Lead Education Specialist/Economist at World Bank Group

The Human Development (HD) Practice Group (PG)

Human development is at the core of the World Bank’s strategy to improve people’s lives and support sustainable development. The Human Development research program spans education, health, social protection, and labor.

Education Global Practice  

Education is a human right, a powerful driver of development and one of the strongest instruments for reducing poverty and improving health, gender equality, peace, and stability. It delivers large, consistent returns in terms of income and is the most important factor to ensure equality of opportunities. For more information: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/education

Education Sector in Western and Central Africa (HAWE3)

The HAWE3 Education Unit is seeking a Lead Education Specialist /Economist to contribute to the unit’s region-wide support to improve learning outcomes, access to education and skills. The candidate would be expected to travel to the region to lead or support World Bank teams. The Lead will contribute across the region, lead complex tasks, advice Task teams, and support the Manager in ensuring effective and strategic engagements. The Lead Education Specialist/Economist will engage in a wide-range of analytical, research, and operational tasks. 

The selected candidate will report to the Practice Manager.

Duties and Accountabilities 

• Lead/coordinate the preparation, design and implementation of complex or large education or education-related lending operations (IPF, PforR and DPF) in IBRD, IDA or FCV countries.
• Lead quality assurance on lending and knowledge products and support Practice Manger in the overall strategic direction of the unit. Play a lead role in the unit on monitoring design and troubleshooting implementation of operational products including monitoring of the timeliness and quality of program delivery. This includes supporting the teams and the Practice Manager in upstream technical review of the unit’s tasks, including draft concept notes and PADs.
• Lead the operationalization of the Africa West Education Strategy and shape and contribute to other strategic products including regional reports and events, such as analysis on learning outcomes.
• Lead, coordinate and ensure the technical rigor of complex sectoral or multi-sectoral analytical and advisory services of the unit. 
• Lead analytical and operational task for products focusing on education and contribute to cross-cutting reports within Human Development, Human Capital, or other important areas for development where education plays a role. 
• Support the Practice Manager in the overall management of the unit and its resources.
• Mentor junior and new staff in the unit.

Note: This position will be based either in Yaoundé Cameroon or Accra Ghana based on the candidate’s preference.

Selection Criteria

The candidate should have:

• Educational Degree: At least a Master’s degree or Ph.D. in the field of education, economics, public policy or other relevant degree.
• At least 12 years of relevant experience including recognized technical expertise within core education areas, such as early childhood education, learning poverty, learning assessment, teacher management, training, higher education, or economic analysis for education. 
• World Bank experience in at least two regions, a corporate assignment or successful and diverse operational experience supporting clients to build capacity and lead complex policy dialogue on education. 
• Ability to pay attention to political economy aspects and design programs for comprehensive education reforms.
• Strong operational, technical, research, and analytical skills in education and training, including demonstrated track record of thought leadership on education and training, publications, as well as demonstrated impact of analytical work.
• Capacity to work as acting Practice Manager, including program and budget management, as well as excellent judgement to manage complex teams and situations in consultation with management.
• Proven ability and track record in guiding teams and mentoring staff technically, operationally, and behaviorally.  
• Successful experience in leading cross-sectoral WBG teams, such as cross-HD and cross-PG teams.
• Track record of building trustful partnerships with external partners, including development partners, to coordinate support for clients and raise resources.
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentational skills in English. Communication skills in French preferred.

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.