Senior Operations officer - req

Senior Operations Officer

Location:

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The Senior Operations Officer will primarily focus on the WB KSA program, which is delivered through a Technical Cooperation Program (TCP) Agreement with the Ministry of Finance and stand‑alone agreements with various ministries and government entities. It covers activities in a wide range of sectors connected with the Vision 2030 goals. In addition, the Senior Operations Officer will also serve as a Senior Government Liaison to foster and deepen trusted relationships with clients and partners in Saudi Arabia.

• Develop and maintain excellent and trusted relationships with the government counterparts, actively contributing to business development and growing the World Bank’s Reimbursable Advisory Services (RAS) program in Saudi Arabia.
• Actively support the country and project teams by playing a critical role in coordinating the implementation of the World Bank RAS program in the Kingdom and working with the Program Manager in the Bank dialogue with government counterparts.
• Provide support to visiting technical teams and join key meetings with senior government agencies.
• Liaise with Global Practices and task teams to ensure consistency in reports and correspondence with the government.
• Coordinate and facilitate close partnership with IFC and MIGA towards development and implementation of joint World Bank Group programs.
• Keep abreast of latest developments in KSA and their implications for the WBG, including identification of new business opportunities.
• Develop and maintain close working relations with the Washington‑based Country Anchor Unit, the CMU staff in Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Oman, GP colleagues, operational services and quality staff, and regional management.
• Undertake a monthly analysis of operational data and information.
• Oversee the development of a TCP monitoring dashboard with MoF.
• Track and report on key deliverables, the work program and budget execution.
• Implement monitoring system to formally track concept notes, aide memoires, completion summaries, and budget utilization.
• Conduct regular monitoring of activities with the Operations Team in the Country Office and Headquarters.
• Participate in the review of CMU budgets and RAS billing in close cooperation with the World Bank Budget department.
• Monitor and follow up on payment arrears where needed.
• Play a key role in facilitating VIP visits to the Kingdom.
• Lead the preparations for the visit, liaising with relevant government entities and World Bank teams.
• Contribute to the preparation of briefing documents and internal and external correspondence for Bank management and external audiences.
• Serve as the Security focal point for KSA.

• Masters or higher degree in a relevant field (economics, public policy, business administration, finance, or similar).
• Minimum eight years of directly relevant experience in the government, preferably in Saudi Arabia.
• Wide range of operational experience as a leader of teams.
• Recognized as an operations/portfolio expert by peers and managers.
• Solutions oriented with ability to actively shape, drive, and provide high‑level contributions.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi‑task and reliably deliver under tight deadlines.
• Aptitude to respond quickly to client demands and find ways to enhance effectiveness.
• Strong team player, able to collaborate closely with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong client orientation and ability to operate effectively in complex situations, with due regard to political economy, social and cultural contexts.
• Excellent communication skills in English and Arabic, verbal and written with ability to adapt complex messages to a variety of stakeholders, balancing flexibility with firmness and clarity of message.
• Ability to focus on the big picture and overall country framework for development.

• Sense of urgency: anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
• Thoughtful risk‑taking: challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
• Empowerment and accountability: empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

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.

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