POST:Senior Public Sector Governance Specialist

Senior Public Sector Governance Specialist
AFTPR
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Last Date: February 5, 2010

Job # 100060
Job Title Senior Public Sector Governance Specialist
Job Family Public Sector Management
Location Abuja, Nigeria
Appointment International Hire
Job Posted 12-Jan-2010
Closing Date 05-Feb-2010
Language Requirements English [Essential]
Appointment Type
Background / General description
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 renewable term appointment.

The Africa Poverty Reduction and Economic Management Group (AFR PREM) plays a key role in implementing the Africa Action Plan and the Governance and Anti-Corruption (GAC) strategy. It has particularly significant responsibilities in strengthening efforts to build sustainable and effective institutions that can help bring about shared growth and poverty reduction in the countries of the region. The Africa Public Sector Reform and Capacity Building Unit (AFTPR) is part of AFR PREM and is the focal point for efforts to strengthen public sector management and governance across all the countries in the Africa region.

In Nigeria, the Bank faces growing demand from federal and state governments for support to improve public management systems across the 36 states. The ongoing State Governance Capacity Building (SGCB 1) project provides support to 3 states to improve efficiency and accountability in the management of financial and human resources. A second project (SGCB 2) will shortly commence which will provide similar support to 3 additional tier 1 states while providing preparatory support to 10 additional states. In addition, the Bank is preparing analytical work on the governance of service delivery to identify areas for further attention The growing client demand for improving public management at state and federal level in a large country such as Nigeria requires a strong team with complementary skills covering public financial management and human resource management as well as the ability to apply political economy analysis appropriately. In particular, the requirement is for strong skills in public finance management reform with good skills in project management, and excellent client relationship and communication capabilities.

AFTPR is looking to recruit a dynamic and problem-solving individual as a Senior Public Sector/Governance Specialist to be based in Abuja, Nigeria to support this program of work with government to improve public sector management and foster institutional development for better governance.

The selected candidate will be based in the World Bank’s Country Office in Abuja, Nigeria for a period of at least three years. Working as a member of the AFTPR team and in close collaboraton with the Lead Economist, she/he will have the responsibility for providing substantive leadership on governance and public sector reform in Nigeria, working directly with key federal and state government and non-government entities and coordinating with other development partners.

Duties and Accountabilities
The selected candidate will report to the Sector Manager in HQ, to the Country Director (CD) based in Abuja as well as to a decentralized Cluster Leader (CL) located in the sub-region. She/he will be expected to carry out the following duties,:

- Actively task-manage the ongoing State Governance and Capacity Building Projects to achieve the development objectives of the projects. Respond to government requests for coverage of additional states.
- Initiate and lead the preparation of analytical work relevant for the Country Partnership Strategy and policy dialogue on public sector reform and governance in Nigeria.
- Provide advice and support to multi-sector operations involving public management/governance challenges.
- Generate, apply, and exchange thematic knowledge relating to concepts, techniques, and lessons of experience pertaining to governance, public sector reform, and capacity building.
- Support the Cluster Leader in work program discussions and in supervising the quality and timeliness of work program deliverables for the Nigeria program.

Selection Criteria
The successful candidate will be a seasoned professional with at least eight (8) years of experience working on public sector management, governance, and anti-corruption issues in developing countries.

- Advanced degree and training in public finance, economics, financial management, public policy or other related field, with a strong academic record.
- At least 8 years of relevant experience in public finance reform and capacity building, with in-depth knowledge and experience in at least two of the following areas: public expenditure management, integrated financial management information systems, public sector accounting and auditing, with adequate knowledge and understanding of other areas of public sector management/governance (e.g. civil service reform, anti-corruption reforms) preferably with an international exposure.
- Demonstrated skills and experience in managing complex projects. Knowledge of good practice in procurement and financial management procedures would be an advantage.
- Knowledge of development challenges facing Africa.
- Demonstrated analytical skills and leadership in addressing governance/public management challenges based on analysis of the political and institutional dynamics of reform and/or demand side initiatives.
- Strong interpersonal skills, proven team orientation, ability to work across unit boundaries and a track record of mentoring junior staff.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain productive, professional relationships with government counterparts, donors and other stakeholders.
- Excellent writing abilities, persuasive oral communication skills and ability to foster long-term, productive client relationships. Evidence of scholarly publications would be an advantage.
- Fluency in English is required.

The World Bank Group is committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality, culture and educational background. Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Apply online at:
http://applicant.worldbank.org/psc/HRERECP/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/ROLE_APPLICANT.ERVIEWJOBS_PASSKEY.GBL?JOB_REQ_NBR=100060