Description
Established in 1944, the World Bank Group (WBG) is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for development solutions. In fiscal year 2018, the WBG committed $67 billion in loans, grants, equity investments and guarantees to its members and private businesses, of which $24 billion was concessional finance to its poorest members. It is governed by 188-member countries and delivers services out of 120 offices with nearly 15,000 staff located globally.
The WBG consists of five specialized institutions:
The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Development Association (IDA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). The World Bank is organized into six client-facing Regional Vice-Presidencies, several corporate functions and thirteen Global Practices to bring best-in-class knowledge and solutions to regional and country clients.
The Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region comprises 30 diverse countries. Ukraine joined the World Bank in 1992. Over 27 years of cooperation, the Bank’s commitments to the country have totaled close to US$14 billion in over 70 projects and programs. The World Bank and Ukrainian authorities are implementing a Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Ukraine for FY2017-2021 that supports the country’s efforts to achieve a lasting economic recovery benefiting the entire population.
Education is a high priority for Ukraine, although there are significant challenges related to quality and equity of learning outcomes, labor market relevance of skills, and efficiency and sustainability of education services. In recognition of these challenges, the country has been pursuing ambitious reforms that hold great promise to fundamentally transform the sector, improve learning outcomes, and accelerate human capital development.
In this context, the objective of this assignment is to provide a wide range of analytical and technical support to the World Bank Education team and the Ukraine Human Development Team and Country Management Unit.
Duties and Accountabilities
The Education Specialist (ETC) will be based in Kyiv, Ukraine, and work under the supervision of the Task Team Leaders (TTLs). S/he will support the daily implementation of the education portfolio in Ukraine.
S/he is expected to be responsible for the following tasks and duties:
- Be an active member of task teams working on education projects and grants being designed and/or implemented in Ukraine, particularly the Ukraine Improving Higher Education for Results Project (P171050), the Ukraine Training Assessment Project focused on assessing teacher training institutions (P170747), and the Ukraine Human Development Assessment (P173530), along with other tasks that may arise. For each education project or operation, s/he should understand the respective scope, design, results framework, expected results, beneficiaries, institutional and implementation arrangements, fiduciary arrangements, social and environmental implications, as well as legal aspects
- Support the Ministry of Education and Science with readiness for project implementation, especially around preparation of the Project Operational Manual, Terms of Reference, and other operational documents and plans
- Interact and liaise with government counterparts, local education group, and other partner organizations (civil society organizations, academia, etc.) on project related issues as required by the task team
- Provide guidance and technical assistance to counterparts involved in the implementation of education projects to help identify bottlenecks, solve problems, and advance progress of various components, based on a thorough understanding of the development objectives and design of each project. He/she should be able to identify monthly key milestones to be met by the Government and the Bank across all components and implementing agencies
- Support analytical work in the education sector, including by conducting ad-hoc research or analysis as needed
- Provide inputs to the preparation of diverse operational products/outputs (e.g., projects briefs, portfolio performance reviews, Aide Memoires, Implementation Summary Reports, Trust Fund Grant Fund Request, Grant Report Monitoring and closing reports, activity completion reports)
- Prepare regular briefs on important or relevant developments in Ukraine’s education system, serving as the team’s “eyes and ears” on the ground to keep task team informed and up to date
- Monitor the implementation of education projects and operations according to the agreed upon Project Implementation Plans and/or Project Procurement Plans
- In close coordination with the Procurement Specialist and Financial Management Specialist and under the supervision of the TTLs, contribute to the efficient processing of all procurement requests and withdrawal applications
- Participate and be a key player on missions regarding education projects at the preparation and supervision stage
- Participate in review meetings and represent the education team in relevant Bank-wide initiatives
- Other duties and tasks as specified by the Practice Manager, and the relevant project Task Team Leaders or whoever they may designate.
Selection Criteria
Education:
A minimum qualification of a Master’s Degree in education, public administration, economics, social sciences, business or related fields.
Experience:
- A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in the human development or social sectors, with experience in the education sector in Ukraine strongly preferred.
- Experience working in and with international organizations.
- Familiarity with World Bank operational policies and systems, including for preparation and implementation support for projects, is highly desirable.
- Strong client orientation and proven ability to work and liaise with government ministries and agencies, ability to identify problems, provide technical support, build consensus and arrive at solutions.
- Ability to coordinate and work across different government departments.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience in managing projects, particularly involving calls for proposals from education institutions.
- Acquaintance with the Bank’s project cycle, with specific focus on monitoring of results.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, seeking guidance from TTLs and senior staff on complex projects/issues.
- Ability to juggle numerous competing demands and priorities, respond quickly to management requests, and set priorities for self and others.
- High levels of energy, initiative, and flexibility in quickly adjusting to changing work program requirements.
- Effective communication skills including the ability to speak and write articulately.
- Strong results orientation, persistence, patience and positive attitude.
- Excellent analytical and writing skills.
- English and Ukrainian language proficiency required.
- Proficiency on all standard operational software packages (including Excel and PowerPoint) required
- Working knowledge of statistical analysis packages (e.g. STATA) would be advantageous.
WBG COMPETENCIES
- Lead and Innovate – Develops innovative solutions.
- Deliver Results for Clients – Proactively addresses clients’ stated and unstated needs.
- Collaborate Within Teams and Across Boundaries – Collaborates across boundaries, gives own perspective and willingly receives diverse perspectives.
- Create, Apply and Share Knowledge – Applies knowledge across WBG to strengthen solutions for internal and/or external clients.
- Make Smart Decisions – Interprets a wide range of information and pushes to move forward.
The World Bank Group is committed to achieving diversity in race, gender, nationality, culture, and educational background. Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. Women and SSA/CR candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Note: The selected candidate will be offered a one-year appointment, renewable for an additional one year, at the discretion of the World Bank Group, and subject to a lifetime maximum ET Appointment of two years. If an ET appointment ends before a full year, it is considered as a full year toward the lifetime maximum. Former and current ET staff who have completed all or any portion of their second-year ET appointment are not eligible for future ET appointments.
Poverty has no borders, neither does excellence. We succeed because of our differences and we continuously search for qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds from around the globe.
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