WASHINGTON, February 1, 2013 – Joachim von Amsberg became the World Bank’s Vice President for Concessional Finance and Global Partnerships (CFP) on February 1, 2013.
In his new role, Mr. von Amsberg will be responsible for the replenishment and stewardship of the International Development Association (IDA—the World Bank’s fund for the poorest), Global Partnership and Trust Fund Operations, trusteeship of financial intermediary funds and innovative financing, and financial management of the concessional finance portfolio. He will oversee a trust fund portfolio of about $27 billion and implementation of the $49.3 billion IDA16 replenishment.
Mr. von Amsberg brings to the post extensive global and country development experience. As the Bank’s head of Operational Policy and Country Services (OPCS) for the past 2½ years, he drove a series of institutional innovations, including the introduction of the Bank's first new lending instrument in 30 years. He also oversaw a major reform program focused on improving the flexibility of investment lending and strengthening the institution’s support to fragile and conflict-affected states.
“I am pleased to be joining the concessional finance vice presidency, a unit that plays an important connector role in helping the Bank secure and leverage the resources needed to provide support to the world’s poorest countries and in areas of global public concern, such as conflict and other crises,” said von Amsberg. “The current replenishments of IDA and the Global Environment Facility, as well as efforts to continue improving our trust fund operations and mobilize financing for other development needs, are hugely important to the well-being of billions of people around the world.”
Mr. von Amsberg succeeds Axel van Trotsenburg, who is joining the Bank’s East Asia and Pacific Region as Vice President.
Prior to his work in OPCS, he held the post of Country Director for Indonesia, overseeing one of the Bank’s largest country programs and country offices. There, he supported the country’s efforts to improve the investment climate and service delivery to the poor through stronger governance. As Country Director for the Philippines, he led a new World Bank strategy for enhanced support to the Philippines. Mr. von Amsberg has also served as economist, covering a broad range of countries and sectors.
