Private Sector Growth Specialist - Manila

The World Bank Group; Manila; On-site; PHP 1,800,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Job summary

The World Bank Group in Manila, Philippines seeks a Private Sector Specialist to lead and support operations that foster private sector development and job creation. You will engage with government and private partners to translate policy reforms into practical delivery and investor-ready projects.

Strong experience in IPF/DPF operations, SME development, and value chains is essential. Fluency in English and familiarity with Philippines context are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in economics, public policy, business, finance, development studies or a related field; with at least five years of directly relevant experience.
• Strong technical knowledge of private sector development, such as firm productivity, SME development, investment climate, competitiveness, entrepreneurship and innovation, value chains, investment policy and promotion, or private capital enabling.
• Experience designing and/or implementing lending operations, preferably World Bank IPF or DPF or comparable multilateral operations; experience across the project cycle is a strong advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams, manage consultant work programs, and deliver complex operational tasks involving multiple stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to link policy reform and analysis to tangible outcomes for investment, productivity and jobs.
• Demonstrated ability to engage government and private-sector counterparts, build trusted relationships, and work effectively in multidisciplinary, multicultural teams.
• Excellent written and oral English, initiative, and ability to manage multiple workstreams and deadlines with a strong focus on results.
• Experience in the Philippines or East Asia, and familiarity with World Bank Group instruments, policies and procedures, would be an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to and progressively lead Investment Project Financing (IPF) and Development Policy Financing (DPF) operations on private sector development, competitiveness, investment and jobs, from preparation through supervision, working closely with implementing agencies to translate project design into effective delivery systems.
• Support private-sector policy dialogue with government and the private sector on reforms that improve the environment for investment, productivity, innovation and enterprise growth.
• Serve as a primary point of engagement with implementing agencies and private sector stakeholders, facilitating coordination across government institutions, development partners, industry associations, financial institutions, and firms.
• Lead work on SMEs and firm capabilities, including access to markets and finance, value-chain integration, supplier development, entrepreneurship, technology adoption and quality infrastructure.
• Help design reforms, public investments and institutional strengthening that mobilize private investment, working with IFC to connect policy reforms with investment opportunities.
• Undertake analytical and advisory work and translate findings into actionable policy recommendations, operations and technical assistance.
• Support implementation and portfolio management, resolve bottlenecks with implementing agencies, and prepare high-quality briefs and notes for Country and senior management.
• Build effective relationships with ministries, agencies, firms and financial institutions, and collaborate across practices and with development partners to bring global knowledge to the Philippines program.

Skills

Private sector development

SME development

Investment climate

Value chains

Policy reform & analysis

English proficiency

Interagency coordination

Education

Master’s degree or equivalent

Job description

The World Bank Group in Manila, Philippines seeks a Private Sector Specialist to lead and support operations that foster private sector development and job creation. You will engage with government and private partners to translate policy reforms into practical delivery and investor-ready projects.

Strong experience in IPF/DPF operations, SME development, and value chains is essential. Fluency in English and familiarity with Philippines context are highly valued.