Program Assistant

World Bank Group•Washington, DC

9d•Onsite

About The Position

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. The South Asia Region comprises six countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka) that range in size from India (with a population of over 1 billion) to Maldives (with 0.3 million people). The region has experienced a long period of robust economic growth, averaging 6% a year over the past 20 years. This strong growth has translated into reducing extreme poverty and strong improvements in human development. At the same time, the region remains home to one-third of the world’s poorest, and persistent structural challenges threaten to undermine sustained growth, hindering the region’s ability to create jobs and respond to climate shocks. Digital technologies offer a unique opportunity to transform development through digital solutions. The Digital & AI Vice Presidency and its global and regional teams will support client countries in building the foundational and cross-cutting elements of digital transformation through: • Building broadband connectivity infrastructure, last mile access and data platforms (including last mile connectivity and data infrastructure) • Strengthening digital public infrastructure (DPI), including digital ID, data sharing, verifiable credentials and digitalizing government services that improve accountability and transparency • Protecting institutions, businesses, and citizens through cybersecurity and data protection & privacy • Developing ICT sectors and supporting digital entrepreneurship, skills, and jobs • Enabling AI-ready economies by supporting governments in building the policy, regulatory, data, and infrastructure foundations needed to harness AI responsibly and at scale • Supporting the Vice presidencies of People, Prosperity, Planet, and Infrastructure in the digitalization efforts of their clients, and in leveraging digital solutions, including building client sectoral digital capacity, defining and implementing sectoral specific AI strategies, and designing AI-powered solutions The SAR Digital Unit is looking for a Program Assistant to be based in Washington, DC. The position will report to the South Asia Regional Practice Manager for Digital & AI and work with other team members based in both Washington DC and the region.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of experience and high school degree; Bachelor’s degree highly desired.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Excellent command of written and spoken English.
In-depth knowledge of relevant World Bank Group policies and practices, for example fiduciary policies, operational procedures and practices, trust fund tools and policies, travel rules, and procurement and payment of vendors, etc.
Self-starter with excellent anticipation skills; problem solving; and follow up.
Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking skills with demonstrated ability to handle complex tasks.
Ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently.
Demonstrated dependability and sense of urgency about getting results.
Ability to work well under pressure, adapt to unexpected events, prioritize, and multitask in a deadline-driven environment. Must be able to prioritize a variety of time-sensitive tasks.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), collaborative tools (Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive); use of Artificial Intelligence tools (ChatGPT, etc) an advantage.
Flexibility and willingness to work extended hours as necessary, and adapt to different time zones, and record of reliability, promptness, etc.
Preference will be given to local talent, that is, applicants who are authorized to work in the duty station for any employer. Internal applicants may apply per existing guidelines.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree highly desired.
use of Artificial Intelligence tools (ChatGPT, etc) an advantage.

Responsibilities

Support the PM and Sr. Operations Officer in portfolio management by preparing monitoring reports across lending, ASA, Trust Funds, budgets, milestones, and work processes, and following up on required actions.
Provide administrative support to the Practice Manager, including calendar and meeting management and other logistical support to the team as required.
Assist the team in providing operational guidance, quality review, and project-cycle support to task teams in HQ and Country Offices, including for Trust Funded activities.
Coordinate implementation of the unit’s work program by liaising with operational teams, TTLs, country offices, clients, and relevant departments, and tracking decisions, clearances, deadlines, and next steps.
Monitor the unit’s budget and TRS in coordination with WBP, and flag issues requiring management attention.
Process operational and administrative transactions, including UPIs, STC/STT and firm contracts, travel requests, SOEs, fee payments, SBS, LARS, PCard/event card purchases, SAP reconciliation, and other project-related actions.
Manage correspondence routing, distribution lists, contact records, filing systems, and administrative support for new hires and staff onboarding.
Coordinate workshops, conferences and learning events, including logistics, technology arrangements, invitations, catering, documentation and follow-up.
Prepare and format documents, reports, figures, presentations, and communication materials in line with Bank standards.
Support the unit’s knowledge management and communication initiatives and share relevant technological, administrative, and procedural updates with staff.
Perform ad hoc tasks and provide support to other staff in the unit or department as needed.