Short-Term Consultancy

Clean Air Catalyst 

Short-Term Consultancy - Information Ecosystems Analysis Lead Researcher (Indore Pilot)

 

Location Indore, India

 

SUMMARY

Internews seeks to engage a consultant to lead research on air quality information systems in Indore, India for the USAID-funded Clean Air Catalyst project. Under the supervision of the EJN Asia-Pacific Senior Program Manager, the Lead Researcher will lead the design and implementation of the research. The ideal candidate should have the flexibility to coordinate certain field research activities online or remotely in response to the evolving COVID-19 situation.

BACKGROUND

The Clean Air Catalyst project is led by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), and aims to accelerate clean air solutions in low- and middle-income countries. Internews EJN will be working with journalists and other content providers in three pilot cities – Jakarta (Indonesia), Indore (India), and Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) to raise awareness and understanding of air pollution, and communicate potential solutions. Internews EJN will conduct an Information Ecosystem Analysis in each of the three pilot cities.

LOGISTICS

The duration of the IEA is expected to be three months, phased over a supply-side media landscape research phase, and a demand-side field research phase. There may be an opportunity in the second year of this project to expand on this contract through a rumor tracking activity.

IEA RESEARCH DESIGN

At the heart of Internews’ work is the vision that healthy information ecosystems are a root solution to furthering human progress. “Information ecosystem” describes how local communities exist and evolve within particular information and communication systems. Within these systems, different types of news and information may be received from outside then passed on to others – through word of mouth, key community members, phone, the Internet, and other channels. The term broadly refers to a loose, dynamic configuration of different sources, flows, producers, consumers, and sharers of information interacting within a defined community or space. By understanding information ecosystems, policymakers and practitioners can design the most appropriate and effective strategies that can serve even the most information deprived communities and societies.

The IEA uses a multi-phase and human-centered approach to develop a deep understanding of how people and communities in the project’s target geographic areas find, share, value, and trust information in their own local contexts.

This research will attempt to examine both the  “supply” and “demand” sides of information ecosystems in relation to air pollution in each of the pilot locations. “Supply” covers the media landscape, media capacity, information infrastructure, tools, media, producers, consumer data, curators, and sharers. “Demand” considers the human factor including how people and communities find, share, value, trust and use air quality information in their own local contexts.

The methodology will use a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches to gather and analyze data. The team will do preliminary research and gather baseline data on the information ecosystem. These include tools, media and news channels, networks and sharers, and other sources and means through which information is disseminated and consumed.

The consultant will conduct the research together with the field staff of WRI and EDF. S/he will review and finalize the research design in collaboration with Internews staff and the consortium members of the Clean Air Catalyst project, conduct remote research on the information landscape (supply side), and complement remote research with qualitative field research techniques such as focus group discussions, key informant interviews, one-to-one interviews, surveys and case studies. The design of the field-based research will be contingent on COVID-19 risk.

Based on this research, Internews will work with  journalists, content providers, scientists, government officials and other stakeholders to develop clear recommendations for project programming, including training of journalists to address gaps in information relating to air pollution. Initial research findings will be presented to the project consortium members through briefings as part of the consultation process. The feedback from a range of stakeholders will be collected and incorporated into the final report.

Scope of Work:

·     Review Internews’ qualitative research methodology and other documents relevant to the IEA

·     Provide revised qualitative research methodology according to own expertise, incorporating security and access considerations relevant to the India context

·     Lead and oversee all desk research and field data collection in collaboration with the Internews EJN, field staff of WRI and EDF, and the wider Clean Air Catalyst project team

·     Provide preliminary findings of the IEA to EJN and the Clean Air Catalyst consortium by agreed deadline

·     Submit a draft report to EJN Clean Air Catalyst Project Officer and EJN Asia-Pacific Senior

E T Temporary

 World Bank Group

E T Temporary

Job #:	req10798
Organization:	World Bank
Sector:	Knowledge Management
Grade:	ET3
Term Duration:	1 year 0 months
Recruitment Type:	Local Recruitment
Location:	Chennai,India
Required Language(s):	English
Preferred Language(s):	English
Closing Date:	2/17/2021 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

 

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.  This "E T Temporary" position will be based in Chennai, India.  Day to day management of the post will reside under the Chennai operations; professional training, supervision, management of the work program and quality assurance will be performed by GKLO in Washington DC. Duties & Responsibilities The Content Management and Information Architect Specialist (E T Temporary's) responsibilities will focus on the implementation of select areas of a department’s content management program. The role requires interest in assisting with implementation of an ambitious content, knowledge, and learning program, with a focus on content strategy, content management, information architecture, content analytics, content collections and workflow, adoption, and culture change. This position also offers the opportunity for the successful candidate to get involved in shaping and influencing future content plans as the role evolves.  The Content Management and Information Architect Specialist (E T Temporary) will perform several functions related to the department’s content activities, including but not limited to: • Assist in inventory, audit, governance, editorial calendar, and content matrix for department content • Assist in design of organization, categorization, structure, and workflow for new intranet presence (internal and IFC-facing) • Define content and functional requirements for pages or content components of Web sites • Recommend structural components, messaging, source content, maintenance requirements for site • Participate in user acceptance testing as needed • Ensure department content collections are in ImageBank • Assist in providing quarterly metric reports on usage of key information and knowledge portals  • Liaison between IT and business to coordinate content efforts • Support development of the governance framework for content • Contribute to Content Strategy community site Selection Criteria • Bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Science, Computer Science, Information Technology/Systems, Knowledge Management, Information Management, or related field  • In-depth knowledge and expert skills in Microsoft Excel, Adobe Analytics, Webex, SharePoint Online • Ability to analyze data and articulate findings  • Excellent organizational skills, proven ability to perform multiple tasks, prioritize deliverables and work under pressure and tight deadlines with accuracy and professionalism • Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work in a team environment, as well as under minimum supervision For more information and online application click here

 

Investment Officer

 World Bank Group

Investment Officer

Job #:	req10801
Organization:	IFC
Sector:	Investment
Grade:	GF
Term Duration:	3 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:	Local Recruitment
Location:	New Delhi,India
Required Language(s):	English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date:	2/18/2021 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

 

Description IFC—a member of the World Bank Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2020, we invested $22 billion in private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity.    The Infrastructure and Natural Resources Department is recruiting an Investment Officer to expand IFC’s infrastructure investments in Asia.  The position will be based Delhi, India.      Infrastructure is one of IFC's strategic priorities. IFC's focus in the sector is on: (i) increasing access to basic infrastructure services; (ii) supporting local companies, while improving transparency and corporate governance; (iii) exploring new equity investment opportunities and catalyzing foreign direct investments, including co-investments and mobilizing syndicated and parallel loans; (iv) introducing and developing new financial products including through Public Private Partnerships; and (v) building long-term partnerships with strong regional players.       The selected candidate will be expected to play multiple roles including: coordinating IFC’s infrastructure business development efforts in India: managing relationships with private sector clients and public sector and development partner counterparts; structuring, negotiating, and executing debt and equity investments for infrastructure projects ; and supervising portfolio investments.       Role & Responsibilities:   The selected candidate will be a key member of the Asia infrastructure team and will work closely with colleagues in the region and in Washington, DC, on business development, transaction execution, portfolio supervision, and client relationship management.       The responsibilities of the Investment Officer include but are not limited to:       • Develop a thorough understanding of the infrastructure sector in India and strong relationships with key local counterparts in the private and public sector as well as development partners.   • Collaborate in developing client strategies and engagement plans and pitchbooks for various sectors and countries, including IDA and FCS countries, and conduct sector analysis to be used as input to sector strategies.   • Proactively identify potential investment partners and opportunities based on industry experience, reputation, market potential, financial capability, and strategic fit.   • Assess the attractiveness of specific investment opportunities with a strong focus on credit quality, viability and development impact and make recommendations to IFC’s management.    • Analyze operational and financial performance as well as credit and integrity risks of potential clients/ projects.   • Build complex financial models, perform due diligence and financial analysis, and/or provide quality control over financial analysis and projections developed by an analyst to evaluate benefits and risks of straightforward transactions.   • Execute loan, equity, and mezzanine financings including processing mandates, conducting due diligence and risk analysis, structuring deals, negotiating terms and documentation, arranging syndications, and processing internal approvals.   • Work closely with IFC’s specialists to manage environmental, social, technical, legal, insurance, corporate governance, and other risks in projects and champion IFC’s sustainability offerings to clients.   • Perform credit and risk assessments, financial projections, covenant compliance reviews (debt), and monitor changes to risk flags for determining performance assigned to a portfolio, with limited supervision.   • Responsible for rating reviews and updates or loan loss reserve on a quarterly basis for the assigned portfolio of projects. Run models to update equity valuations and to determine the need to modify the exit strategy.   • Perform credit and risk assessments, financial projections, covenant compliance reviews, and monitor changes to risk flags to determine performance of assigned portfolio of projects with limited supervision.   • Monitor clients’ compliance with the terms of investment agreements, prepare timely supervision reports/credit ratings, identify early warning signs, and, when necessary, formulate/implement strategies for work-outs, restructurings or reschedulings.   • Engage with clients to understand their business directions and challenges that may lead to new opportunities, and support design of client engagement plans, as applicable.   • Provide high quality client service throughout the project cycle from transaction sourcing and processing to supervision.   • Structure straightforward transactions to add value to clients and mitigate risks, taking into consideration lessons learned from earlier transactions and portfolio management.   • Lead straightforward investment or advisory transactions Incorporating lessons learned from IFC’s earlier investments and portfolio management or advisory mandates. Ensure timely processing, thorough due diligence, and client satisfaction. Selection Criteria • MBA or equivalent degree with at least 7-8 years of relevant professional experience in investment/corporate banking, project finance, infrastructure project development, and/or equity investing.   • Thorough understanding of economic and commercial trends, investment environment, industry drivers, business/ market development cycles, and how business performance and long-term competitiveness/ viability are measured within the industry and how industry dynamics may evolve in India.   • Demonstrated execution capacity in leading infrastructure projects from business development to financial closing in India.   • Proven analytical, financial analysis, equity valuation, and financial modeling skills to analyze and form conclusions on company financial information or projects and industry indicators. Able to oversee and provide quality control feedback on financial models prepared by investment analysts.   • Capacity to build client relationships/ networks. Ability to identify business opportunities, discuss structuring alternatives, and resolve issues.   • Appreciation and understanding of legal, technical, environmental, social, and other considerations in Infrastructure project and corporate finance.   • Fluent in English   •  Excellent written, verbal communication and presentation skills to effectively influence the perception/ support of clients/ stakeholders.   • Ability to draft documents and reports that are concise, well-organized, and appropriately focused on

Senior Accounting Assistant

 World Bank Group

Senior Accounting Assistant

Job #:	req10791
Organization:	World Bank
Sector:	Finance & Accounting
Grade:	GD
Term Duration:	3 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:	Local Recruitment
Location:	Chennai,India
Required Language(s):	English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date:	2/16/2021 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

 

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.    World Bank Group Finance and Accounting (WFA) is led by the Vice President and Controller, who reports to the Chief Financial Officer. WFA in the Bank comprises the following functions: Financial Instruments Accounting and Valuation; Loan and Trust Fund Operations; Accounting Business Services; Financial Reporting; Accounting Policy; Documentation and Communication; Advisory Services; and Risks and Controls. These units collectively include approximately 450 staff, of which 100 are in Washington, D.C. with the remainder in regional offices including the largest in Chennai, India.   WFA Financial Controls (WFAFC) is a business division in WFA and is responsible for the fair recording and reporting of the WBG’s administrative expenses and fixed assets, which have a combined financial statement value of nearly $4.0B. This includes delivering core accounting services, maintaining an effective system of internal controls, and providing strategic leadership on complex business issues pertaining to the following administrative expenses and functions: (i) Travel Accounting, Accounts Payable, Fixed Asset and Lease Accounting, Quality Assurance and Country Office Accounting (together known as WFATA) (ii) Accounts Receivable, Payroll and Tax Allowance Administration and (iii) Helpdesk Operations (WFAAN)   Unit Overview WFAGP is located at Chennai and responsible for processing vendor payments for all HQ units in Washington DC and around 120+ County offices.  WFAGP reports functionally to WFATA.  This team complements and works with WFAFC’s other functional teams in Chennai:  Payroll, Tax and AR (WFAPA), the Assurance and Client Support team (WFAAC), which deliver core transaction processing services related to Accounts Receivable, Payroll, Tax, provide advisory and support services to country office accountants, travelers and WBG staff in accounting and compliance activities through training, reviews and help desk operations (WFAAN).   WFAGP is looking to recruit suitable candidates for the Senior Accounting Assistant positions in the global payments team.   The Senior Accounting Assistant will be responsible for processing payments to vendors and staff located at HQ or Country offices.  The job requires extensive interaction with HQ (or) the country offices accounting staff and vendors.   Duties & Responsibilities • Process payments to staff and vendors within service standards and contractual terms, which includes invoice review, data entry, and payment proposal preparation, review, and release in accordance with established guidelines. • Track and clear invoice work items assigned in the SAP inbox; check emails received from clients and take immediate action; resolve cases that require special attention. • Follow up with TTLs, managers, other staff, and vendors regarding pending workflow items. • Apply provisions of US GAAP for accrual accounting. • Adopt best practices to set off vendor receivables. • Research and initiate action for vendor debit balances; work with vendor on refunds. • Investigate and resolve cases for failed payment executions, stop payment requests, and stale-dated checks. • Execute vendor down-payments, as needed for prepaid expenses and advances and ensure these are netted against subsequent invoices; monitor and resolve open down-payments. • Execute daily Evaluated Receipts Settlement (ERS) process to generate invoice documents in SAP from electronically approved service entry sheets. • Provide resolution to vendor claims relating to non-payment or incomplete payment or insufficient information to apply payments. • Respond to queries from vendors, units, relating to invoice payments. • Analyze / research / act on requests for accounting adjustments relating to accounts payable, engage in discussion as needed to understand and determine action required. • Submit employee reimbursement request for miscellaneous payments to consultant and non-PO payments to firms • Coordinate with the vendor master team to update banking information • Maintain excellent client rapport and demonstrate client service skills in resolving issues. • Participate in ad-hoc activities such as system testing and other assigned tasks.   Note: The Working Hour will be 8.5 hours between 07.00 AM to 10.30 PM (IST). The candidate should be willing to work in any of the slots as per business requirement. Selection Criteria • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Commerce or related field with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.   Core Technical Knowledge and Skills: • Substantial work experience with transaction processing using integrated, automated accounting systems with a comparable level of complexity to the SAP system; a proven track record of problem-solving skills in an automated accounting environment; experience with SAP is desirable, but not required. • Proficiency in Microsoft Windows applications, such as Excel, Word and PowerPoint. Demonstrated ability to learn new technology quickly and effectively. • Strong verbal and written communication skills. • Should be client focused, flexible and work effectively work with other staff in the unit and outside. • Meet WFA Core Competencies at GD level (given below).   WFA Core Competencies: • Deliver Results for Clients - Takes full ownership to address client needs. Demonstrates initiative, independence and autonomy in addressing client needs in changing business contexts and environments. Has knowledge of department strategy, vision, and goals and can link them to those of the larger organization. Allocates and prioritizes resources according to areas of most urgent need and greatest impact for the client. • Collaborate within Teams and Across Boundaries - Contributes to wider collaborative efforts. Adopts a collaborative approach to improve overall effectiveness outside one’s department and displays an

E T Temporary

 World Bank Group 

E T Temporary

Job #:	req10810
Organization:	World Bank
Sector:	Finance & Accounting
Grade:	ET4
Term Duration:	1 year 0 months
Recruitment Type:	Local Recruitment
Location:	Chennai,India
Required Language(s):	English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date:	2/11/2021 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

 

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 WFA Risk and Controls unit (WFARC) is responsible for managing the Bank’s internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR) program; for coordinating the assessment and reporting on operational risk and business continuity management to CRO and WFA Leadership team.  The team in Chennai (WFARN) is an extension of WFARC and supports the same objectives and deliverables. WFARN is seeking suitable candidate for a 1-year assignment for the position of Extended Term Temporary (ETT) in World Bank’s Chennai office.  Responsibilities Working in collaboration with colleagues internal and external to WFA, the selected candidate  will be responsible for supporting the following activities in WFARN’s work program: • Deliver the annual ICFR program (scoping, controls documentation, testing and evaluation, deficiency management, and reporting) interacting with the WFARC team at HQ, process owners and external auditors. • Perform pre-implementation design reviews of new systems and processes from ICFR perspective and provide advice to business units on matters related to control design and effectiveness. • Support the agenda for automating continuous controls monitoring in assigned business areas. • Support operational risk reporting to CRO and WFA Leadership team  • Coordinate implementation of action plans for control exceptions identified through events, internal or external audits, or other issues identified through testing. • Identify process improvement opportunities for efficiency, effectiveness, and risk mitigation. • Coordinate the implementation of the actions under the Business Continuity program in WFA • As an integral member of the risk and controls team, support any other new or ad hoc activities assigned by the Lead Risk and Controls Officer at HQ. Scope • The selected candidate will work together with the team members at Chennai and HQ; he/she will report to the Lead Risk and Controls Officer in HQ and have dotted-line reporting in Chennai to the WFACC Senior Financial Officer, Corporate Reporting & Analysis. • Budget Authority: N/A. • May require infrequent travel to HQ Selection Criteria • Chartered Accountant/ CPA or equivalent professional qualification or master degree in accounting, finance, risk management and related fields.  • Candidates with 0-1 year of post-qualification experience in similar or complementary roles • Good understanding of financial services and products, banking activities, and knowledge of risk and controls.    • Experience in a public accounting firm in an assurance (audit) or advisory role is an advantage • Understanding of IT environments and application to WBG business processes.  Key Competencies:  The candidate must demonstrate the following competencies:  • Communication:  communicate to effectively share and exchange information. Able to listen actively,

Procurement Specialist

 The World Bank Group

Procurement Specialist

Job #:	req10820
Organization:	World Bank
Sector:	Procurement
Grade:	GF
Term Duration:	3 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:	Local Recruitment
Location:	New Delhi,India
Required Language(s):	English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date:	2/18/2021 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

 

Description Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank consists of two entities – the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA). It is a global development cooperative owned by 189 member countries. As the largest development bank in the world, the World Bank provides loans, guarantees, risk management products, and advisory services to middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries, and coordinates responses to regional and global challenges.  The Governance Global Practice (GGP) comprises a variety of different professional disciplines working on public institutions, including procurement, public sector management, governance and anti-corruption, and financial management. GGP’s Procurement Department convenes a leading group of practitioners focused on advancing cutting-edge practices and innovations in the fields of procurement, anti-corruption and open government. To enhance its capacity, the Department seeks to recruit/appoint a highly organized, energized and experienced professional, capable of operating effectively in India. The South Asia Region (SAR) serves 8 countries and diverse IBRD or IDA borrowers/recipients. The mission of the SAR is to support the Bank Group’s overarching goals of ending poverty and boosting shared prosperity. We are organized in five Country Management Units (CMUs), each covering single or multiple countries, which are accountable for the overall country program, consistent with objectives articulated in the Country Partnership Framework. Based on work program agreements with the CMUs, sector staff and teams in the Global Practices are accountable for delivering the portfolio of lending and non-lending products. The majority of SAR procurement team is decentralized and based in country offices. Procurement team members supporting the country programs in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh are managed by an Accredited Practice Manager (PM) who is based at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington DC. The Procurement Specialist will be working under the oversight and guidance of Practice Manager for SAR. Job Duties and Responsibilities: • Provides technical fiduciary advice on procurement activities and engage in policy dialogue to strengthen procurement systems in India. • Supports clients in India in achieving value for money (VFM) in public procurement in order to enhance service delivery and development outcomes with integrity. • Understand relevant procurement markets using analytical tools and approaches to define more effective procurement strategies. • Participates in missions and plays a key role in developing practical approaches to procurement while simultaneously dealing with difficult policy and operational issues. • Prepares and/or comments on draft operational directives and policy papers; produces major/complex reports. • Develops and executes training modules on complex sector related procurement topics. The work implies frequent interaction with the following stakeholders: • Management in the duty station and in some occasions in HQ or other countries. • Government officials and equivalent contacts in other international organizations, partner entities, etc. • Procurement specialists within the World Bank and government units. • Counterparts in the Bank across VPUs, Global Practices and other units involved in meeting the Bank’s business objectives. • Other external constituencies and expert groups. Selection Criteria • Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. business administration, engineering, commerce, law, procurement, etc.) • Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in carrying out technical duties in procurement inside or outside the World Bank. • Knowledge of the concepts, principles and practices governing international procurement, with the ability to translate concepts into operational work, including but limited to VFM, sustainable procurement, strategic sourcing, market analysis, contract management, etc... • Ability to deal sensitively in a multi-cultural environment and build effective working relations with clients and colleagues. • High levels of integrity. • Excellent command of English. • Knowledge on institutions and procurement reforms in Borrower’s countries. • Good knowledge of concepts, principles and approaches to international procurement and of public procurement systems. For more information and online application click here