Program Assistant Job #: req34981 Organization: World Bank Sector: Administration/Office Support Grade: GC Term Duration:ย 2 years 0 months Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment Location: Washington, DC,United States Required Language(s): Nordic or Baltic Languages Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 12/7/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? 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 and promoting shared prosperity. 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.ย For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.
The 25 Executive Directors of the WBG Board, assisted by their Alternates, Senior Advisors, Advisors and Administrative staff represent the interests of the 189-member countries who nominated or elected them. They also ensure the oversight of the general operations of the Bank Group and the groupโs results on the ground. The institutions under their purview are: The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Development Association (IDA), which together form the World Bank; the International Finance Corporation (IFC); the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA); and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). The World Bank Group is one of the world's largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. The Board, working closely with Management, approves several policies, financial commitments and knowledge products that ensure the best global expertise and help generate cutting-edge results for its clients in developing countries.
The Office of the Executive Director (ED) for Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden (EDS20) is looking for a motivated and proactive Program Assistant with excellent administrative, organizational, and interpersonal skills to join the team.
The Executive Director's Office deals with all aspects of the Bank's work, interacts with Senior Bank Management and with other departments in the Bank, IFC, MIGA, as well as ministries, governments, embassies and high-level officials, representatives from the private sector, non-governmental organizations, academia, and others from the represented countries.ย The successful candidate will be expected to interact with other departments in the Bank, relevant ministries and agencies, and the embassy as well as with World Bank Group management and staff.
The main responsibility of the successful candidate will be to provide effective and high-quality administrative support to the Executive Directorโs office, working closely with other team members to ensure a smooth operation of the Office. S/he will also provide support on research related assignments to the ED, AED and all the Advisers.ย ย S/he will be expected to interact with other departments in the Bank, relevant ministries and agencies, embassies, and World Bank Group management and staff.ย S/he must be able to work in a fast-pace environment.
In addition to the Executive Director, the office consists of an Alternate Executive Director, Senior Advisors, Advisors, and a Sr. Executive Assistant. The successful candidate will be a member of a two-person team supporting the Executive Director (ED), Alternate ED, Senior Advisors, and Advisors.
The successful candidate will report to the Executive Director.
Note:
Administrative support staff hired into the Executive Directorsโ offices will be offered an initial 2-year Term appointment.ย Staff on open-ended appointments who are selected into the EDsโ offices are strongly advised to obtain a re-entry guarantee from their releasing units to be able to return to open-ended status.ย An open-ended staff who does not have a re-entry to his/her releasing unit acknowledges that by applying to this position, s/he is entering a Term position, if selected, and will not be able to maintain his/her open-ended status. Executive Directors must conduct an annual overall performance review for their administrative support staff consistent with WBG annual performance review processes.ย If an already open-ended candidate in an ED office gets selected, s/he will retain his/her open-ended status based on already meeting the eligibility and prior conversion decision per the ED ACS conversion policy.ย Such candidate may be subject to rotation as required by Corporate Secretary.
Roles and Responsibility:
Under the guidance of the Senior Executive Assistant, the Program Assistant will provide the full range of office/administrative support to the Executive Directorโs office including, but are not limited to the following:
โข ย Working with a high level of discretion and diplomacy in setting and managing priorities and workflow in an efficient and organized manner for the Alternate Executive Director, Senior Advisors, and Advisors.โข ย Preparing, processing, and handling various information and data of sensitive and confidential nature.โข ย Scheduling appointments and coordinating mission travel, independently resolving scheduling conflicts, screening and prioritizing incoming correspondence and monitoring activities to ensure appropriate follow-up.โข ย Drafting, editing and formatting documents, statements and correspondence by the Executive Director's office staff.โข ย Writes at a professional level in English and a Nordic or Baltic language.โข ย The Program Assistant will independently respond, in a timely and highly professional manner, to extensive and diverse external/internal inquiries and general requests by drafting, and formatting standard and routine correspondence, and make decisions when multiple courses of action are possible.โข ย Ensuring that relevant background materials are available for meetings, deadlines are met, and documents are of high quality and adhere to administrative and operational guidelines.โข ย Providing general research support to the Executive Director's office on a diverse range of topics. This entails independently assessing tasks, inquiries and requests, determining and finding additional information that may be required.โข ย Assist with and/or lead on research projects within the Office, including working with counterpartsย ย ย ย ย ย ย in our Capitals and within the World Bank.โข ย Maintaining and updating contact lists and the filing system. Establish and maintain an effective database network of contacts inside and outside the Bank, assuring continuity during periodic staff transitions.โข ย Screen, track, prioritize, and appropriately channel all inquiries, requests, and telephone calls to ensure timely attention to priority issues.โข ย Handling and assisting with the administrative arrangements on appointment/relocation of office staff.โข ย Performing ad hoc duties as may be assigned, including back-up to theย Sr. Executive Assistant, as required.โข ย Performing ad hoc duties as may be assigned, including back-up to the Senior Executive Assistant, as required.โข ย Play an active role in the planning, logistics and delivery of the yearly Spring (April) and Annual (October) Meetings, including supporting the programs of Nordic and Baltic delegations, working with colleagues in the Office, across the Bank and IMF, and with Capitals. Provides administrative and logistical support to the EDโs office and delegations from constituency countries.
Selection Criteria
โPreference will be given to local talent, that is, applicants that are authorized to work in the duty station for any employer. Internal applicants may apply per existing guidelines.โ
โข ย Minimum Education/Experience: Must have a high school diploma and minimum of 7 years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience; undergraduate college degree preferred.โข ย Excellent office support and organizational skills, including being proactive and demonstrated ability to prioritize and deliver assignments in a timely manner, often under severe time pressure.โข ย Excellent command of written and spoken English and a Nordic or Baltic language, including ability to independently draft a variety of formal and informal correspondence; to proofread/edit materials using proper grammar, punctuations and proper style.ย โข ย Familiarity with and experience from Nordic and Baltic government systems is a key strength. Knowledge of existing World Bank Group administrative procedures and practices is desirable.โข ย Superior interpersonal and diplomacy skills include demonstrated ability to work in a team-oriented and multi-cultural environment.โข ย Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion while conducting work.โข ย Ability to deal tactfully and diplomatically with high-level government officials.โข ย Demonstrated ability to function under time pressure and to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment of changing priorities.โข ย Proactive attitude, self-starter, outstanding leadership skills with ability to work with staff at all levels (inside and outside the World Bank Group).โข ย Good knowledge and understanding of administrative/operational procedures applicable to the World Bank Group and ability to independently propose interpretation and application of such procedures.โข ย Advanced working skills in multiple computer software applications (e.g., Microsoft Office, Outlook, Webex, Teams, SAP/Admin Portal) and able to coach less experienced staff on relevant technology and systems.ย โข ย Willingness and flexibility to work overtime, including weekends, if required.
Required Competencies:
โข ย Technology and systems knowledge - Has advanced proficiency of latest technology relevant to assigned responsibilities. Demonstrates initiative in learning and/or supporting implementation of emerging technology and systems relevant to effective work of the unit.โข ย Project and task management - Able to organize, coordinate, monitor and implement tasks and projects. Demonstrates ownership and accountability for results. Demonstrates innovation and creativity in promoting effectiveness.โข ย Institutional policies, processes, and procedures - Demonstrates in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of administrative and policy guidelines, practices, products and services in area of assigned functional responsibility; can guide others in complex situations.โข ย Versatility and adaptability - Able to anticipate, facilitate and catalyze change in the business environment and accurately assess the need for new skills and knowledge. Demonstrates continued learning attitude, supporting others in their learning and change management efforts.
WBG Culture Attributes:
1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.
World Bank Group Core Competencies
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.
Learn more about working at theย World Bankย andย IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.