World Bank Jobs and Careers in Kenya

The World Bank is seeking to hire highly organized, energized and seasoned professionals, capable of operating effectively in a very demanding fast-paced environment for the following vacancies.

Finance Analysts

(5 Positions)

Local 3 year Term Appointment, Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Job No# 120709 - Closing Date April 10, 2012

The World Bank’s Loan Department (CTRLD) is seeking to hire Finance Analysts (5 positions) and Finance Assistants (2 positions).

CTRLD is the focal point within the Bank for exercising fiduciary controls over its lending operations, including responsibility for ensuring that loan funds are used for their intended purposes.

In this regard it collaborates actively and maintains close working relationships with several other Bank units.

CTRLD is currently being realigned so as to be more client focused, is primarily responsible for the formulation and administration of the Bank’s financial policies and procedures relating to disbursement of funds from IBRD loans, IDA credits, the Project Preparation Facility (PPF), Institutional Development Fund (IDF) Grants, Recipient-Executed Trust Funds and other financial products of the Bank.

As part of this realignment, CTRLD is opening a Regional Center in Nairobi, Kenya. The Nairobi Regional Center (Center) will follow the staffing model of other teams in the other regional centers (Brasilia, Beijing, Zagreb, Chennai and Manila), a solid team of finance assistants, analysts, and a Team Leader.

The Finance Analysts (FNs) contribute to various team responsibilities, such as disbursement transaction and analysis, project management and capacity building.

The FN plays an important role in ensuring the financial accountability of borrowers/recipients, specifically that loan proceeds are used for the purposes intended and are eligible in accordance with the World Bank policies and procedures.

The FN might be requested to contribute to Department or corporate initiatives.

The position requires strong accounting and auditing skills, client orientation and drive for the results.

The FN provides technical support to the finance assistant and reports to the Regional Center Team Leader and Finance Officer for the assigned portfolio.

The responsibilities will include:

(a) Disbursement Transaction Processing/ Portfolio Management

• Analyze and determine the appropriateness of borrowers’/recipients’ requests for disbursements and the supporting documentation and compliance with the World Bank’s policies and the provisions of the legal agreements and related documents;
• Provide first level approval of requests from borrowers/recipients for payments;
• Ensure prompt and accurate entry/updating of the financial master data of all loans/credits/grants;
• Perform loan portfolio management, such as loan closing, extension, designated account management among others;
• Respond to questions regarding payments, disbursement procedures, and other financial matters;
• Identify issues and systemic problems relating to borrower capacity and provide/recommend corrective measures;
• Provide direction to the Finance Assistant working in his/ her country portfolio;
• Provide training to internal and external audiences –operations, financial management, and country office staff, clients (borrowers;
• Answer questions from Task Team Leaders, borrowers, commercial banks, and suppliers on payments, balances, and application status.

(b) Departmental/ Divisional Tasks

• Participate in departmental/ divisional task forces;
• Identify issues relating to CTRLD policies, procedures and guidelines and recommend actions or enhancements;
• Participate in new systems development and user testing;
• Undertake ad-hoc assignments at the discretion of the Team Leader and/or Manager.

The successful candidate will be holder of

• Professional certification (CPA, ACCA, CA, CFA or equivalent), with Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance or Business
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in portfolio management, project implementation, accounting, auditing and/or contract management.
• Language Skills: Ability to communicate effectively, in writing and orally, in English (essential) and one of the two/ or both French (essential) and Portuguese (essential). Fluency on all three languages will be a plus.
• Knowledge of internal controls and procedures.
• Knowledge of the Bank operational policies, including understanding of Bank policies and practices related to disbursement and contract management, would be an advantage.
• Ability to appropriately apply operational policies, as they relate to disbursements.
• Experience delivering training in the required languages (English, French, and Portuguese). Ability to prepare learning materials and presentations.
• Attention to detail and numerical accuracy.
• Understanding of information systems and the application of new technology.

Finance Assistants

(2 Positions)

Local 3 year Term Appointment, Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Job No# 120707 - Closing Date April 10, 2012

• The Finance Assistants (FAs) will be responsible for determination of the completeness of borrowers’ requests in accordance with the Bank’s policies and procedures, verification of documentation and processing of disbursements or other loan transactions.
• In addition, they provide support to negotiations, mission preparation, and disbursement seminars.
• FAs work under the technical supervision of Finance Analysts and report to the Team Leader.
• The FA at level GD works on withdrawal application processing and related tasks with minimal supervision. The Finance Assistant might be requested to contribute to Departmental initiatives, or to participate in Financial Management network activities and contribute to corporate initiatives.

The responsibilities will include:

(a) Disbursement Transaction Processing

• Process all types of withdrawal and special commitment requests, including complex transactions. Ensure completeness of supporting documentation and enter Detail of Expenditures (DOE) in the Loan Administration System (iLAP); follow up with Task Team Leaders and Procurement Staff as needed;
• Draft correspondence to the borrowers or operational staff;
• Review the pending refunds and other adjustment transactions. Initiate processing in coordination with the Client Services Loans team (CTRNF) or Treasury (TRE) where appropriate;
• Process special commitment amendments and prepare amendment letters.

(b) Portfolio Management

• (i) Assist in closing of projects and finalizing the files for transfer to the Loan Department Record Center;
• (ii) Answer questions from Task Team Leaders, borrowers, commercial banks, and suppliers on payments, balances, and application status.

(c) Departmental/ Divisional Tasks

• Participate in departmental/divisional task forces;
• Identify issues relating to CTR policies, procedures and guidelines and recommend actions or enhancements;
• Participate in new systems development and user testing;
• Undertake ad-hoc assignments at the discretion of the Team Leader and/or Manager.

The successful candidate will be holder of

• A Professional certification (CPA, ACCA, CA, or equivalent), with Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Finance or Business and a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in portfolio management, project implementation, accounting and/or contract management.
• Language Skills: Ability to communicate effectively, in writing and orally, in English (essential) and one of the two/ or both French (essential) and Portuguese (essential). Fluency in all three languages will be a plus.
• Knowledge of internal controls and procedures.
• Knowledge of the Bank operational policies, including understanding of Bank policies and practices related to disbursement and contract management, would be an advantage.
• Ability to appropriately apply operational policies, as they relate to disbursements.

HR Analyst

(1 Position)

Local 3 year Term Appointment, Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Job No# 120710 - Closing Date April 10, 2012

The Bank is looking for a Human Resources Analyst (HRA).

The Bank’s Kenya duty location has been growing due to accelerated decentralization and expanded responsibilities which include the Global Center on Security, Conflict and Development.

In response to these developments the Kenya HR Team is further strengthening the delivery of HR business support by opening up a new position of HR Analyst.

• The HR Analyst will be part of a small but enthusiastic and professional HR team working as part of the World Bank’s global HR community to primarily provide quality human resource support to Managers and staff based in Kenya, support key HR initiatives and programs, including implementation of the compensation system, recruitment, performance management, training and staff development.
• The HR Analyst will also collaborate with the extended HR team in Washington and other locations in Africa.
• The incumbent will work closely with the Regional Senior Human Resources Officer based in Kenya on a day to day basis, and will have an official reporting relationship to the HR Manager in Washington, DC.

The successful candidate’s responsibilities will include:

• Responsible for the end-to-end recruitment and selection process of local staff appointment from workforce planning, sourcing, screening to selection, on-boarding and evaluation, including local consultant and contractual staff management.
• Provide in-house orientation and briefing to new staff and consultants on Kenya office based systems, guidelines and arrangements, ensuring the smooth transition of new hires; and relocating HQ appointed staff or direct-to-field hires to be based in Kenya, in close collaboration with Global Mobility unit (HRSGM) and the Global Mobility Analyst based in Kenya.
• Guide Managers and staff in the interpretation of HR policies and procedures including their application; streamlining and improving HR processes to ensure an efficient, common standard in the Kenya Office.
• Assist Managers and staff with the implementation of strategies for performance and career management, job evaluation, conflict resolution, separation management, on-boarding, organizational effectiveness interventions etc.
• Design and manage customized databases, and independently conduct research/ analysis/ special studies resulting in recommendations to facilitate decision-making on key planning, program and policy initiatives covering a range of HR management related areas (e.g. strategic staffing, skills mix analysis and planning, and other work force issues; organizational change, training, recruitment, performance management, diversity and inclusion etc.).
• Convene focus groups to discuss HR program/policy issues in specialized units, document and follow up. Prepare and make presentations to clients relating to the focus area.
• Conduct basic training needs analysis as needed, including language proficiency testing and training. Take lead on strengthening the delivery of learning programs in the learning hub (Kenya).
• Serve as a resource in preparing HR data, reports and analytical materials and presentations to management and general staff population; particularly for organizational and strategic programs and initiatives.

The successful candidate will be

• Holder of a Master’s (in Human Resources, management, behavioral sciences, or other related field) and a minimum of 2 years of professional HR experience in a large public or private sector institution in corporate HR or consulting environment with demonstrated ability to enable management decision-making with high-quality analysis, engaging key stakeholders to guide analysis and resulting work programs.
• Among other criteria, the successful candidate should have
• Advanced knowledge of MS Excel, Word and PowerPoint; and statistical data packages to efficiently process requests and produce clear and actionable analysis; and in-depth knowledge of HR systems (PeopleSoft preferred).
• Willingness to “roll-up sleeves” and to engage in all aspects of HR work, from identification of issues and design of policies and programs to implementation;
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with a particular focus on ability to present well-reasoned analyses, findings and recommendations on people issues; ability to simplify complex data to suit a variety of audiences, and experience with preparing clientready materials and presenting recommendations;
• Track record of the highest level of integrity and being highly discrete and respected by staff as someone who handles sensitive information with utmost confidentiality.

Financial Management Specialists.

(2 Positions)

(i) Job No# 120674 - Lilongwe, Malawi (Local 2 year Term Appointment)
(ii) Job No# 120675 - Lusaka, Zambia (Local Consultant, One year)
Closing Date April 04, 2012

The Bank is looking for 2 professionals to serve as Financial Management Specialists (FMS).

The two FM Specialists will report to the Regional Financial Management Manager (RFMM) and work from the Bank’s country office in either Zambia or Malawi, and will assist in all financial management (FM) aspects related to the Bank’s operations.

This will include, but is not limited to:

• assessing the adequacy of project financial management arrangements,
• participating in supervision of projects financed by grants and credits with a special attention to value for money issues;
• ensuring compliance with the Bank’s audit and other fiduciary requirements,
• ensuring that the project operations are carried out in accordance with sound financial management practices,
• performing analytical work on financial management and accountability issues in support of building client capacity.

The successful candidates should

• Be professional accountants (CPA, CA or equivalent) with preferably a Masters degree in accounting, business, finance or economics, and meet the following criteria amongst others.
• S/he should have
• a minimum of 5 years of post-qualification experience in financial management;
• Knowledge of International Accounting Standards and International Standards on Auditing;
• Experience with internal audit and internal control systems and procedures (including familiarity with COSO), with the ability to assess such systems and recommend remedial action where necessary;
• Understanding of management information systems and the application of new information technologies;
• Ability to communicate effectively, in writing and orally, in English and to negotiate substantive and difficult issues with senior government officials;
• Willingness to travel frequently.

For the full job descriptions and full selection criteria, for all the positions; qualified candidates are requested to visit and submit an electronic application through the World Bank careers
website: www.worldbank.org/careers and click on employment opportunities >professional/technical staff opportunities >current vacancies > job No. (indicated on the specific job advert above).

Email or paper/postal applications will not be considered. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

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.