Represent South Africa on the global financial stage and contribute to decisions that influence international development, economic policy and the future of emerging economies. This is a senior international leadership opportunity for an experienced professional with a strong background in economics, finance or international financial institutions.

The successful candidate will initially serve as Alternate Executive Director on the World Bank Group Board, representing the constituency comprising South Africa, Nigeria and Angola. Following the initial two-year assignment, the candidate will serve as Executive Director for a further two years, in accordance with the advertised appointment arrangements.

The role combines strategic leadership, economic policy analysis, international representation and governance oversight. The incumbent will help shape constituency positions on matters before the Board, contribute to decisions concerning World Bank Group policies and lending applications, and build consensus on issues affecting Africa and developing countries.

The opportunity is suited to an established senior leader with substantial managerial experience in the Public Service, a multilateral development bank or another international financial institution. Based in Washington D.C., the position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to international economic cooperation and development policy at the highest institutional level.

What You'll Do

• Provide strategic direction on Bretton Woods Institutions policies, constituency country priorities and operational matters.

• Contribute to Board decisions concerning World Bank Group policies and lending applications.

• Support governance and oversight responsibilities relating to World Bank Group agencies.

• Keep constituency member countries informed of matters before the Board of Executive Directors.

• Prepare and articulate constituency positions at Executive Board and committee meetings.

• Contribute to reporting and governance processes involving the Board of Governors.

• Balance institutional responsibilities with the interests of constituency member countries.

• Build constructive relationships with fellow Executive Directors to develop consensus on issues affecting Africa and developing countries.

• Provide policy advice and relevant information to constituency member countries.

• Advise on and prepare policy agendas for Governors' constituency meetings.

• Act with the full powers of the Executive Director when the Executive Director is absent.

What You Bring

• A master's degree in Economics, Business Administration, Finance, Banking or a related qualification recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

• At least 15 years of relevant senior managerial experience in the Public Service, a multilateral development bank or another international financial institution.

• Strong economic and financial policy analysis capabilities.

• Experience contributing to strategic decision-making, institutional governance and oversight.

• The ability to represent institutional or constituency interests in high-level international forums.

• Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation and consensus-building skills.

• The ability to communicate complex policy matters clearly and advise senior decision-makers.

• Sound judgement, professional integrity and ethical conduct.

What Success Looks Like

• Effective representation of South Africa and the wider constituency on the World Bank Group Board.

• Clear, well-supported constituency positions on Board and committee matters.

• Informed contributions to development policy, lending decisions and institutional governance.

• Strong working relationships with international stakeholders.

• Timely and relevant policy advice to constituency member countries.

• Constructive consensus-building on issues affecting Africa and developing countries.

• Consistent professional judgement, integrity and accountability.

Appointment Details

The initial assignment runs from 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2028 as Alternate Executive Director, followed by a further two-year assignment as Executive Director from 1 November 2028 to 31 October 2030.

The position is based in Washington D.C. The all-inclusive remuneration package will be discussed during the interview.

The appointment is subject to the applicable employment requirements, technical and integrity assessments, personnel suitability checks and security vetting. A 12-month probation period applies in accordance with the prescribed rules.

Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA. The recruitment process supports equal opportunity and encourages applications from women and persons living with disabilities.