The IEGFS unit is responsible for thematic and focused evaluations as well as Synthesis evaluation products (Evaluation Insight Notes) and Learning Engagements on finance, private sector, infrastructure and sustainable development topics. The IEGFS unit evaluation activities cover the work of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and the WBG’s Global Practices that deal with finance, private sector development, infrastructure and sustainable development.
The main areas of work of IEGFS are:
Thematic evaluations that are multi-level, multi-project evaluations which rely on elaborate mixed methods designs that usually combine synthetic analyses at the overall portfolio level with in-depth analyses at country, project or other levels of analysis. Within the framework of major evaluations, IEG employs a range of methodological approaches such as i.e., portfolio analyses, structured literature reviews, surveys and case study analyses.
Evaluation Insight Notes (EINs) that are Synthesis evaluation reports that generate new insights from existing evidence to address knowledge gaps and contribute to enhanced operational learning. An EIN draws from existing knowledge applying synthesis approaches. EINs systematically organize evidence from disparate IEG evaluations, validations and other work, and can be supplemented by additional existing studies.
Learning Engagements that are structured series of activities aimed to support WBG management, staff, and clients in absorbing and applying knowledge from IEG evaluations. They aim to lead to early course-correction, identifying and filling gaps in existing knowledge. They are co-owned by IEG and WBG management, with outputs jointly created between IEG and operational counterparts.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the direction of the Unit Manager, the Sr. Evaluation Officer will have the following primary responsibilities:
Lead, co-lead and/or participate in thematic evaluations assessing the relevance and effectiveness of the IFC, MIGA and/or World Bank assistance in the private sector development and finance areas. Evaluations that IEGFS has recently completed or is developing in these areas include: Economic Implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, Private Capital Mobilization, State-Owned Enterprises and Financial Inclusion. While most evaluations cover the work of the World Bank, the IFC and MIGA, some are specifically focused on the IFC or the IFC and MIGA. They include: IFC and MIGA Private Sector Investment in Fragile and Conflict Situations, IFC Additionality in Middle Income Countries and IFC Platforms. The selected candidate will be asked to carry out evaluations that cover all three institutions or that are specifically focused on the IFC and MIGA.
Participate in thematic evaluations assessing the development effectiveness of the IFC, MIGA and World Bank assistance on sustainable development and infrastructure areas. While the senior staff is expected to focus mostly on private sector and finance evaluations, he/she may be asked to contribute to evaluations on these other topics as well. Recent or ongoing evaluations that IEGFS has recently completed or is developing on sustainable development and infrastructure topics include: The Natural Resource Degradation and Human Vulnerability Nexus, Municipal Solid Waste, Managing Urban Spatial Growth, Disaster Risk Reduction and Private Sector Action in Climate.
Lead, co-lead and/or participate in the development of Evaluation Insight Notes (EINs) and Learning Engagements (LEs) on the topics mentioned above, covering the work of the IFC, MIGA and the World Bank. Examples of EINs and LEs include Decarbonization of Transport (IEN), and an assessment of the Private Sector Window (LE).
As a lead, a co/lead or a senior member of thematic evaluations, EINs and LEs, the senior staff will oversee the work of junior staff, including by providing quality-assurance (setting and upholding high standards of quality for various evaluations) and will seek advice from the FS technical leads and the Unit Manager. He/she will also advise other IEG teams in areas of expertise.
The senior staff will work closely with the IEG Methods team in all phases of the evaluation, including to identify the evaluation questions and the relevant methods to answer them and to discuss the validity of the findings of the analysis.
The senior staff will engage with IFC, MIGA and World Bank operational counterparts in key stages of development of the evaluations, EINs and LEs. Engagement with WBG counterparts is particularly important at inception – to define the objectives and scope of the evaluation – and at the time when the team has identified emerging findings and recommendations.
The senior staff will engage in disseminating the findings of the evaluations, EINs and LEs within the World Bank Group (internal dissemination) and with external clients (government representatives, private sector and international partner organizations). He/she will work on the dissemination plan closely with IEG Knowledge and Communications (KC) team.
Contribute to VPU, departmental, and cross-sectoral activities designed to help IEG pursue its mission, specifically in providing methodological advice and coaching across units, and contribute in other forms to the development of IEG products.
Selection Criteria:
The successful candidate is required to have the following minimum qualifications, skills, motivation and personal attributes:
Ph.D. (preferred) and 8 years of experience or Master’s degree and 12 years of experience in directly relevant area of expertise (finance, business administration, economics, evaluation).
Demonstrated in-depth knowledge and experience of IFC or MIGA (or other financial institution) operations (investment, advisory, guarantees). Knowledge of World Bank operations (lending and analytical and advisory activities) is a plus.
Demonstrated experience in designing, conducting and leading evaluations or major analytical work.
Sound understanding of IFC, MIGA and World Bank strategies and corporate processes.
Outstanding writing skills: ability to convey complex concepts through well-structured, simple, convincing messages. Outstanding aptitude for critical and structured qualitative and quantitative analysis, as evidenced by a strong track record of contributions to complex analytical and operational work.
Demonstrated ability to manage teams to deliver complex tasks, including high quality analytical reports, on time and within budget.
Excellent communication, diplomatic and negotiating skills, with demonstrated strong personal maturity, balanced judgment, and a track record of building and maintaining partnerships with colleagues and clients.
Excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills, capacity to motivate and develop teams, and ability to operate collaboratively within and across organizational boundaries.
Proactive, inclusive and innovative, with an open and collegial work style and ability to listen and integrate ideas from diverse points of view.
Ability to coach, mentor, develop and empower more junior staff, provide seasoned advice to more senior staff and managers, and work collaboratively with peers.
