Are you passionate about transforming lives through meaningful development work? Do you seek to make a real difference in the world’s most complex challenges? The World Bank Group (WBG) is offering a unique opportunity for experienced professionals to join its mission-driven team in Nairobi, Kenya. The position currently open—Senior Operations Officer – Forced Displacement (Trust Funded)—is a pivotal role aimed at deepening and expanding the Bank’s support for displaced populations and their host communities.
This is more than just a job—it’s a chance to shape policy, guide program delivery, and influence regional resilience strategies in some of the world’s most displacement-affected contexts.
About the World Bank Group
With 189 member countries, the World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing nations. Our core mission is to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity sustainably. In line with this, we have increased our efforts to address issues related to forced displacement, which has reached record levels globally.
As of recent estimates, there are over 122.6 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, including 43.7 million refugees and 72.1 million internally displaced persons. To tackle this crisis, the WBG has mobilized resources, developed cross-sectoral partnerships, and worked closely with governments and humanitarian actors to deliver development-centered solutions.
Through mechanisms like the IDA20 Window for Host Communities and Refugees (WHR) and collaborative efforts such as PROSPECTS (with the Netherlands, UNHCR, UNICEF, IFC, and ILO), the Bank is paving the way for durable solutions for refugees and their host communities.
Kenya’s Role in the Global Forced Displacement Conversation
Kenya hosts over 644,000 refugees and asylum seekers, mainly from Somalia and South Sudan. The Refugees Act (2021) signals Kenya’s commitment to refugee inclusion, making it a pioneer in the region. This Act aims to incorporate refugees into national development strategies and public services. A key strategy under this is the Shirika Plan—a roadmap focusing on policy reform, economic empowerment, climate resilience, and skills development for refugees and host communities.
As part of its Country Partnership Framework (2023–2028), the World Bank has already approved three WHR-financed projects in education, job creation, and urban development, with more planned. This is an opportune time to join this ambitious movement.
Now Hiring: Senior Operations Officer – Forced Displacement (Trust Funded)
- Job #: req32673
- Organization: World Bank
- Sector: Operations
- Grade: GG
- Term Duration: 3 Years (Renewable/Extendable)
- Recruitment Type: International Recruitment
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Language Requirements: Fluency in English
- Closing Date: April 25, 2025, at 11:59 PM UTC
Role Overview
The Senior Operations Officer will act as a strategic and operational leader for the forced displacement agenda in Kenya. Reporting fully to the GTFS2 Practice Manager and partially to the AECE2 Operations Manager, this individual will work at the intersection of country engagement and global strategy—ensuring synergy between fieldwork and high-level displacement policies.
This role entails high responsibility and collaboration with government bodies, international organizations, and WBG teams across the board.
Key Responsibilities
1. Supporting Strategic Delivery of WHR, PROSPECTS, and Other Displacement-Related Initiatives
- Guide project formulation and design in collaboration with country and thematic teams.
- Advise on and participate in project implementation—especially in refugee-hosting areas.
- Lead support missions, conduct performance reviews, and assess project milestones (e.g., Shirika Plan actions).
- Initiate and manage knowledge-sharing activities, analytical reports, and country-specific studies.
2. Advancing Continuous Policy Dialogue
- Facilitate strategic dialogue with the Government of Kenya and other stakeholders.
- Support the alignment of WHR projects with national development plans.
- Ensure integration of World Bank programming into broader national policies and partner frameworks.
3. Leveraging Partnerships Internally and Externally
- Strengthen partnerships with UNHCR and other humanitarian organizations to ensure coherent action plans.
- Coordinate the PROSPECTS portfolio and synchronize with global displacement teams.
- Manage and nurture relationships with key development actors, including UN agencies and bilateral partners.
4. Additional Responsibilities
- Engage in high-level events involving government and donor partners.
- Respond to operational demands from the Country Director or Operations Manager.
- Act as a thought leader on development-linked displacement strategies in Kenya.
Selection Criteria
While specific academic and professional qualifications are required for this role, this article refers interested applicants to the World Bank portal for detailed criteria. However, a successful candidate is expected to have:
- A solid understanding of displacement issues, particularly in the Horn of Africa.
- The ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex stakeholder relationships.
- Strategic thinking, operational acumen, and strong communication skills.
- Familiarity with World Bank Group processes and international development architecture.
World Bank Group Core Competencies
As a prospective team member, you will be expected to demonstrate:
- Client Orientation: Ability to understand, anticipate, and meet client needs.
- Drive for Results: Ability to deliver results under pressure and within tight deadlines.
- Teamwork and Inclusion: Fostering a positive, diverse, and inclusive working environment.
- Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration: Working across units and sectors for shared outcomes.
- Business Judgment and Analytical Decision Making: Strong ability to interpret complex issues and propose solutions.
Work Culture and Benefits
At the World Bank, you’ll join a team that is driven, inclusive, and passionate about development. The organization offers:
- Comprehensive health, life, and disability insurance.
- A robust retirement and pension plan.
- Generous paid leave, including parental leave.
- Career advancement opportunities and professional development resources.
- Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on gender, religion, ethnicity, disability, or sexual orientation.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, kindly visit the official World Bank careers portal and submit your application before the deadline.
Closing Date: April 25, 2025, at 11:59 PM UTC
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Position: Senior Operations Officer – Forced Displacement (Trust Funded)
Job #: req32673
