Recruitment of Operations Manager for the RISE Project

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Assignment Title: Recruitment of Operational Manager for the RISE Project

Reference No. GM-CPCU - MOFEA-523697-CS-INDV

• Background information

The Gambia, with its vibrant youth population and commitment to development, is poised for a promising future, yet faces several challenges. In the realm of basic education, the focus is on improving learning outcomes, particularly in the early grades, to ensure every child acquires necessary foundational skills. Especially for the youth, technical and vocational education, and training (TVET) must be of higher quality and relevance to meet labor market demands, a challenge recognized and prioritized by the Government of The Gambia. For the large population living in poverty, the goal is to provide a second chance through access to social protection measures, skills training, and income-generating opportunities. These challenges, while significant, are being addressed with determination and a vision for a resilient, inclusive, skilled, and equitable Gambia.

To address these challenges, The Gambia Resilience, Inclusion, Skills, and Equity Project (The Gambia RISE Project – P197233) is a multi-sectoral, five-year initiative of The Government of The Gambia, funded by the World Bank. The project aims to increase the foundational skills of students in early grades, provide job-relevant training to youth, and boost income-generating opportunities, including for the poor and vulnerable, in The Gambia. The planned activities are closely aligned with the Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP) 2016-2030 and The Gambia National Social Protection Policy (NSPP) 2015-2025.

• Objective of the assignment

The Operations Manager balances (i) disciplined management of CPCU workflows and deliverables; and (i) proactive and responsive operational support to Implementing Entities; (iii) timely and professional engagement with the World Bank and other partners on implementation and compliance matters.

In addition, he/she will be expected to engage with high-level Government Officials such as Ministers and Permanent Secretaries to resolve cross-sectoral issues and provide implementation updates, while also working hands-on with Technical Coordinators and Directors to enhance operational capacity—helping them strengthen ToRs, sequence activities, and prepare realistic, results-oriented workplans and budgets.

While the primary responsibility is for the RISE Project, the Operations Manager may be assigned tasks across other CPCU-managed projects as determined by the coordinator to ensure harmonized implementation and learning across the portfolio.

• Scope of Work and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the CPCU Coordinator, the Operations Manager monitors day-to-day operational coordination, ensuring activities are planned, tracked, and executed in line with GoTG and donor procedures.

Operational Coordination

• Provides operational coordination and oversight across IEs and CPCU functions under the direction of the coordinator

• Provide technical support, operational planning and execution across all project components.

• Assist the Project Coodinator to supervise and coordinate activities of Technical Coordinators and CPCU Specialists including but not limited to Procurement, Financial management, safeguards and other Specialists within the CPCU

• Work closely with Implementing Entities to ensure activities are aligned with project development objectives, targets, implementation timelines, with GoTG and World Bank guidelines.

B. Project Implementation Support

• Serve as the first level support to the Project Coordinator to oversee procurement, financial management, safeguards activities and ensure compliance with GoTG/World Bank procedures.

• Work closely with the Project Coordinator to support CPCU Specialists to provide technical inputs into contracts and procurement packages, review and conduct quality assurance of TORs submitted by IEs before submission and review technical specifications submitted by IEs

• Support the Coordinator in fully operationalising the CPCU Workflow management process – Support team members to onboard onto the system and closely ensure compliance and task-management of the system

• Support the Project Coordinator in recruitment of consultants and staff as per approved criteria.

C. Monitoring and Reporting

• Contribute/Prepare and submit briefing notes when required, monthly, quarterly, and annual progress reports.

• Work closely with Project Coordinator and M&E Specialist to Monitor project risks and maintain a risk log with mitigation strategies.

• Track project results and support M&E Expert in reporting

D. Stakeholder Engagement

• Facilitate coordination among ministries, agencies, stakeholders and development parters (World Bank task team)

• Organise Biweekly check-in meetings between the CPCU and IE’s Technical Coordinators to track activity implementation

• Organize and lead inter-ministerial meetings, workshops, and seminars.

• Represent CPCU in technical and contract committees.

• Participate in field/site visits both in Greater Banjul Area and regional communities relevant to the project/related activities

E. Technical Oversight

• Review and advise on technical deliverables, TORs, and consultant reports.

• Organise/facilitate meetings between CPCU, IEs and Consultants where necessary and provide guidance where necessary

• Ensure quality assurance and adherence to the Project Financing Agreement, Project Implementation Manual, environmental and social safeguards requirements

• Support development and use of operational manuals and guidelines.

• Support the Project Coordinator in the development of relevant implementation and monitoring templates/ tools, in-house implementation strategies, communication strategies, staff appraisal templates

• Qualification and Experience

Education:

• Master’s degree in development studies, Education, Economics, or Public Policy, social sciences or relevant equivalent degree.

Experience

• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience managing donor-funded or multilateral projects (preferably including World Bank operations), with demonstrated application of procurement, FM, safeguards, and results-reporting procedures.

• Skills: Demonstrated ability to anticipate risks, troubleshoot, and ensure disciplined follow-through across multiple functions; strong interpersonal skills to work diplomatically with senior officials and practically with technical teams.

• Desirable: “Familiarity with the education and social protection sectors will be considered an advantage.”

Skills

• Strong planning, organizational, and time management skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

• Proficiency in report writing and analytical presentations.

• Ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams and resolve conflicts.

Full TOR Availability Notice: The full Terms of Reference (TOR) will be made available upon request. Please send your request via email to the addresses provided below.

• Submission of Expressions of Interest:

The Gambia Fiscal Management Development Project now invites eligible individual consultants to express their interest in the role of Operational Manager. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” dated September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultants (IC) selection method set out in the Consultant Guidelines. Further information (Terms of Reference) can be obtained at the address below or via email during office hours from 09:00 to 16:00 Monday to Thursday and 09:00 to 12h30 on Friday.

Expressions of interest should be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail) on or before 26th November 2025 at 12h30 GMT

The Gambia Resilience Inclusive Skills and Equity Project GRISE

Royal Insurance Building

2nd Floor, Kotu Bertil Harding Highway

The Gambia,

Email: [email protected] ; [email protected] ; [email protected] , [email protected]