Finance Analyst - WORLD BANK

Background / General description

The Controller’s Vice Presidency (CTR) is responsible for all aspects of the financial reporting and internal control framework for the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Development Association (IDA) and the extensive Trust Fund/Partnership portfolio of these two entities.  The Controller’s Vice Presidency is also responsible for expressing Finance’s viewpoint on controls over Bank operations particularly those which validate the appropriateness of loan disbursements. 

Organizationally, CTR comprises the (1) Financial Instruments Accounting and Valuation, (2) Loans, and (3) Client Services Departments, as well as the Financial Analysis and Reporting, Accounting Policy, Knowledge Dissemination, and Operational Risks and Controls units.  These teams collectively include approximately 400 staff; of which 150 are located in Washington with the remaining 250 located in regional offices the largest being in Chennai, India.  

The Loan Department 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 Regional Management, Financial Management (FM) and Procurement (PR) Networks, Legal Department (LEG), Treasury Department (TRE), Concessional Finance and Global Partnerships (CFP), Department of Institutional Integrity (INT) and the Internal Auditing Department (IAD) in discharging this responsibility.  The Loan Department also coordinates closely with Operational Policy and Country Services (OPCS) on professional excellence on the part of all financial professionals employed by the institution, and supports building the capacity of Bank borrowers to enable them to introduce and maintain sound accounting and financial management systems and procedures relating to public funds.

CTRLD has approximately 120 staff, with about one quarter currently based in Washington, DC and the others located in six main regional centers around the world (Brasilia, Beijing, Zagreb, Chennai, Manila, and Johannesburg).   

The Loan Department (CTRLD), which 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 will follow the staffing model of others teams –with a solid team of finance assistants, analysts, and a Team Leader.   

The Finance Analyst is a member of the Loan Operations team in the Loan Department (CTR). Finance Analyst (FNs) contribute to various team responsibilities, such as disbursement transaction and analysis, project management and capacity building. The FNs 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.

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

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 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, PMU).  
• Answer questions from Task Team Leaders, borrowers, commercial banks, and suppliers on payments, balances, and application status.

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.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

• Counterparts within and across sectors, networks especially OPCS (Financial Management, Procurement, and Operational Services), Regional staff, Information Solutions Group, Treasury, Legal, and other units integral to delivery of business objectives.
• Counterparts in government and project implementation units and in a variety of international and professional organizations. 

Selection Criteria

• Minimum Education: Professional certification (CPA, ACCA, CA, CFA or equivalent), with Master's degree in Accounting. Finance or Business and 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.
• Ability to deal with rapidly shifting priorities and work demands, and willingness to learn new skills and seek help from others.
• Capacity to deal sensitively in multi-cultural environment and build effective working relations with clients and colleagues.
• Ability to manage complex projects, and multiple tasks against ambitious deadlines 
• Committed team player with excellent interpersonal skills. Willingness to extend him/herself to meet deadlines.
• Fully proficient in MS Office applications (Excel, Word, Power Point).  Working knowledge of other World Bank applications (desirable).
• Willingness to travel on short-term assignments.

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