Senior Operations Officer

Role overview

The World Bank Group is seeking a Senior Operations Officer to support its Saudi Arabia program in Riyadh. This position sits within the Operations sector and is a local recruitment role with a three-year term. The post is centered on the World Bank’s work in Saudi Arabia, including Technical Cooperation Program arrangements with the Ministry of Finance and separate agreements with other ministries and government bodies, supporting activities linked to Vision 2030 deliverables.

The role also functions as a senior government liaison, helping strengthen trusted relationships with clients and partners in the Kingdom. The selected candidate will report to the MENAAP Regional Hub Manager in Riyadh.

Regional context

The Middle East and North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan region works across 22 countries and supports both lending and non-lending activities. Its mission is to advance sustainable growth, with emphasis on job creation, poverty reduction, social and economic inclusion, and good governance. The regional setup includes seven Country Departments, the Office of the Regional Chief Economist, and the Development Effectiveness Unit.

The region is focused on helping countries respond to current crises, move toward transformation, unlock youth and women’s economic potential, strengthen human capital, and encourage innovation.

Responsibilities

• Build and sustain strong, trusted relationships with government counterparts in Saudi Arabia and help expand the World Bank’s Reimbursable Advisory Services program.
• Support country and project teams by coordinating implementation of the RAS program in the Kingdom and assisting the program manager in dialogue with government counterparts.
• Back visiting technical teams and participate in key discussions with senior government agencies.
• Work with Global Practices and task teams to keep reporting and correspondence aligned and consistent.
• Coordinate collaboration with IFC and MIGA to develop and implement joint World Bank Group initiatives.
• Stay current on developments in Saudi Arabia and assess how they may affect the World Bank Group, including spotting new business opportunities.
• Maintain working relationships with the Washington-based Country Anchor Unit, CMU staff in Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Oman, GP colleagues, operational services and quality teams, and regional management.
• Review operational data every month and produce analysis to support portfolio oversight.
• Help design a TCP monitoring dashboard with the Ministry of Finance.
• Track deliverables, work program progress, and budget performance.
• Set up and run a monitoring system for concept notes, aide memoires, completion summaries, and budget use.
• Follow activities regularly with the Operations Team in the Country Office and Headquarters.
• Take part in reviewing CMU budgets and RAS billing in coordination with the World Bank Budget Department.
• Monitor outstanding payments and follow up on arrears when needed.
• Play a central role in organizing VIP visits to Saudi Arabia.
• Lead preparation for such visits by coordinating with relevant government entities and World Bank teams.
• Contribute to briefing materials and internal/external correspondence for Bank management and outside audiences.
• Act as the security focal point for Saudi Arabia.

Requirements

• Master’s degree, or a higher qualification, in a relevant discipline such as economics, public policy, business administration, finance, or a related field aligned with the Bank’s mission.
• At least 8 years of directly relevant experience in government, ideally in Saudi Arabia.
• Broad operational experience, including leadership of teams.
• Recognized by peers and managers as an operations or portfolio specialist.
• Strong ability to identify solutions, influence direction, and contribute at a high level.
• Excellent organizational ability, with capacity to manage multiple priorities and deliver reliably under pressure and tight timelines.
• Quick responsiveness to client needs and the ability to improve effectiveness.
• Strong teamwork skills and comfort working across diverse backgrounds.
• Strong client focus and the ability to work effectively in complex political, social, and cultural settings.
• Excellent spoken and written English and Arabic, with the ability to tailor complex messages for different audiences while balancing flexibility with clarity and firmness.
• Ability to keep the broader development picture and country framework in view.
• Required languages: English and Arabic.

Additional information

Job number: req37446

Organization: World Bank

Sector: Operations

Grade: GG

Term duration: 3 years

Recruitment type: Local Recruitment

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Closing date: 8/3/2026 at 11:59pm UTC

The World Bank Group describes itself as a major source of funding and knowledge for developing countries and a partnership of five institutions focused on ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and supporting sustainable development.

The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including retirement coverage, medical insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, paid leave, and parental leave. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.

The organization states that it is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer and does not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

WBG culture attributes highlighted for this role include a sense of urgency, thoughtful risk-taking, and empowerment with accountability.