midterm Review (maintaining close watch on the status of SAR’s impact on quarterly Target maps) and others. 

● Oversee the work of various SARDE teams including those pertaining to regional risk list, operations with INT or IP challenges, work with Outcomes department, data and analytics team, team interacting with DFI on IDA, FFI, Windows and GFPP among others, TF team. Ops Advisor must have demonstrated experience working directly with elements of risk including E&S, procurement or FM, must be deeply comfortable with all elements of data management in Bank systems including the Operations Workspace. 

●Lead operational learning efforts, including through leadership in the design and implementation of SAR specific learning events including SAR Ops Forum, SCCI events and others. Previous experience in Knowledge and Learning will be a plus.

● Represent the SAR DE Manager as needed at different fora including OPCS COS Board, WBG Strategy Working Group, INT and IEG meetings, Knowledge and Learning Department among others. Support the SARDE Manager on the unit's management work, including acting assignments, support to the DSO and RVP Front Office on ad-hoc basis, onboarding of new staff, mentoring, and organization of meetings and retreats. Ops Advisor must be open to travel to the SAR region to participate in regional events that SARDE organizes (anticipated twice per year)

Selection Criteria

●Post graduate degree (Master’s or PhD) in relevant field of discipline. Typically, the successful candidate will have at least 12 to 15 years of relevant experience. 

● Prior substantive and sustained operational work experience in achieving results on the ground in more than one world region (including both pre-Bank experience and Bank experience). Candidates with field experience are encouraged to apply.

●Operational experience and hands on experience with Bank instruments and operational policies is critical.

● Strong team player, willing to collaborate closely with colleagues and across boundaries; ability to operate effectively in a decentralized, matrix environment.

●Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills; ability to listen carefully and provide sound advice in a constructive manner; ability and readiness to stand firm on difficult and sensitive issues; ability to convey ideas and positions clearly and tactfully to staff and managers at all levels.

● Wide range of operational experience with external clients, preferably both as a member and leader of task teams, across a full range of Bank operational and analytical products.

●Knowledge of the Bank's instruments (lending, AAA, Trust Funds, etc.), country engagement model, policies, procedures, and strategies, and capacity to apply them effectively in the preparation and implementation of Bank operations.

● Knowledge of procurement, E&S, governance and financial management design and implementation issues.

●Deep knowledge of portfolio management issues and demonstrated understanding of the Bank's risk management system and results agenda.

● High performance in previous assignments; recognition by peers and managers for excellence and innovation in operational work.

●High capacity to conceptualize, organize, manage and bring to closure high-quality work quickly and independently; proven capacity to integrate and synthesize across disciplines.

● Demonstrated ability to mentor staff and lead a team without formal authority.

● Demonstrated ability to embrace change with a positive and constructive mindset and to be a role-model for other staff throughout various institutional changes.

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.

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