Senior Operations officer req📣 إعلان

About The World Bank Group and the Role

The World Bank Group (WBG) is a global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and over 120 offices worldwide, the WBG works with public and private sector partners, investing in projects and utilizing data, research, and technology to address urgent global challenges. This full-time Senior Operations Officer position is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, focusing primarily on the World Bank's Saudi Arabia program.

Regional Context and Program Overview

The Middle East and North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (MENAAP) Region serves twenty-two countries, fostering sustainable growth with a focus on job creation, poverty reduction, economic and social inclusion, and good governance. The World Bank's expanded regional strategy aims to help the region navigate crises, move towards transformation, unlock economic potential, develop human capital, and foster innovation. The Senior Operations Officer will manage the WB KSA program, delivered through a Technical Cooperation Program (TCP) Agreement with the Ministry of Finance and stand-alone agreements with various government entities. This program covers activities across a wide range of sectors aligned with Vision 2030 goals and includes serving as a Senior Government Liaison to deepen relationships with clients and partners in Saudi Arabia.

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Operations Officer will undertake a range of responsibilities, including:

• Developing and maintaining trusted relationships with government counterparts, contributing to business development, and growing the Reimbursable Advisory Services (RAS) program in Saudi Arabia.
• Coordinating the implementation of the World Bank RAS program in the Kingdom and supporting dialogue with government counterparts.
• Providing support to visiting technical teams and participating in key meetings with senior government agencies.
• Liaising with Global Practices and task teams to ensure consistency in reports and correspondence.
• Coordinating close partnerships with IFC and MIGA for joint World Bank Group programs.
• Monitoring latest developments in KSA and identifying new business opportunities for the WBG.
• Developing and maintaining close working relations with Washington-based Country Anchor Unit, CMU staff, GP colleagues, and regional management.
• Conducting monthly analysis of operational data and information.
• Overseeing the development of a TCP monitoring dashboard with the Ministry of Finance.
• Tracking and reporting on key deliverables, work program, and budget execution.
• Implementing a monitoring system for concept notes, aide memoires, completion summaries, and budget utilization.
• Conducting regular monitoring of activities with the Operations Team in the Country Office and Headquarters.
• Participating in the review of CMU budgets and RAS billing in cooperation with the World Bank Budget department.
• Monitoring and following up on payment arrears as needed.
• Facilitating VIP visits to the Kingdom, including leading preparations and liaising with government entities and World Bank teams.
• Contributing to the preparation of briefing documents and internal/external correspondence for Bank management and external audiences.
• Serving as the Security focal point for KSA.

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates should meet the following qualifications and experience requirements:

• Master's or higher degree in a relevant field such as economics, public policy, business administration, finance, or a similar field aligned with the Bank’s mission.
• Minimum of eight years of directly relevant experience in government, preferably within Saudi Arabia.
• Extensive operational experience, including leadership of teams.
• Recognized expertise in operations and portfolio management by peers and managers.

Required Skills and Professional Attributes

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and attributes:

• Solutions-oriented approach with the ability to actively shape, drive, and provide high-level contributions.
• Strong organizational skills, capacity for multitasking, and reliable delivery under tight deadlines.
• Aptitude to respond quickly to client demands and enhance effectiveness.
• Strong team player, capable of collaborating closely with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong client orientation and effectiveness in complex situations, considering political economy, social, and cultural contexts.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Arabic, with the ability to adapt complex messages to various stakeholders.
• Ability to focus on the broader picture and overall country framework for development.
• Demonstrated sense of urgency, thoughtful risk-taking, and commitment to empowerment and accountability.

Reporting Structure and Work Type

This is a full-time position. The Senior Operations Officer will report to the MENAAP Regional Hub Manager in Riyadh.