Job Details

Senior Partnerships Specialist

 Description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank Group 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. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

The Pandemic Fund is the first of its kind multilateral financing platform dedicated to financing critical investments to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPR) capacities at national, regional, and global levels, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries. The Fund is a collaborative partnership among donor countries, co-investors (countries that are eligible to receive funding from the Pandemic Fund), multilateral development banks, the WHO, UNICEF, FAO, global health institutions, philanthropies, and civil society organizations. The Secretariat is hosted by the World Bank and located at the Bank’s headquarters in Washington, DC.

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 is set to be awarded later this year.  Both rounds have generated enormous demand. To sustain this momentum and implement the Fund’s medium-term Strategic Plan approved in May 2024, the Pandemic Fund is working towards raising an additional $2 billion for the next two years, while developing a longer-term resource mobilization strategy.

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, and (iv) Trustee.  The Fund’s implementing entities support implementation of Pandemic Fund-financed projects and activities.

The Secretariat is organized into five workstreams: a) portfolio and program management; b) partnerships and resource mobilization; c) communications; d) health technical and TAP support; and e) Board operations/governance. 

The Secretariat is looking for an experienced, energetic, resourceful, and qualified Senior Partnerships Specialist to join the partnerships and resource mobilization team. 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 internal and external stakeholders to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality results.

Duties and Accountabilities

Duties and accountabilities will include, but not be limited to the following: 

• Contribute to the overall development and implementation of the Pandemic Fund’s resource mobilization strategy, including the exploration of innovative financing options.
• Contribute to building strategic partnerships with Pandemic Fund stakeholders, including those on the Governing Board and external partners across sovereign donors, philanthropies, private sector, multilateral development banks, global health initiatives, UN agencies, and civil society to build interest and understanding of the Pandemic Fund in support of resource mobilization and portfolio results and impact.
• Track political, budgetary and policy developments in key donor settings, provide timely intelligence and briefings to the Pandemic Fund Leadership, and develop and/or lead engagement strategies with current and prospective donors.  
• Support preparations for the Pandemic Fund Governing Board and Resource Mobilization Committee Meetings, including through the development of Board papers and presentations. 
• Support portfolio progress monitoring and generate content, based on meticulous analysis, to communicate to both internal and external audiences as relevant.
• Explore new ideas, extract key insights, and inject new thinking and robust evidence into national and international discussions on PPR.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Pandemic Fund’s overall strategy and positioning in the global health architecture.

Selection Criteria

• Master/s degree in International Relations, Public Affairs, Public Health, Economics or other related field plus a minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience.
• Extensive experience in engaging with both traditional and non-traditional donors, including senior representatives of governments, philanthropies and the private sector, and a proven track-record and success in fundraising for global health or related development initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with multiple Pandemic Fund partners and stakeholders, including co-investors, global health initiatives, multilateral development banks, the UN system, and civil society. 
• A strong existing network of relationships across the Pandemic Fund’s diverse stakeholders and demonstrated ability to nurture and maintain relationships with critical internal and external constituencies and stakeholders. 
• An understanding of international development issues and the international aid architecture, including the global health landscape, and an ability to strategically identify engagement opportunities and risks.
• Substantial relevant experience in supporting large scale development programs, especially related to health systems strengthening, in low and low-middle income countries to engage on technical matters as and when necessary.
• An understanding of the domestic resource mobilization landscape in low- and middle-income countries in the context of sustainability of programs.
• Strong analytical skills and a demonstrated ability to think strategically and rapidly analyze diverse information from varied sources.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with internal and external partners, based on an understanding of their interests and needs. 
• Excellent English language skills and proficiency in writing and editing complex products for purposeful structure, clarity of ideas, and logical, persuasive presentation. Proficiency in an additional WBG official languages, such as French or Spanish, would be an added advantage.
• An ability to tailor communication style to meet audience needs and deliver information effectively.
• 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 setting.
• 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.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.