Introduction
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, increasing shared prosperity and promoting sustainable development. 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. The World Bank portfolio in Solomon Islands is approximately US$400 million (IDA and Trust Funds) and consists of 11 operations across numerous sectors such as statistics, renewable energy; electricity access; aviation and roads; agriculture; rural development; community infrastructure and services; urban water and sanitation; small scale urban community access infrastructure and services; fisheries; budget support; health sector strengthening; and mining governance. The portfolio in Solomon Islands has grown significantly over the past 10 years and is the largest of the Pacific countries (excluding Papua New Guinea). The portfolio is relatively young at an average age of three years. New operations are being prepared under IDA20. While quality has improved over the past few years with a growing portfolio continued attention to implementation is important. World Bank support is consistent with the objectives of ‘sustained and inclusive economic growth’ for alleviating poverty across the whole of Solomon Islands as articulated in the National Development Strategy: 2016–2035.

Objectives
The World Bank is seeking the services of a consultant to support its work program in Solomon Islands. The objective of the role is to support the implementation of the portfolio. The role will work closely with the operations officer and the senior program assistant, both of whom are key members of the portfolio team and report to the Country Representative.

Roles and responsibilities

• Organize meetings with key counterparts from government ministries and institutions, development partners and civil society, arrange the necessary logistics, draft meeting minutes etc.
• Support portfolio implementation actions and/or events with government, project management unit teams and Bank project task teams under the guidance of the operations officer/country representative.
• Gather inputs from Bank technical task teams and draft the Bank inputs to development partner coordination meetings and/or SIG-Donor Dialogue meetings.
• Lead/facilitate an internal monthly newsletter to disseminate information on national key events, project missions and stories, and country office happenings.
• Help maintain/update key stakeholder (SIG, Donors, CSOs, Media) contact persons and details.
• Monitor social media and mainstream media and flag with country management unit articles/commentary that is relevant to the World Bank and/or Bank funded projects.
• Support drafting of briefings for Bank senior management visits and assist with high level visits in country.
• Participating in relevant World Bank implementation support mission meetings as requested.
• Other relevant tasks, as may be required.

Selection criteria

Mandatory

• Minimum Bachelors’ degree in economics, political science, international development or a related field.
• At least five years of combined experience in development, including demonstrable experience in providing support to clients and preparing or contributing to related documentation.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, and ability to effectively communicate with and relate to clients and stakeholders.
• A demonstrated ability to work well in a team environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in work planning, ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
• Drive for results, curiosity, creativity and ability to think innovatively.
• High level of energy, initiative and flexibility in quickly adjusting to changing work program requirements as well as to the challenges of working independently in remote locations.
• Strong Computer Skills in Microsoft Office, particularly PowerPoint and Excel are required.

Desired

• Higher qualifications including a masters in a relevant field is an advantage.
• Experience working in Government, or a donor organization is desirable.
• Knowledge of the relevant Solomon Islands legislation and government requirements is desirable.

Reporting
The Consultant will be based in the World Bank Office in Honiara and will report to the Operations Officer, under the overall guidance of the Country Representative. The Consultant will also work closely with the Honiara based Senior Program Assistant, the Sydney based Operations Officer and other World Bank country team members in Honiara and abroad.

Contact Information:
Interested consultants kindly send your cover letter and CV, no later than 5pm close of business on January 19, 2024, to email: aofotalau@worldbank.org Or delivered and Marked: Operations Consultant, World Bank Honiara Office, Mendana Avenue, Level 1, Heritage Park Commercial Building, Honiara.