The
Africa Region (AFR) of the World Bank Group serves 48 countries in
sub-Saharan Africa. Countries range from low income countries among them
fragile and conflict states to a small but growing number of middle
income countries (MICs) but with weak human development
indicators. Average annual per capita income varies widely and
inequalities persist in most AFR countries, with most of the Region’s
people living in poverty. The Bank’s strategy in AFR is focused on two
pillars – competitiveness and employment, and vulnerability and
resilience – and a foundation – governance and public-sector
capacity.
JOB TITLE: Lead Education Economist/ Specialist
JOB #:130961
JOB FAMILY: Education
JOB TYPE: Professional & Technical
GRADE: GH
LOCATION: Abuja, Nigeria
RECRUITMENT TYPE: International Hire
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT: English [Essential]; French [Desired]
BACKGROUND / GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Human Development Department in the Africa Region is comprised of
three sectors: Health, Education and Social Protection. The education
sector is divided into two units: West and Central Africa; and East and
Southern Africa. The Africa Education Sector Unit for West and Central
Africa (AFTEW) is responsible for policy, analytical and operational
work in the education sector in the sub-region. The unit currently has a
portfolio of IDA projects, Trust Funds, analytical work and technical
assistance products in fragile, low and middle-income countries. The
portfolio spans the full spectrum of the education sector from early childhood education
to higher education as well as skills development. Many countries have
achieved considerable progress in access to basic education but
particular attention is now needed on issues of improving the quality
and relevance of education at all levels, expanding access to post-basic
education and training, and improving skills development so as to
produce a quality workforce to sustain and expand on the current growth
in the region in an inclusive manner.
AFTEW works with client countries – at the regional, sub-regional,
national and sub-national levels – to address these challenges. The aim
is to contribute to breaking the equilibrium of low-level quality at all
levels of education, increasing the efficiency and accountability of
education services, modernizing the higher end of the formal education
continuum, more effectively integrating science and technology, and
better aligning skills formation with the needs of fast-growing Region,
including MICs. In doing this, AFTEW aims to not only deliver high quality products but also to support efforts towards inclusive growth, and build capacity
in client countries through collaborative interactions with country
counterparts and other development partners. It seeks to bring the best
possible knowledge to bear on the practical challenges facing client
countries and at the same time puts a high priority on knowledge
generation, including through benchmarking and rigorous impact
evaluations of education interventions. The lending portfolio is
increasingly using new instruments to shift emphasis from financing
inputs to delivering results; and to support holistic and systemic
reforms. Increasingly, the unit is witnessing demand for knowledge
products and innovative AAA work (including through fee based services).
Specifically, AFTEW (i) assists countries in developing and
implementing strategies for ensuring quality teaching and learning at
all levels of education (pre-school, basic education, secondary education,
tertiary education and science & technology), and in addressing the
issues that face these countries’ disadvantaged population groups; (ii)
ensures that education systems respond to the needs of labor markets;
(iii) continues to stress the focus on results; builds capacity for
monitoring and impact evaluation of reforms; fosters knowledge sharing;
(iv) promotes innovative approaches, cross-sectoral linkages, and
partnerships with the private sector and other development partners
whenever relevant; (v) develops and scales up successful strategies for
regional collaboration to leverage economies of scale; and (vi) works to
strengthen governance, accountability, and transparency in the
education sector.
Nigeria constitutes a major part of our work in education. With
almost a quarter of the population of sub-Saharan Africa, success in
Nigeria is critical to achieving significant progress at the regional
level. The education sector is the largest for any single country in
Africa and is characterized by several challenges at all levels. These
include: the challenges of managing access at all levels in view of a
large and growing population, addressing the high numbers of
out-of-school children, challenges in quality of education and learning
outcomes, efficiency and sustainability of financing, regional and
gender disparities, a complex sector governance system; and political
economy issues in implementing reforms. The Bank currently has a large portfolio in the country and increasingly, the need for a multi-sectoral approach is becoming eminent.
In the light of the above, AFTEW is seeking Lead Education
Economist/Specialist candidates to be based in Abuja, Nigeria with: (a)
experience in policy technical dialogue, including with MIC clients; (b)
have strong analytical skills; and (c) are interested in the practical
aspects of World Bank operations. The successful candidate will work
primarily on Nigeria but may be asked to support work in other countries
in West and Central Africa. He/she may also be to work in Eastern and
Southern Africa, depending on business need. He/she will be expected to
work closely with the AFTEW Sector Manager, Country Management Unit
(CMU), the AFR education team, colleagues from other sectors and our
clients to develop in leading our education assistance program in the
country; and to weave the education agenda into the Country Partnership
Strategy (CPS). He/she will also work constructively with other
partners, including bilateral donors, UN agencies, the European Union,
and NGOs.
The strategic framework set out by the new Africa Strategy and the
Bank’s Education Strategy 2020 has a number of implications for the
Unit’s work program and skills mix. Policy dialogue and operational
work will become more strategically oriented, programmatic and
results-oriented; both to support inclusive growth and competitiveness
in high capacity countries and to address vulnerability and resilience
in fragile and conflict states. In particular, this will include
emphasis on sector-wide approaches and partnerships, as well as
programmatic approaches. The aim will be to deliver sustainable and
comprehensive development solutions. This, in turn, implies strategic
consolidation into larger programs and working multisectorally. In all
contexts, scaling up support to achieve the education MDGs will be
accompanied by increased focus on improving quality of learning
with appropriate tools for measurement of performance and results.
Demand for support in post-basic education, particularly skills
development and higher education, has witnessed a significant growth in
recent years and is likely to continue to be a major part of our
program. The Unit’s work will also reflect a better understanding of
governance and the political economy of the sector in general, as well
as support to countries towards more effective utilization of their own
public resources which constitute the bulk of resources invested in the
sector. Although public sector capacity remains crucial, policy and
operations work will reflect growing understanding of, and engagement
with the private sector, other development partners and non-governmental
organizations, as well as the essential role of households on
individuals themselves.
Note: If the selected candidate is a current Bank Group staff member
with a Regular or Open-Ended appointment, s/he will retain his/her
Regular or Open-Ended appointment. All others will be offered a 3 year
term appointment.
DUTIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:
OPERATIONS:
Lead and/or participate in teams and missions to develop, appraise and
supervise Bank-supported human development and education sector
operations. This will require a wide variety of skills, including
technical analysis; design of project components and technical
assistance activities; monitoring and impact evaluation studies and
sector-related project documentation; interaction with clients at policy
level; supervision of consultants; and lead role in the development of
proposals and loan negotiations.
Contribute effectively to policy dialogue with counterparts with a view
to assisting government translate broad policy objectives into concrete
development proposals.
Provide technical contributions to or selectively lead “cutting edge” knowledge
Participate in multi-sector lending and non-lending tasks (Health,
Nutrition, Social Protection, Poverty Reduction, Sustainable
Development, Private Sector Development and Economic Management).
Contribute to the development of new ideas to enrich the ongoing partnership with the country.
Non-Lending Services:
Strengthen the AAA work on education and skills in the country to help
in forging a strategic framework for development of the sector.
Contribute to/generate “think pieces” and “good practice” papers and policy notes.
Lead and produce major (flagship) reports as may be requested by the government.
In collaboration with other sectors, play a key role in improving public
expenditure analysis and monitoring and evaluation of sectoral
activities.
Partnerships: Participate in partnership activities and contribute to forging new ones
Mentor other staff in the Unit and provide technical support to their work as may be required.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) and demonstrated ability to translate
analytical/technical skills into operational innovations and results.
Sustained record of achieving high-quality substantive results over an
extended period (typically at least 10 years) preferably in the
education sector with experience in addressing complex issues in a
holistic manner, and in designing, organizing and helping implement
programs. Experience in differentiated education systems (e.g.
centralized, decentralized) is an advantage.
Experience in reform of education systems (particularly secondary &
higher education), skills development, science education, education
financing and public expenditure analysis. In addition, knowledge of
recent developments in the sector such as ICTs, online learning and
early childhood development will be an advantage.
Experience in working multisectorally, particularly with respect to (but
not limited to), public finance and education, governance and
accountability, skills development and job creation and poverty
reduction.
Demonstrated skills in analytical tools required for economic, social and institutional research.
Proven ability to interact effectively with clients, including ability
to assist clients at all levels in their analysis, policy formulation,
and education planning with a focus on results.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, demonstrated ability
to work cooperatively with both Bank staff and client country
counterparts, and ability to liaise tactfully as a member of a
multicultural team.
Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and competence to coach and mentor junior staff.
Excellent presentational and writing skills are essential.
COMPETENCIES
General Economic Knowledge and Analytical Skills: Has broad knowledge of
the main issues of economic development, gained through wide seasoning
in the profession (either through extensive academic work, relevant
public or private sector employment, or by providing technical advice to
clients). Has a track record of intellectual leadership and ability to
integrate economic-specific knowledge and specific micro/sector fields
of expertise. Uses familiarity with prior work/reports to provide
quality assurance and assess technical soundness of work/reports.
Recognized as economic expert in specific field as evidenced either
through (if research) a solid record of publications in peer reviewed
journals, or (if operations) through a track record of managing and
delivering high quality economic reports, lending operations, or
equivalent assignments.
Knowledge and Experience in Development Arena: Has in-depth
understanding of Bank objectives and practices and is capable of
advising management and staff on strategy and long-range interventions
on policy and related operational issues in an area important to Bank
work. Influences the design and execution of major policy and/or
research initiatives; conceives, develops and promotes innovations in
Bank development policies, project design, organization and management
to improve Bank operational and sector work. Is able to effectively
engage in strategic aspects of country work, and has prior substantive
and sustained work in more than one world region (including pre-Bank
experience and/or corporate assignment in the Bank).
Policy Dialogue Skills: Is able to translate broad policy objectives
into concrete development proposals. Has a track record of conducting
effective policy dialogue with country counterparts. Facilitates and
organizes intra and inter- sectoral teams, international experts to
debate and exchange ideas on key issues. Has ability to communicate and
defend orally and in writing difficult issues and positions (including
in a hostile environment, as necessary) to senior bank management and
government officials. Actively promotes dialogue with relevant
counterparts, the donor community, the private sector, government
officials, as well as with civil society.
Integrative Skills: Has in depth understanding of Bank services in all
areas of work in the network, and proven fungibility. Has strong
understanding of other Bank knowledge areas. Combines this understanding
and superior technical skills to make substantial contributions across
sectors.
Technical and Quantitative Skills as an Applied Development
Microeconomist (HD): Participates in high level human
development-related policy discussions at the ministerial or
presidential level. Integrates analytical work with operations, taking
in to account political economy considerations and policy strategy
issues. Creates, implements and leads country, regional or global
knowledge initiatives that involve learning, capacity building,
knowledge creation and knowledge sharing in the areas mentioned above.
Client Orientation: Builds linkages across boundaries for optimal
performance. Acts as a trusted advisor resolving client issues within
and across units. Influences key stakeholders and gains approval and
commitment on issues that affect the work of others in own
Region/Network or VPU corporate unit. Moves ideas in meeting client
needs from conceptualization to proposed actions. Translates insight
into practice across disciplines, hierarchies, geographies and
organizational units in service of clients.
Drive for Results: Facilitates and impacts results across units. Ensures
successful implementation and delivery of key Regional/Network or
Corporate Unit programs and projects with multiple resources. Sets,
reviews and evaluates client deliverables against clear standards and
expectations arrived at in collaboration with appropriate stakeholders.
Delivers products that impact results to a broad spectrum of groups and
that align with the Network/Region or VPU/Corporate unit results agenda.
Demonstrates capacity to work within a complex environment but does not
create complexity.
Teamwork (Collaboration) and Inclusion: Leverages capabilities of others
within and across boundaries. Invites an honest exchange of ideas with
others regardless of organization level. Seeks to bring about
collaboration between highly competing interest and stakeholders.
Acknowledges the contributions of others within and across Networks,
Regions, and Corporate units. Advises and coaches others on
collaboration; nurtures and grows talent across departments and
encourages others to reach their full potential. Creates a team climate
of practical and innovative action.
Knowledge, Learning and Communication: Produces and disseminates
knowledge products to create added value. Produces knowledge products
and tools at the department level and across Regions and Networks.
Ensures lessons learned are captured, documented and shared broadly with
internal and external stakeholders in a variety of ways including face
to face meetings, thematic groups, global expert teams, social media and
knowledge sharing platforms and BBLs. Demonstrates a strong command of
all forms of communication and delivers same in a consistently clear,
objective and engaging manner in Network/Regional or VPU/Corporate Units
wide settings. Partners with others WBG leaders to design innovative
products, services, offerings that meet client’s needs. Helps shape
debates on global or regional issues, facilitating the Bank and its
client to communicate openly and productively on critical Bank-wide
issues. Enhances Region and Network client capability through effective
and timely knowledge transfer. Composes technical/management reports
that impact results to a broad spectrum of groups. Facilitates/leads
discussions by ensuring the audience stays focused while engaged in a
productive exchange of ideas; brings discussions to appropriate closure
at the Network/Regional or VPU/Corporate Unit level.
Business Judgment and Analytical Decision Making: Provides leadership
in analytical decision making across boundaries. Acts as a trusted
advisor to others on their decisions, ensuring alignment with other
units and optimal impact on the organization as a whole. Considers and
prepares contingency plans for challenging situations where leadership
across multiple stakeholders is necessary. Mentors and provides counsel
to staff on understanding and assessing risk, dealing with crises and
solving problems.
The World Bank Group is committed to achieving diversity in terms of
gender, nationality, culture and educational background. Individuals
with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All applications will be
treated in the strictest confidence.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
DUE DATE: 25 April, 2013
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