Description

The World Bank is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity.  With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data research and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges.  For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

The devastating human, economic, and social costs of COVID-19 highlighted the urgent need for coordinated action to build stronger health systems and mobilize additional resources for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPR) in IDA and IBRD countries.  

Against this backdrop, the World Bank’s Board approved the establishment of the Pandemic Fund (www.worldbank.org/pandemicfund) on June 30, 2022, as a dedicated, multilateral funding mechanism to support critical investments to strengthen PPR capacities at national, regional, and global levels, with a focus on IDA and IBRD countries. The Pandemic Fund was formally established as a Financial Intermediary Fund in September 2022, with its Secretariat hosted by the World Bank, and launched at the G20 Summit in November 2022.  

The Pandemic Fund is a collaborative, multi-stakeholder partnership among donor governments, co-investors (countries that are eligible to receive funding), foundations, civil society organizations, and Implementing Entities (IEs), including the World Bank, IFC, other MDBs; UN agencies, including the WHO; and specialized global health initiatives, including CEPI, GAVI and the Global Fund.  

In a short period of time, the Pandemic Fund has raised over US$2 billion in seed capital from 27 contributors, established a strong presence in the global health financing space, and moved forward quickly with awarding the first round of funding to projects that strengthen early warning and disease surveillance system, laboratories, and health workforce, within and across countries. The second round of funding will be awarded later this year.  Both rounds have generated enormous demand.
  
To sustain this momentum, and implement the medium-term Strategic Plan approved in May 2024, the Pandemic Fund is now embarking on a resource mobilization strategy. As the Pandemic Fund scales up its operations, it will draw on lessons learned and continue to leverage the strengths of its partners to help close critical PPR capacity gaps in LICs and MICs. Fulfilling the promise of the Pandemic Fund to help countries and the world become more resilient to future health threats will require continued efforts to strengthen all aspects of the partnership, with a strong focus on results, impact, and sustainability. 

The governing and administrative bodies of the Pandemic Fund are its (i) Governing Board, (ii) Technical Advisory Panel (TAP), chaired by the WHO (iii) Secretariat hosted by the World Bank, and (iv) Trustee.  The IEs support implementation of Pandemic Fund-financed projects and activities.

The Pandemic Fund Secretariat is looking for an experienced, energetic, and qualified individual to join a dynamic, high-performing team of professionals in the role of Adviser, serving as Deputy Head. The selected candidate will report to the Executive Head of the Secretariat and work with other members of the Secretariat and in close collaboration with the Pandemic Fund’s Governing Board and other concerned stakeholders to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality results. 

Duties and Accountabilities

Working closely with the Executive Head, the Adviser is expected to serve as a deputy to the Executive Head, contributing to the Secretariat’s role in supporting the smooth and efficient functioning of the Pandemic Fund partnership and helping to translate the Pandemic Fund’s vision and objectives into action.  Duties and accountabilities will include, but not be limited to advising and supporting the Executive Head in: 

• Implementing the Pandemic Fund’s medium-term Strategic Plan; 
• Developing and implementing the Pandemic Fund Secretariat’s work program and budget, and overseeing the grant portfolio for results and impact;
• Providing quality control of documents prepared for the Board to inform discussions, deliberations, and decision making, including on strategy, resource mobilization, policy, operations, funding allocation, budget, work program, etc. ;
• Ensuring well-structured meetings of the Pandemic Fund’s Governing Board and various sub-committees and working groups; 
• Implementation of existing governance documents and operating policies as well as updating and/or developing new policies, as needed; 
• Management of the Pandemic Fund’s grant portfolio and results reporting, in close collaboration with Implementing Entities;   
• Building and managing the Secretariat team, including recruitment of new staff, with attention to diversity, equity and inclusion, and guiding, training, and mentoring staff; 
• Overseeing internal controls and compliance with policies and procedures, including with respect to the World Bank’s fiduciary and safeguard policies and guidelines. 
• Fostering strategic cooperative relationships among the various administrative arms of the Pandemic Fund and with partners and stakeholders to ensure the smooth working of the Pandemic Fund and enhance the effectiveness of funding: 
• Ensuring that the Pandemic Fund builds up a strong presence and reputation in the global health financing architecture, and that it has a leadership role in development debates about PPR.

Selection Criteria

• Master/s degree in Public Health, International Public Policy, Economics, Business Management, or other related discipline plus a minimum of 12 years of relevant work experience;
• Proven track record in the management of multilateral global health financing initiatives/partnership funds
• Demonstrated ability to effectively plan, direct, organize and administer diverse activities to ensure effective delivery of work program and handle complex strategic and operational matters; 
• Proven track record of building and managing teams and creating an enabling work environment;
• Knowledge of the global health financing landscape, how it operates, and the various actors involved and an appreciation of how FIFs like the Pandemic Fund fit within this, as well as familiarity with the international development financing architecture and issues more broadly;  
• Proven track record of engaging effectively with senior representatives of donor and client governments, philanthropies and foundations, international organizations including MDBs and UN agencies, and civil society, and building and nurturing collaborative relationships; 
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, rapidly analyze and synthesize diverse information, and convey it in an easily digestible manner, both orally and in writing;
• Demonstrated ability to ask the right questions and provide evidence-based advice, exercising sound judgment on political and technical matters;
• Excellent written and oral communications skills and an ability to tailor communication style to meet audience needs and deliver information effectively; 
• Excellent English language skills. Proficiency in an additional WBG official language, such as French or Spanish, would be an added advantage;
• Demonstrated ability and the necessary personal organization skills to take initiative, personal ownership and accountability to meet deadlines, work under pressure, and achieve agreed-upon results;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams in a multicultural environment;
• Demonstrated ability to work in dynamic, fast-moving environments;
• A “can do” mindset, flexibility, reliability, and strong problem-solving skills. 

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

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