Manager, disaster risk management practice, and head of secretariat

Background / General description

GFDRR is governed by partners of the Facility, which include bilateral and multilateral development agencies, other international financial institutions , World Bank’s client countries, experts and civil society organizations. The Secretariat is housed in the Finance, Economics and Urban (FEU) Department of the Sustainable Development Network (SDN) at the World Bank's headquarters, from where it serves the full membership of the GFDRR Consultative Group and manages the Facility’s day to day activities.

Since its establishment in 2006, the GFDRR has evolved into a leading global partnership to assist developing countries reducing the risks of disasters and mobilizing accelerated international assistance for sustainable recovery in the aftermath of catastrophes. It receives voluntary contributions from its partners in various Multi-donor and Single-donor Trust Funds for the implementation of its multi-year partnership strategy endorsed by the Consultative Group. More than $ 370 million has been pledged in GFDRR by its partners from humanitarian, development and climate finance sources.

The facility is a mechanism that contributes to implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) which provides a global blueprint for disaster risk reduction. More than 60 countries have achieved significant disaster risk reduction capacities from GFDRR’s $ 160 million (approx) in grant financing disbursed till October 31, 2011.

World Bank Group Context

Innovation and partnership bond the five institutions of the World Bank Group (WBG): the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA), which together form the World Bank; the International Finance Corporation (IFC); the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA); and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). The World Bank Group is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries . It uses financial resources and extensive experience to help poor nations reduce poverty, increase economic growth , and improve the quality of life.
The World Bank Group’s work focuses on achievement of the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The goals call for eliminating poverty and achieving inclusive and sustainable globalization. The MDGs lay out a blueprint for the World Bank Group, setting its priorities and measuring its results. The World Bank is the world’s largest funder of education; the world’s largest external funder of the fight against HIV/AIDS; a leader in the fight against corruption worldwide; a strong supporter of debt relief; and the largest international financier of biodiversity, water supply, and sanitation projects.

The World Bank has emerged as the leading partner of disaster-prone countries in their effort to manage the risk of disasters and respond to their impact when they hit. In line with the goals of the HFA, the World Bank is responding to the growing demand from its clients for assistance after natural disasters and support to prepare for future disasters, including those resulting from climate change . Between fiscal years 2006 and 2011, IBRD and IDA committed an estimated $10.5 billion to projects or project elements related to disasters.

***The World Bank Group is committed to achieving diversity in terms of race, gender, nationality, culture, and educational background.
Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. ***

The position

This is an initial 3-year Term position to be extended with the approval of the Consultative Group of GFDRR. World Bank staff with regular and open-ended appointment at headquarters will retain their current appointment type if/when selected, with a re-entry guarantee from the releasing unit.

Department Context

The GFDRR Manager is an integral part of the FEU Management Team. As a member of this team, the selected candidate will report to the FEU Director. He/she will be expected to contribute to the management of budget, human resources , and administrative issues of GFDRR, and to back up other Sector/Program Managers, and the Director, as appropriate.

The Manager of the Disaster Risk Management practice leads a team of highly skilled multidisciplinary team of 40-45 experts who provide advisory services and technical assistance to the World Bank’s growing community of practitioners engaged in disaster risk management and climate change adaptation, particularly for low and middle income countries prone to disaster risks. As head of the Secretariat of the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), the Manager provides strategic leadership in shaping the global mandate of the Facility and mobilizing partnerships and resources to support policies to reduce the risks of disasters in developing countries .

Unit Context

The facility operates under three complementary service lines to maximize the impact of the Facility at global, regional and country levels:

- Global and Regional Cooperation (Track I)
GFDRR has established strategic partnerships with international and regional organizations to enhance cooperation among all stakeholders, to elevate and sustain the political commitment and enhance global advocacy for disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation agenda.

- Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction and Adaptation (Track 2)
this service line supports countries in the development of national DRR plans and investment frameworks for disaster risk prevention and climate adaptation. This track operates through a multi-donor trust fund and provides technical assistance to governments and civil society organizations to enhance investments in risk assessment s, risk reduction and risk transfer mechanisms.

- Standby Recovery Financing Facility (Track 3)
This component of the facility aims to bring speed in post-disaster needs assessment s and accelerated financing of recovery and reconstruction following a disaster.

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.

Duties and Accountabilities

The Manager will lead the secretariat charged with delivering the GFDRR work program with an Annual Budget of around US$ 40-50 million.

Key responsibilities

• Strategy and Business Management responsibilities
- Lead the GFDRR Secretariat team in shaping its strategies and policies to carry out key responsibilities, including providing high-level strategic advice to the Consultative Group and GFDRR’s partners on disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation.
- Screen and evaluate project proposals for GFDRR assistance in accordance with the criteria adopted by the Consultative Group, ensuring the delivery of high-quality outputs.
- Manage and ensure the quality of GFDRR portfolio. Work with GFDRR staff to ensure high-quality analytical work, projects, advisory services, and partnerships.

• People/ Talent Management responsibilities
- Select, motivate, mentor, and support development of Secretariat staff across the Bank.
- Oversee the deployment of staff resources among the three Tracks of GFDRR’s services in response to the needs of WB Regions and client countries and resolve trade-offs in staff work assignment to ensure continuity of service delivery from the Secretariat.
- Manage the talent pool of DRM staff in the World Bank’s Regions, including strategic staffing and maintaining appropriate skills mix.
- Manage and evaluate staff performance including fostering effective work environment, teamwork and information sharing, and coaching and mentoring staff.
- Manage work schedule, personnel actions and HR matters including the use of consultants.  

• Resource Management (RM) responsibilities
- Lead preparation of GFDRR’s multi-year strategic work program and budget, present to the Consultative Group, administer the disbursement of funds and implement a fund raising strategy to mobilize required resources.
- With support of GFDRR RM staff and Senior Operations Officer, monitor GFDRR SAP transactions and ensure compliance with Bank procedures.

• Relationship Management responsibilities (Internal and External)
- Participate in Management Teams.
- Stimulate and coordinate effective relationships with current and prospective partners and clients to strengthen the facility, its value-added impact and synergies.
- Participate in full range of corporate responsibilities vested in the World Bank Committees and Global Task Forces of which GFDRR is a member. These include updating and reformulating Bank-wide DRM strategy, contributing to the formulation of the corporate DRM and climate adaptation agenda, quality assurance with respect to Bank-wide DRM portfolio, and sharing skills and experience with teams throughout the Bank.
- Promote linkages with country and regional operational units of the World Bank, UN-International Strategy for Disaster Reduction and other partners
- Establish and foster effective strategic partnerships with donor partners, developing country governments, the private investor community, official development agencies, and other stakeholders.

• Knowledge Management responsibilities
- Provide advice to staff and clients on disaster risk management, poverty reduction policies and strategies, 'best practices' in DRM issues, Bank policies and approaches.
- Support DRM staff in promotion and implementation of Bank-wide and Regional DRM strategies at the country level. This will include liaising with Country Directors and Sector Leaders to ensure adequate resources for analytical work and project preparation, appraisal, and supervision.
- Monitor implementation of projects, disseminate lessons learned on best practices, and maintain a database of existing projects funded by the GFDRR.
- Lead efforts to exploit the experience and expertise of the facility’s partners to develop new tools and practical approaches. Engage partners' networks in advancing collective know-how and emphasize innovative nature of the facility’s work.

Selection Criteria

This is a high profile senior position requiring a mix of skills and expertise in a range of matters. In particular, the successful applicant should have:

• Advanced university degree in a relevant discipline
• Typically the successful candidate will have about 10 to 12 years of directly-related experience in positions of increasing complexity and responsibility.
• Prior work experience in achieving results on the ground in more than one world region (including both pre-Bank and Bank experience). A corporate assignment (e.g. Network Anchor, DEC, WBI, FAC Units) may substitute for experience in a second world region.
• Sound operational experience.
• A recognized track record leading in the fields of disaster management , risk reduction, and poverty alleviation, with substantial international experience and expertise in the formulation and implementation of policies and strategies as well as broad knowledge of "state of the art" practices and theories in these fields
• A well developed understanding of the role, objectives, and activities of official development agencies and international financial institutions ; as well as the role of national and local authorities as recipients of technical assistance; substantial experience and demonstrated strategic planning skills and capacity to guide development of policies and strategies in disaster risk management, in working with governments, at the regional, national and local levels, private sector investors, and other stakeholders on sensitive issues; ability to engage with non-governmental and community based organizations, academic and research institutions and the like in linking disaster risk mitigation and climate adaptation to poverty alleviation efforts.
• Outstanding interpersonal, diplomatic and partnership skills required for building and maintaining collaborative relationships with senior government officials, partners and stakeholders, including experience with donor coordination .
• High-level strategic communication and negotiation skills, including the ability to speak persuasively and present ideas clearly and concisely.
• Proven ability to effectively plan, direct, organize and administer diverse activities to ensure effective delivery of work program. A successful track record in managing multi-disciplinary teams in an international environment.
• Prior experience in managing people, budget processes in an open and collegial way would be an advantage.
• Superior level of resourcefulness, ability to work with considerable autonomy as well as willingness to work under pressure and through the whole spectrum of activities from the strategic level to the resolution of specific implementation issues.
• Fluency in English essential; knowledge of French, Spanish and/or other UN languages would be an advantage.

Bank Managerial Competencies

• Focusing on the Big Picture and Overall Strategic Framework for Development: Identifies and pursues strategic initiatives which provide the greatest value and sustainable impact; balances long and short-term trade-offs; communicates clearly and precisely the development goals and the strategies for achieving them.
• Inspiring Trust & Passion in the Bank Group's Mission: Shows great drive and commitment to the World Bank Group’s mission; helps others understand how their daily work contributes to the Bank's mission and inspires others to proactively meet the Bank's development objectives in partnership with clients. Treats everyone fairly, consistently, and with respect. Maintains high standards of personal integrity.
• Promoting Client Orientation: Balances a responsive and proactive approach to meeting client needs; encourages staff to understand client needs and concerns; ensures provision of customized services and products as appropriate; Responds promptly and effectively to client needs.
• Driving for Results: Makes things happen; Is proactive; Balances "analysis" with "doing"; Sets high standards for self and others; identifies work objectives that are fully aligned with the Bank Group's mission and goals.
• Selecting, Coaching, Appraising & Developing Staff: Builds a team diverse in gender and nationality; appraises their ability and potential; gives candid and timely performance feedback; rewards desirable behavior; provides support for professional development efforts linked to business objectives; Coaches staff to help them perform effectively.
• Planning & Managing Staff to Achieve Quality Results: Develops realistic plans with available human resources ; establishes high standards of performance and demonstrates a commitment to excellence; empowers staff by removing obstacles to achieve business goals; focuses on results and delivers what is promised, on time and within budget; accepts responsibility for successes and failures; does not blame others if things go wrong; holds others accountable; supports others to succeed and acknowledges their contributions. 
• Encouraging Innovation in an Open, Team Based Environment: Creates an environment conducive to teamwork, continuous learning and innovation; Thinks beyond existing paradigms; builds alliances and promotes open communication and collaboration to achieve joint objectives. 
• Creating an Environment that Supports Continuous Learning & Knowledge Sharing: Uses knowledge to equip clients and staff; promotes continuous learning environment; Shares knowledge and information; Builds partnerships and creates an environment for learning and knowledge sharing . 
• Influencing & Resolving Differences Across Boundaries: Gains support and commitment from others even without formal authority; resolves differences by determining needs and forging solutions that benefit all parties; promotes collaboration and facilitates teamwork across organizational boundaries; Breaks down barriers between units.
• Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: Builds diverse teams and manages differences to achieve business results. Demonstrates commitment to D&I through staffing decisions (recruitment, promotion recognition, etc.). Respects and values differences; listens with an open mind and enables all staff to actively, visibly contribute. Challenges preferences in self and others that may affect workplace decisions. Models behaviors that promote a more inclusive organizational culture.