I thought that it would be cool to have a PFM Boarder at the helm of the PEFA Secretariat. Read their announcement:
Job Offer: Head of Secretariat, CDF -
World Bank Vacancy Number - 140725
Background to the PEFA Program/General Description
PEFA is a partnership program that commenced in December 2001, with the aim to assess the condition of country public financial management systems and develop a practical sequence for reform and capacity-building actions. It has successfully seen a decade of increasing international recognition. The PEFA Secretariat is responsible to the Steering Committee for preparing and implementing the PEFA work plan. The Secretariat is located in and formally administered by the World Bank in Washington, DC, through the Governance Global Practice and OPCS.
The PEFA partners extended the PEFA program by five years starting July 2012. During this
phase (Phase IV) the program is continuing its current core activities and user services. In addition, substantive revisions to strengthen the PEFA performance measurement framework are currently underway, including consultations with a wide group of stakeholders such as partner countries and donors, and requirement for strong communication and explanation regarding the revised framework. These revisions are designed to ensure that the PEFA framework remains relevant, and consolidate more than 10 years of progress.
During the first phase of the PEFA program, a group of staff from the World Bank, IMF and the PEFA Secretariat, overseen by the PEFA Steering Committee, developed 'the Strengthened Approach to supporting PFM reform' and 'the PFM Performance Measurement Framework'. The Strengthened Approach incorporates country-led reform, donor alignment and harmonization, and common monitoring of results. The PFM Performance Measurement Framework is the tool developed to support common assessment and monitoring of PFM performance, and incorporates a set of PFM performance indicators and a performance report. Further information on the Strengthened Approach and Framework are available at
www.pefa.org. The Framework was approved for release by the PEFA Steering Committee in June 2005. During the subsequent phases II and III, the PEFA Secretariat has disseminated knowledge, provided training on the Framework, has supported country applications and quality assurance as well as monitored the applications of the Framework which have so far included more than 125 countries.
Current Partners are the World Bank, the European Commission, the UK Department for International Development, the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the International Monetary Fund.
The Head of PEFA Secretariat corresponds to a WB staff position at GH level. However, an outstanding candidate with lesser experience could also be considered, and be appointed at the GG level. The contract will be offered on World Bank fixed term basis for the period to June 30 2017 and will be funded by the PEFA multi-donor trust fund.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Head of the PEFA Secretariat will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the PEFA program activities and resources and of the Secretariat, and for being a primary source of knowledge and advice to the PEFA partners about the oversight and management of the PEFA framework. This is a leadership position. The Head of Secretariat is an ex-officio, non-voting member of and secretary to the Steering Committee. S/ he prepares and presents on all issues concerning planning and implementation of the program for Steering Committee discussion and decision.
Between meetings of the Steering Committee the Head of Secretariat liaises regularly and on an 'as needed' basis with the PEFA partners.
The Head of Secretariat is answerable to the World Bank's Senior Director for the Governance Global Practice or his designate on all issues concerning administration of the program including issues concerning relationships between the PEFA Secretariat and the World Bank.
The detailed responsibilities of the Head supported by the Secretariat core staff include:
(i) Managing the revisions to the PEFA Framework, outreach and implementation, including:
• Development of technical proposals for revision, in coordination with the PEFA Public Expenditure Working Group (made up of PEFA Steering Committee member representatives)
• Drafting of the revised indicators in accordance with the agreed objectives and principles
• Documenting clear explanations for the revisions, their rationale and the benefits. Mapping the changes and development of a mechanisms for country level mapping from the old to new framework
• Country level testing of the revised framework
• Leading the communication, explanation and dissemination of the revisions to the framework, across government, donor and other stakeholders
• Undertaking wide consultations on the revised framework
• Continued strengthening of the PEFA brand throughout the revision, dissemination and roll out
• Actively communicating and supporting the application of the revised framework
(ii) Coordinating and liaising with relevant partners, including:
• Preparing for and presenting to the PEFA Steering Committee meetings.
• Managing the Secretariat World Bank relationship on a day-to-day basis (involving working in close collaboration with the representatives of the Governance Global Practice ).
• Advising, coordinating and liaising with the PEFA partners on an as needed basis. Coordinating and consulting with relevant international bodies and groups.
• Coordinating the sharing of information between PEFA partners including on planned applications of the Framework.
• Broadening ownership of the PEFA framework by reaching out beyond the PEFA partners to a variety of stakeholders for technical feedback, monitoring, promotion of usage and harmonization with other tools, especially other international development agencies, government officials of actually and potentially participating countries (closely coordinating with the lead donor agency), private sector assessors and training institutions, civil society organizations and research institutions.
(iii) Managing and leading the other technical work of the PEFA Secretariat, including:
• Providing the global central reference point regarding interpretation of the PFM Performance Measurement Framework and guidance on its use.
• Advising the development of guidance tools related to the application and further development of the framework.
• Undertaking systematic and timely technical quality reviews of planned and draft applications of the PFM Performance Measurement Framework, on a demand basis from PEFA partners as well as other institutions, including administering the PEFACheck system.
• Providing timely advice to assessors applying the Performance Measurement Framework at the country level.
• Implementing the plan of activities previously approved by the Steering Committee including informing the SC on the status of implementation of agreed plan.
• Preparing annual progress and other periodic reports, workplans and budgets for the SC.
(iv) Managing the PEFA Secretariat, including:
• Managing the PEFA Secretariat staff, funds and consultants. The Secretariat currently has seven core staff members, including the Head, as well as three associated short-term consultants working remotely.
• Coordination of the secretariat's activities and deciding the allocation of tasks to staff members in consultation with the staff.
• Ensuring that the all relevant World Bank procedures, including those regarding trust funds, any other funds, contracting, procurement and administration, are adhered to. The Head of Secretariat will be the Task Team Leader (TTL) for the PEFA trust fund, assuming that the Head is eligible according to the World Bank's rules concerning conflict-of-interest, appointment type and accreditation for that function. Otherwise the World Bank will appoint an eligible staff member as trust fund TTL.
Qualifications
Master Degree or equivalent in economics, accountancy or other relevant field with sustained record of achieving high-quality substantive results over an extended period (typically at least 12 years).
• Well established and recognized expertise in public financial management, including knowledge across the breadth of PFM issues, and specialist knowledge in at least one area, demonstrated through a record in assessing and supporting PFM reforms and capacity development in developing countries, working with partner governments.
• Demonstrated team leader and task management skills, including in administrative and budget management.
• Excellent diplomacy, coordination, liaison, interpersonal and team working skills. Ability to work with multiple stakeholders, and to respond flexibly to challenges.
• Excellent analytical, drafting and presentational skills.
• Familiarity with the international aid effectiveness agenda, including knowledge of the PFM dimensions of aid management from the donor perspective.
• Experience of working in diverse environments.
• Fluency in English is required. Ability to work in French, Spanish or any other UN languages would also be an advantage.
General competencies
• Knowledge and Experience in Development Arena - Influences the design and execution of major policy and/or research initiatives; conceives and promotes innovations in development policies, project design, organization and management.
• Policy Dialogue Skills - Has a track record of conducting effective policy dialogue with country partners
• General Governance and Public Sector Knowledge and Experience - Is recognized as public sector expert as evidenced either through a track record of managing and delivering high quality analysis, lending operations, or equivalent assignments.
• Written and Verbal Communication - Demonstrates a strong command of all forms of communication and delivers messages in a consistently effective, timely and engaging manner
• Lead and Innovate - Inspires and influences others to drive innovation.
• Deliver Results for Clients - Acts as a trusted, strategic advisor, partnering with clients to deliver results.
• Collaborate Within Teams and Across Boundaries - Leads collaboration across WBG and with partners drawing on robust professional networks.
• Create, Apply and Share Knowledge - Establishes an environment where knowledge is created, applied and shared.
• Make Smart Decisions - Makes timely decisions that have a broad impact.
Applications should be submitted online at
www.worldbank.org/jobs by making explicit reference to job No. 140725, by 22nd July 2014.
The World Bank Group is committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality, culture and educational background. Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All Applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
