Special Assistant to Vice President
Apply NowCompany: The World Bank Group
Location: Washington, DC 20011
Description:
Special Assistant to Vice President
Job #:
req32308
Organization:
World Bank
Sector:
Other
Grade:
GG
Term Duration:
3 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment
Location:
Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s):
English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date:
3/31/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
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. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org
The Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region comprises 30 extremely diverse, predominantly middle-income countries, with a population of nearly 500 million people. ECA countries face structural and legacy issues, including an incomplete transition to a market economy and declining productivity, weak institutional capacity, dependence on fossil fuels, limited physical and digital connectivity and, in many instances, aging populations. Recent shocks (COVID-19, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, weather shocks and natural disaster) have further exacerbated these challenges, with significant impacts on the level, inclusiveness and sustainability of growth and overall living standards.
The World Bank Group is working closely with client countries in the region to address these issues, with increasing focus on productivity growth and job creation, energy security and water management, human capital and economic inclusion, and physical and digital connectivity. The region has a strong lending pipeline and a large portfolio of projects spanning a number of sectors. In addition, knowledge is critical to the Bank's value proposition to client countries in the ECA region.
For more information about the region: https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/eca.
Specific Description
The Front Office of the Vice President is a dynamic unit that requires professional excellence, results focus and a commitment to teamwork. The ECA regional structure includes 6 Country Departments, 5 Practice Groups and several regional units (Chief Economist's Office, External Communications and Partnerships, and Development Effectiveness). The ECA region emphasizes strong client orientation and responsiveness; timely and high-quality delivery; innovation; teamwork and collaboration across sectors; and a dedication to attracting and developing a diverse and talented staff.
As a central member of the Front Office Team, the Special Assistant to the Regional Vice President will contribute to the Bank's core mission of creating a world free of poverty on a livable planet in ECA. S/he will work directly with, and report to, the Regional Vice President and will collaborate closely with other members of the Front Office Team and the Regional Leadership and Management Teams (RLT and RMT).
Duties and Accountabilities
S/he will assist the Regional Vice President in the execution of the Front Office responsibilities with regards to the following areas of work:
Provide proactive support to the RVP and liaise with other members of the RLT, RMT and other units in the Bank, on strategy, operational and administrative issues
Manage the RVP's agenda in close cooperation with the FO team, prioritizing and preparing the RVP for events and presentations, including writing or editing/coordinating speeches and talking points
Coordinate brief preparation and review, memos and correspondence for the RVP and senior management
Support production of briefing books for RVP travel and support RVP during operational travel
Review briefs and oversee regional events for the Annual and Spring Meetings, in cooperation with CDs, Director of Strategy and Operations, Regional Programs and Partnerships, Office of the Chief Economist, and ECR
Liaise with the offices of the President, the Managing Directors and other Vice Presidents as needed
Liaise with the Country Directors, Regional Directors, RMT members and Practice and CMU staff as needed
Liaise with IFC and MIGA in support of strengthened operational collaboration
Facilitate relations with the Board of Executive Directors
Support preparation of RLT and RMT retreats
Perform ad hoc tasks necessary for the smooth functioning and effectiveness of the Front Office.
Note: This internal requisition is open to WBG staff only (including short-term and extended term consultants/ temporaries).
External candidates are requested not to apply. In case an external candidate applies, their application will not be considered.
Selection Criteria
The candidate must hold a Master's degree with proven skills in quantitative and qualitative analysis, and at least 8 years of experience, with a good track record in fast-paced and high-pressure environments.
The candidate must also have the following competencies and background:
Personal skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to speak and write persuasively and present ideas clearly and concisely; ability to engage in coherent dialogue with key stakeholders
Strong analytical and integrative skills; ability to write quickly and concisely on a variety of topics in a well-structured manner and synthesize complex issues and substantial documentation into effective oral and written briefs and talking points
Strong problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to work flexibly on a range of assignments, in order to prioritize interventions and adjust to changes in schedule, juggle concurrent tasks effectively and efficiently, and work with very tight deadlines
Ability to learn quickly and anticipate a wide range of issues and situations; problem solving and results mindset; track record of delivering high quality work
High degree of ethics, discretion, tact, and sensitivity in dealing with others, raising challenging questions in a constructive manner and in handling confidential and sensitive information
Collaborative skills
Interpersonal, diplomatic and partnership skills required for building and maintaining collaborative relationships with Board officials, management, clients and other stakeholders, including maintaining client relationships in the face of conflicting demands or directions
Strong proclivity for teamwork including an open and collegial work style and a high energy level and showing leadership in ensuring the team stays organized and focused, and actively seeks and considers diverse ideas and approaches.
Operational skills
Good understanding of the World Bank Group's internal and external operating environment
Sound operational experience, including knowledge of World Bank Group instruments, policies, programs, and procedures, and ability to apply them in day-to-day work
Project management experience, including excellent workflow management and task organization skills; ability to anticipate and take responsibility for all aspects of coordination of the workflow, to identify the needed resources to accomplish results involving multiple stakeholders and to find solutions and to provide support to address obstacles affecting key deliverables
Business judgment and analytical decision making, including ability to gather inputs, assess risk, identify relevant policy issues and trade-offs, consider impact and articulate benefits of decisions for internal and external stakeholders over the long term, and provide appropriate recommendations.
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 the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.
Job #:
req32308
Organization:
World Bank
Sector:
Other
Grade:
GG
Term Duration:
3 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment
Location:
Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s):
English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date:
3/31/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
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. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org
The Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region comprises 30 extremely diverse, predominantly middle-income countries, with a population of nearly 500 million people. ECA countries face structural and legacy issues, including an incomplete transition to a market economy and declining productivity, weak institutional capacity, dependence on fossil fuels, limited physical and digital connectivity and, in many instances, aging populations. Recent shocks (COVID-19, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, weather shocks and natural disaster) have further exacerbated these challenges, with significant impacts on the level, inclusiveness and sustainability of growth and overall living standards.
The World Bank Group is working closely with client countries in the region to address these issues, with increasing focus on productivity growth and job creation, energy security and water management, human capital and economic inclusion, and physical and digital connectivity. The region has a strong lending pipeline and a large portfolio of projects spanning a number of sectors. In addition, knowledge is critical to the Bank's value proposition to client countries in the ECA region.
For more information about the region: https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/eca.
Specific Description
The Front Office of the Vice President is a dynamic unit that requires professional excellence, results focus and a commitment to teamwork. The ECA regional structure includes 6 Country Departments, 5 Practice Groups and several regional units (Chief Economist's Office, External Communications and Partnerships, and Development Effectiveness). The ECA region emphasizes strong client orientation and responsiveness; timely and high-quality delivery; innovation; teamwork and collaboration across sectors; and a dedication to attracting and developing a diverse and talented staff.
As a central member of the Front Office Team, the Special Assistant to the Regional Vice President will contribute to the Bank's core mission of creating a world free of poverty on a livable planet in ECA. S/he will work directly with, and report to, the Regional Vice President and will collaborate closely with other members of the Front Office Team and the Regional Leadership and Management Teams (RLT and RMT).
Duties and Accountabilities
S/he will assist the Regional Vice President in the execution of the Front Office responsibilities with regards to the following areas of work:
Provide proactive support to the RVP and liaise with other members of the RLT, RMT and other units in the Bank, on strategy, operational and administrative issues
Manage the RVP's agenda in close cooperation with the FO team, prioritizing and preparing the RVP for events and presentations, including writing or editing/coordinating speeches and talking points
Coordinate brief preparation and review, memos and correspondence for the RVP and senior management
Support production of briefing books for RVP travel and support RVP during operational travel
Review briefs and oversee regional events for the Annual and Spring Meetings, in cooperation with CDs, Director of Strategy and Operations, Regional Programs and Partnerships, Office of the Chief Economist, and ECR
Liaise with the offices of the President, the Managing Directors and other Vice Presidents as needed
Liaise with the Country Directors, Regional Directors, RMT members and Practice and CMU staff as needed
Liaise with IFC and MIGA in support of strengthened operational collaboration
Facilitate relations with the Board of Executive Directors
Support preparation of RLT and RMT retreats
Perform ad hoc tasks necessary for the smooth functioning and effectiveness of the Front Office.
Note: This internal requisition is open to WBG staff only (including short-term and extended term consultants/ temporaries).
External candidates are requested not to apply. In case an external candidate applies, their application will not be considered.
Selection Criteria
The candidate must hold a Master's degree with proven skills in quantitative and qualitative analysis, and at least 8 years of experience, with a good track record in fast-paced and high-pressure environments.
The candidate must also have the following competencies and background:
Personal skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to speak and write persuasively and present ideas clearly and concisely; ability to engage in coherent dialogue with key stakeholders
Strong analytical and integrative skills; ability to write quickly and concisely on a variety of topics in a well-structured manner and synthesize complex issues and substantial documentation into effective oral and written briefs and talking points
Strong problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to work flexibly on a range of assignments, in order to prioritize interventions and adjust to changes in schedule, juggle concurrent tasks effectively and efficiently, and work with very tight deadlines
Ability to learn quickly and anticipate a wide range of issues and situations; problem solving and results mindset; track record of delivering high quality work
High degree of ethics, discretion, tact, and sensitivity in dealing with others, raising challenging questions in a constructive manner and in handling confidential and sensitive information
Collaborative skills
Interpersonal, diplomatic and partnership skills required for building and maintaining collaborative relationships with Board officials, management, clients and other stakeholders, including maintaining client relationships in the face of conflicting demands or directions
Strong proclivity for teamwork including an open and collegial work style and a high energy level and showing leadership in ensuring the team stays organized and focused, and actively seeks and considers diverse ideas and approaches.
Operational skills
Good understanding of the World Bank Group's internal and external operating environment
Sound operational experience, including knowledge of World Bank Group instruments, policies, programs, and procedures, and ability to apply them in day-to-day work
Project management experience, including excellent workflow management and task organization skills; ability to anticipate and take responsibility for all aspects of coordination of the workflow, to identify the needed resources to accomplish results involving multiple stakeholders and to find solutions and to provide support to address obstacles affecting key deliverables
Business judgment and analytical decision making, including ability to gather inputs, assess risk, identify relevant policy issues and trade-offs, consider impact and articulate benefits of decisions for internal and external stakeholders over the long term, and provide appropriate recommendations.
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 the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.