The Finance & Markets Global Practice of the World Bank Group aims to help countries build deep, diversified, inclusive, efficient and stable financial systems which are essential to promoting economic growth and reducing poverty and increasing shared prosperity. The practice is committed to delivering public and private sector tailored solutions to development challenges by leveraging the whole range of the Bank Group's financial, knowledge/advisory and convening services for clients.
As a joint World Bank-IFC practice, the Finance & Markets Practice brings together the World Bank's knowledge, finance (loans, credits, guarantees, risk management products), and convening services, and IFC advisory at the industry and public sector level into a single suite of development solutions for our clients and the global community to support reaching the twin goals of eliminating extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity.
The Senior Financial Sector Specialist would be a member of the Responsible Financial Access (RFA) Global Solutions Group, as part of the Global Solutions Team (GST) 2 “Financial Infrastructure and Access”. The Specialist would work closely with the Global Lead for RFA, and would also closely with other relevant GSGs such as the Payment Systems Development Group (PSDG). He/she would report to the relevant GST 2 Practice Manager as line manager.
This vacancy has two positions.
Duties and Accountabilities:
A Senior Financial Sector Specialist is sought who combines global expertise in policy and/or regulation and supervision, with strong experience and engagement at country level.
He/she would provide technical leadership and expert inputs on at least 3 of the following topics: legal and regulatory framework for an inclusive financial system, diverse financial services to low income individuals, financial inclusion strategies, public sector interventions to expand/improve financial inclusion, specialized financial service providers such as cooperatives or savings/postal banks, financial infrastructure, financial consumer protection, or financial literacy.
He/she would work primarily on the Universal Financial Access action plan, relevant advisory, analytical, knowledge, technical or financial operations, and with a focus either on the Financial Inclusion Support Framework, or the Global Financial Consumer Protection and Financial Literacy program.
Responsibilities would include – among others - leading or/and contributing to the following, as TTL, co-TTL, project member, advisor, or reviewer:
- Diagnostic reviews, surveys, and assessments, such as: FISF scoping or preparation diagnostics; diagnostics of financial consumer protection frameworks based on the World Bank Good Practices for Financial Consumer Protection; or FSAP technical notes.
- Design and implementation of country-level FISF programs, National Financial Inclusion Strategy engagements, Consumer Protection & Financial Literacy projects, and other relevant projects.
- The development of high quality technical, guidance, and reference material, including for FISF knowledge work streams, whether through technical notes, briefs, case studies, policy notes, or SSB guidance.
- Technical reviews and advisory inputs for projects related to financial access/inclusion and/or responsible finance.
- Universal Financial Access action plan work streams and activities.
- Presentation of findings, analysis, recommendations and information in verbal, written, and PowerPoint form, in diverse contexts (including for workshops, seminars, online, and for corporate briefings).
This post will involve frequent travel, including to low income countries and potentially also to fragile or conflict-affected states.
Selection Criteria:
This role requires a combination of technical and operational skills, expertise relevant to financial inclusion, and a high level of motivation. The following qualifications will be considered:
- A Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, or a related field.
- Minimum of 8 years of directly relevant experience. Proven technical expertise and leadership is needed for this post.
- Financial inclusion and responsible finance knowledge and related expertise, as evidenced through reports and other outputs, as well as through successful roles on project teams.
- Policy, regulatory or supervisory experience, ideally with a financial regulator or ministry of finance.
- Experience and demonstrated strong performance (including high quality delivery) with World Bank Group analytical or technical assistance projects, or directly comparable projects if not with the WBG.
- Excellent analytical, written, and communications skills.
- A consistent track record of performance with a clear focus on results in a range of country contexts.
- Proven ability to work in teams, as well as take the lead in delivering complex analytical and advisory tasks.
- Strong commitment to knowledge-sharing.
- Fluency in English is essential. Another widely used language such as French, Spanish or Portuguese would be desirable.
All applications will be treated in strictest confidence.
For Corporate Information and to apply to the position, please click the apply button below.
Deadline is Sep 20, 2015.
