The Transport and Digital Development Global Practice (TDD)
Virtual and physical connectivity is a critical factor of competitiveness, economic growth and inclusion. Yet, a third of the world’s population lacks access to an all-weather road, two-thirds of people live more than one hour away from a large city, and 4 billion people lack access to the internet. The World Bank Group is the largest provider of development finance for transport globally, with an active transport portfolio of $39.5 billion (as of March, 2018).
The Transport and Digital Development Global Practice (TDD GP) seeks to connect people, goods and services to jobs, schools, hospitals, local, regional and international markets, using faster, cheaper, safer and more efficient solutions, while keeping traffic fatalities, congestion, greenhouse gas emissions, and local air pollution in check. It responds to the needs of developing countries and transition economies for modern and reliable transport and ICT solutions. These needs are growing exponentially under the combined effect of globalization, population growth, rapid urbanization, economic development, and technological progress – making transport and ICT a cornerstone of the global development agenda.
The TDD Global Practice is led by a Senior Director and two Directors, supported by nine Regional Practice Managers (PMs) for the delivery of transport operations and ASA, two PMs in charge of Digital Development operations and ASA, one Strategy and Operations PM (PMSO) in charge of knowledge and operational support, one Lead Economist, and Global Leads shaping the agenda around critical areas such as urban mobility, development corridors & regional integration, infrastructure finance and asset maintenance, road safety and broadband access for all. Other cross-cutting topics include railways, air transport, contract management and ESHS, FCV, green transport, PPPs, gender and transit-oriented development. To execute its work program, TDD has established important partnerships inside and outside the WBG, including with other international organizations, the private sector, and civil society.
Transport in the Africa region has a rapidly growing portfolio of about 45 projects under implementation or preparation, with an aggregate value of over US$ 7.5 billion. This portfolio is increasing by 5-10 projects per year, with a slightly smaller number closing over the same period. The record replenishment of IDA18, together with the greater focus on fragile states, gender equality, transformational projects, greater private sector participation, and climate change, is likely to lead to a further increase in both the diversity and scale of the portfolio. The Transport program in Africa is split between three PMs, covering (a) francophone West & Central Africa, (b) East Africa and (c) Southern Africa & anglophone West Africa respectively.
In the West and Central Africa (CWAF) sub-region, the World Bank serves more than 20 client countries. Clients range from lower middle-income countries such as Senegal, Ivory Coast or Cameroon with high demand for infrastructure programs, to fragile and low-income IDA countries such as Chad, CAR, and Guinea Bissau. Areas of particular interest for the transport sector in the sub-region region include urban transport (Bus Rapid Transit systems), regional integration corridors, trade and transit facilitation, logistics, PPPs, ports, railway, air transport, rural transport for agricultural productivity, and road safety.
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 2 year term appointment.
GTDDR is hiring a Senior Transport Specialist, with extensive prior operational experience – preferably in Africa, to join the WB Yaoundé country office. The Specialist will: (i) lead the technical dialogue in the transport sector with the Cameroonian authorities, as well as with other clients in the sub-region; (ii) lead and contribute to projects and knowledge activities in the T&I practice and in close collaboration with other Global Practices.
The Senior Transport Specialist will be based in the World Bank’s Yaoundé Office on a two-year appointment, renewable. She/He will report to the GTI08 Practice Manager, Transport and Digital Development. Her/His activities will be identified with the Practice Manager, and adjusted based on business needs. She/He will actively participate in the relevant Country Management Unit (CMU) discussions, particularly on the preparation of Systematic Country Diagnostics (SCD) and Comprehensive Partnership Frameworks (CPS), as well as on portfolio reviews. She/He will also liaise and work from other global practices and cross-cutting solutions areas, as relevant, and ensure appropriate collaboration and partnership between Government, the World Bank Group, and other international and bilateral organizations involved in the transport sector in Cameroon and the sub-region.
Master’s degree with 8 years of experience or equivalent combination of relevant graduate level education and experience, on transport engineering or economics.
- Experience in working with and leading cross-sectoral teams, including teams for safeguards and fiduciary aspects
- Proven track record of design and implementation of transport programs
- Proven ability to build client relationships involving multiple stakeholders, to discuss transformative transport policies or reforms
- Good oral and written communications skills
- French and English both essential
WBG COMPETENCIES
- Deliver results for clients – Proactively addresses clients’ stated and unstated needs.
- Collaborate within Teams and Across Boundaries – Collaborates across boundaries, gives own perspective and willingly receives diverse perspectives.
- Make Smart Decisions – Interprets a wide range of information and pushes to move forward.
- Integrative skills – Understands relevant cross-sectoral areas
- Policy dialogue skills – anticipate needs and requests in the field and conducts independent policy discussions with representatives of the government and non-government partners
- Transport policy, strategy and institutions – Solid understanding of transport policies, strategies, institutions, and regulations.
- Operational Project Management – demonstrates in depth knowledge and understanding of transport project management tools and methodologies,
- Project design for impact and sustainability – contributes to the design of projects and programs, based on an understanding of the country and sector context
- Team leadership – leads teams to achieve challenging outcomes, providing a role model and enhancing the team-leadership skills of team members.
The World Bank Group is committed to achieving diversity in race, gender, nationality, culture, and educational background. Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. Women and SSA/CR candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Candidates with open term appointments will retain their employment status if selected for this position. All others will be offered a 2-year term appointment. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.