Program Assistant

World Bank Group • Washington, DC

1d

About The Position

The World Bank Group is a unique global partnership of five institutions driven by a bold vision to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, we help solve the world’s greatest development challenges. When you join the World Bank Group, you become part of a dynamic, diverse organization with 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide. We work with public and private sector partners, invest in groundbreaking projects, and use data, research, and technology to bring tangible and transformative changes around the globe. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

DEVELOPMENT FINANCE VICE PRESIDENCY

The Development Finance Vice-Presidency (DFi) is responsible for the management and monitoring of policies, procedures and resources for development financing at the World Bank. Development financing consists of resource mobilization and management of the world's largest concessional fund, IDA, the financial management of grant contributions from development partners for Trust Funds (TFs) and Financial Intermediary Funds (FIFs), and all the aspects of corporate finance of the IBRD. Given the nature and variety of this portfolio, the VPU works closely with the President's office, Executive Directors, WBG senior management, corporate and operations units across the WBG, funding partners and government officials. The VPU has two departments – Finance, Policy, and Operations (DFFPO) and Trust Funds and Partner Relations (DFTPR).

FINANCE, POLICY, AND OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT

Within DFi, Finance, Policy, and Operations (DFFPO) is responsible for the replenishment and stewardship of IDA, the Bank’s principal facility for providing highly concessional resources to the world’s poorest countries, as well as for supporting senior managers and the WBG Board in IBRD’s financial management by recommending policies and strategies related to IBRD medium-term financial and capital planning, overall balance sheet management, and annual decisions on loan terms and income allocation. DFFPO monitors the implementation of the IDA policy mandates within the Bank, undertakes a significant policy research agenda, and participates in review activities at the country and institutional levels. In addition, DFFPO manages the allocation of IDA resources (both volumes and terms) to eligible countries as per IDA priorities and maintains policy dialogue with donors. Working closely with other Departments notably OPCS, Regions, and Global Practices, it takes the lead in preparing IDA replenishment papers which form the basis for policy discussions with contributing countries and borrower representatives. The Department is currently completing the ambitious IDA21 replenishment negotiations, with IDA21 implementation that started in July 2025. Early negotiations to prepare IDA22 replenishment are expected to start in 2026.

The Department is looking for an experienced, energetic, dependable, resourceful, and tech-savvy Program Assistant to provide administrative support to the Manager, Policy & Resource Mobilization, and assist with the Unit’s work. The Program Assistant will report to the Manager, Policy & Resource Mobilization, and have the following main responsibilities:

Requirements

• High school diploma with at least 7 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. A Bachelor’s degree is preferred. Academic or professional background in areas such as information management, communications, and technology would be a plus.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the World Bank administrative procedures and processes.
• A self-starter with positive attitude.
• Strong organizational, administrative and time management skills with proven ability to work quickly and efficiently under time pressure to successfully deliver urgent tasks.
• A proactive, resourceful, and pragmatic problem-solver. Outstanding attention to details and high level of rigor and dependability are required.
• Tech savvy with experience with technology solutions to promote efficiency and productivity.
• High degree of motivation, flexibility, reliability, and ability to handle concurrent tasks simultaneously.
• Strong team player and excellent interpersonal, communication and diplomacy skills to interact tactfully with people at all levels. Collaborate within team and across boundaries. Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with outstanding discretion.
• Proven personal ethics and integrity, sound judgment and resourcefulness.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to the Manager, including managing the Manager’s calendar and internal and external meeting requests, arranging travel logistics, managing recruitment processes (managing Compass, scheduling shortlisting committee meetings and interviews, etc) and ETC contracts for any position chaired by the Manager, coordinating with Corporate Secretariat and other offices for schedules of relevant Board meetings, managing Board paper submissions, organizing unit meetings and team-building events, and managing logistical and administrative aspects for onboarding new staff.
• Manage the unit’s schedule of meetings; circulate and file accompanied internal documentation; liaise with relevant units in the Bank for inputs.
• Support timely reviews and delivery of tasks by the unit’s staff.
• File Policy & Resource Mobilization’s records appropriately.
• Help with document and PowerPoint formatting to ensure a polished look.
• Carry out other administrative tasks for the DFFPO Department as needed and requested by the Manager.

Benefits

• The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
• We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED