Operations Officer- Vientiane, Laos

Job #:	122306
Title:	Operations Officer
Job Stream:	Technical Assistance & Advisory Services
Location:	Vientiane, Laos
Closing Date:	10/19/2012
Background / General description:
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused exclusively on the private sector. We help developing countries achieve sustainable growth by financing investment, providing advisory services to businesses and governments, and mobilizing capital in the international financial markets. In fiscal 2011, amid economic uncertainty across the globe, we helped our clients create jobs, strengthen environmental performance, and contribute to their local communities—all while driving our investments to an all-time high of nearly $19 billion. For more information, visit www.ifc.org. In Lao PDR, IFC Advisory Services are delivered in partnership with Finland, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Korea and Switzerland. Our work to support the Investment Climate in Lao PDR seeks to improve the policy and regulatory environment for doing business. To achieve this goal, projects support the development and implementation of key policies, regulations and institutions related to business operations. Activities include facilitating dialogue among stakeholders through government-private sector forums and other means; providing advisory services on private sector development issues; advocating for policy reforms through publications, seminars and the mass media, and promoting sustainable business practices. IFC’s Access to Finance (A2F) program in Lao PDR provides policy advice to help develop the necessary infrastructure for Financial Institutions (FIs) to lend sustainably to MSME and rural enterprises and aims to improve the capacity of individual banking and non-banking FIs to serve the lower end of the market. Specifically, IFC cooperates with the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Lao PDR and the Ministry of Justice on the development and improvement of legal framework as well as engaging directly with financial institutions. . IFC’s support include the development of the law on commercial bank which was adopted in 2007, the improvement on the Credit Information Bureau from a fax-based system to an online solution, the development of the decree on secured transactions, the collateral registry, as well as the development of a legal framework for payment systems. THE POSITION IFC is recruiting an Operations Officer to contribute to its growing portfolio of activities in Lao PDR, particularly in the area of conducting research on private sector issues, simplification of business regulations related to key sectors of the economy and improving the legal and regulatory framework. IFC’s A2F current program aims to help the overall financial system stability and efficiency, thereby increasing the numbers of individuals/firms with access to basic financial services as well as augmenting the diversity of financial services available to poor households. The assignment is initially for a term of two (02) years with a one (01) year probationary period, with the option to extend based on performance and funding for the project. The assignment is based in Vientiane and will require travel in Lao PDR, with occasional travel to other destinations as needed.
Duties and Accountabilities:
• Contribute significantly to all aspects of the Investment Climate and Access To Finance programs, including strategy development, new project design, selection of partners, recruitment, supervision of consultants, and monitoring and evaluation • Conduct research on specific legal and regulatory issues as needed and implement projects to improve regulatory environment • Conduct research in areas relevant to financial infrastructure, SME banking and microfinance • Develop research papers with summaries of key legal issues affecting the business environment in Lao PDR and recommendations for improvements as well as support for legal reforms • Manage new project(s) and existing portfolio projects as assigned • Collaborate with/provide feedback to various internal and external partners, including local and central government officials, partner organizations and counterparts, and relevant World Bank Group staff in the region and in headquarters • Provide input and cross-support to other IFC business line activities as needed • Other duties as requested by manager(s) Reporting: The position will report to the Investment Climate Program Team Leader for Lao PDR.
Selection Criteria:
• 5+ years of relevant working experience, with demonstrated high performance in the areas of legal and regulatory reform, project management, research and writing, and policy advocacy • Masters in Business Administration, Law, Economics, Public Policy, Finance and Banking or Development or equivalent professional qualification. • Excellent analytical skills, as demonstrated through a track record of experience working on legal and regulatory reform projects • Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated capacity to network and work with a wide range of stakeholders, including businesses, local business support institutions, government, and international organizations • Excellent communication and writing skills in English and Lao • Ability to communicate ideas and issues clearly and confidently • A strong legal background with prior experience working in private sector development is strongly preferred • Ability to work effectively under time pressure with a strong capacity to produce quality work • Proven ability to demonstrate initiative and meet deadlines and priorities, and ability to work in a team • Strong analytical and organizational skills • Strong computer skills, with an emphasis on Word, Excel and Powerpoint. Applications must be submitted online. Only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Candidates can check the status of their applications by visiting www.ifc.org/careers.
Apply Online