The South Asia Regional Integration and Engagement (SARRE) team is seeking a Senior Operations Officer based in Dhaka to work with sector teams and government counterparts to advance projects in regional integration, with a particular focus on climate collaboration. The selected candidate will report to the Director, Regional Integration and Engagement, SAR, and will work closely with the Regional Coordinator based in Delhi, the Operations Officer and the Communications Officer based in Washington. They will be responsible for the following tasks and duties:
Regional integration in Bangladesh and BBIN (Bg, Bhutan, India and Nepal) :
Support sector teams in implementing regional projects in Bangladesh and BBIN on topics such as transport and trade connectivity, electricity trade, and digital connectivity including by conducting stakeholder analysis on the political economy of regional reforms and interventions and bringing together key partners. Explore and conceptualize opportunities for further integration with South East Asia.
Engage with Ministries of Foreign Affairs and line ministries, and other relevant stakeholders (regional champions, private sector, think tanks, CSOs...) to advance the agenda.
Lead relevant dialogues and policy notes as required.
Document results achieved and contribute to drafting results stories.
Participate in communications effort to shape a positive narrative of regional integration, based on solid analytics and facts.
Organize engagements for Regional Vice-President, Director SARRE and other senior officials on regional topics in South Asia, especially Bangladesh and Bhutan.
Serve as a liaison between the regional integration team and the country management unit in Bangladesh.
Climate Cooperation :
In close collaboration with Environment, Climate and Disaster Risk Management teams in SAR, advance existing opportunities for regional cooperation in climate action and identify/shape new opportunities across all South Asia.
Support knowledge and dialogue platforms on relevant topics for policy makers, CSOs, scientists, academics, etc.
Ensure regional Trust Fund (TF) resources dedicated to climate collaboration are used to maximum effect. Participate in management of regional TF resources and reporting.
Support the dialogue and relationship with development partners on regional cooperation and integration.
Selection Criteria:
Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in relevant field (development studies, political sciences, environmental sciences).
At least 8 (eight) years of work experience in development, preferably in South Asia.
Sound understanding of government institutions and geo-politics in Bangladesh and the sub-region to identify entry points for dialogue and ways to effect change.
Experience working on climate action and environmental matters, preferably at a regional level.
Prior experience with conducting stakeholder analysis to understand the political economy of reforms and gaining momentum for reforms is a plus.
Strong analytical, research and organizational skills, ability to see the big picture as well as attention to detail and ability to prioritize work among multiple competing demands and tight deadlines.
High degree of initiative, problem-solving skills, flexibility and ability to work independently.
Effective interpersonal and communication skills with external partners and across the WBG matrix with the capacity to interact in a multi-cultural environment.
Excellent oral and written communications skills in English, including the ability to write short reports and briefing notes.
