Senior Research Assistant

Senior Research Assistant

Job #:
req38305


Organization:
World Bank


Sector:
Administration/Office Support


Grade:
GD


Term Duration:
2 years 0 months

Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment


Location:
Washington, DC,United States


Required Language(s):
English, Dutch and or French and or German


Preferred Language(s):
Cezh


Closing Date:
9/17/2026 (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 fiveinstitutions 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


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 group's 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 for Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Hungary, Kosovo, Luxembourg, Slovakia, Slovenia and Türkiye (EDS10) is looking for a motivated and proactive Senior Research 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, staff in other departments in the Bank, IFC, MIGA, ICSID as well as ministries, governments, embassies and high-level officials, representatives from the private sector, non-governmental organizations, academia, and others from the countries represented.


The office of the EDS10 is seeking to recruit a Senior Research Assistant. S/he will support the office work, as a core member of the Front Office team and provide support on research related assignments to the ED, AED and all the Advisers. S/he will interact with a wide range of stakeholders within and outside the World Bank Group and will be expected to handle all tasks necessary for the efficient functioning of the office. Candidates should be prepared to work under pressure and in a high-pace environment.


In addition to the Executive Director, the office consists of an Alternate Executive Director, Senior Advisors, Advisors, and a Program Assistant.


The successful candidate will report to the Executive Director.


Note: Administrative support staff hired into the Executive Directors' offices will be offered an initial 3-year Term appointment. Staff on open-ended appointments who are selected into the EDs' offices are strongly advised to obtain a re-entry guarantee from their releasing units to be able to return to open-ended status. 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.


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. Such candidate may be subject to rotation as required by Corporate Secretary.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with the Program Assistant, s/he provides a full range of executive assistance to the Executive Director, Alternative Executive Director, Senior Advisors and Advisors and works seamlessly as a team with the Program Assistant and EDS10 colleagues.
• In collaboration with the Program Assistant, s/he serves as the main point of contact for the Executive Director for internal and external clients.
• In collaboration with the Program Assistant, prepares the program of meetings and briefing books for the Executive Director and High Government officials at Ministerial Level during the Spring Meetings and Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund.
• Accompanies the Executive Director to the Annual Meetings when held in member countries (once in three years); gives administrative and logistical support to the Executive Director, the EDS10 office team and to the delegations of the participating constituency countries.
• In collaboration with the Program Assistant, takes care of the proper dissemination of documentation and relevant information to the Constituency Governors/Alternate Governors and respective constituency country authorities.
• In collaboration with the Program Assistant, s/he prepares - and if requested prints - the documentation needed by the Executive Director for the various Board Meetings, Board Committee Meetings, retreats and operational travel.
• In collaboration with the Program Assistant, ensures efficient functioning of the Executive Director's office - including providing hospitality support for visitors - and works jointly with the World Bank Group Corporate Secretariat on personnel issues.
• In collaboration with the Program Assistant, keeps track of the tenure dates of staff in the Executive Director's office and assists the Executive Director with the administrative side of the recruitment and the advisors' rotation process.
• In collaboration with the Program Assistant, plans and organizes operational travel itineraries on behalf of the Executive Director and the team and processes the trip reports and representational expenses through SAP.
• In collaboration with the Program Assistant, drafts letters and memoranda for final approval and signature by the Executive Director.
• Independently responding, in a timely and highly professional manner, to extensive and diverse external/internal inquiries and general requests by drafting and formatting - (required) in English and (required) Dutch and/or French and/or German (and/or - preferred - Czech) - standard and routine correspondence and making decisions when multiple courses of action are possible.
• Provides comprehensive research, policy, and drafting support, including research and analysis, preparation of briefing materials and speaking points, development of position papers, and synthesis of complex information into concise, decision-ready materials.
• Keeps informed on new technology as introduced by the World Bank Group; updates the office's website and makes sure all staff in the EDs office are informed and, if necessary, trained, in using new tools; attends learning sessions when necessary and convenient regarding the schedule of the Executive Director.
• Ensures the highest level of discretion, judgment, and diplomacy in providing a wide range of executive and research assistant support; sets priorities; manages the workflow in an efficient and organized manner.
• Prepares, processes, and handles information of a sensitive and confidential nature.
• Gives independent follow-up on extensive and diverse inquiries and can make appropriate decisions.
• Works proactively with the Senior Advisors and Advisors in planning and setting up a forward-looking agenda for the Executive Director and the office.
• Delegates work and assignments as per the office guidelines and/or request of the Executive Director.
• Fosters a positive and collaborative work environment and contributes to a collegial workplace culture.
• Contributes to the workplace culture through the organization of team and office events and retreats, as well as Brown Bag Seminars, together with the Program Assistant.
• Arranges meetings with Senior Bank Management for visiting High-Level Government officials and high-level Representatives of the public and private sector.
• Undertakes, provides input and effectively organizes all manner of events related to the work of the Executive Director (working lunches and dinners; office retreats; networking events; cultural events; receptions, etc.).
• Serves as the Office Leave Coordinator.
• Maintains and updates contact lists, the filing system, and ensures the general efficient functioning of the Executive Director's Office.
• Maintains an extensive network of contacts - including at the most senior levels, internally as well as externally. This includes a wide variety of high-level contacts with the respective authorities of the constituency countries represented by the Executive Director's Office, other international organizations, civil society and public and private stakeholders.
• Ensures an efficient back-up system is in place

Selection Criteria

Attention: "Preference 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."

• Must have a bachelor's degree and minimum of 4 years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience; master's degree preferred.
• Advanced working skills in multiple computer software applications (e.g., inter-related word processing, spreadsheets, electronic mail, database, presentation applications, and AI tools).
• Proven ability to conduct accurate, thorough, and focused research, under close supervision.
• Exceptional communication skills (both oral and written) in English and Dutch and/or French and/or German ( and/or preferred - Czech).
• High standards of output in terms of accuracy and meeting deadlines.
• Excellent administrative and organizational skills, with attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with a strong ability to interact with internal and external clients at all levels.
• High level of discretion in dealing with sensitive or highly confidential matters.
• Experience working under pressure, handling concurrent activities, and establishing priorities.
• Flexibility and willingness to work extended hours at short notice as required.
• Demonstrated team spirit and strong desire to work in a team environment; sound judgment to effectively deal with staff at all levels.
• Proactive attitude, resourcefulness, reliability, and high degree of adaptability.

Required Competencies

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

This internal requisition is open to WBG and IMF 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.

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 the World Bank and IFC including our values and inspiring stories.