E T Temporary - Program Assistant

E T Temporary - Program Assistant

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.

Climate change will greatly affect the poorest people in the world, who are often hardest hit by weather catastrophes, desertification, and rising sea levels and least able to respond. In some parts of the world, climate change has already contributed to worsening food security, reduced the predictable availability of fresh water, and exacerbated the spread of disease and other threats to human health.

Helping the most vulnerable countries and communities adapt to increasing challenges of climate change is an imperative for the international community, requiring significant resources to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Adaptation Fund is an innovative financing mechanism set up by the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), with the purpose of financing concrete climate change adaptation projects and programs in developing country Parties. At the request of the COP, the GEF is providing secretariat services to the Adaptation Fund Board (the Board) on an interim basis, through a dedicated team. Since becoming fully operational in 2010, the Board has approved over 190 projects and programs worth more than USD 1.2 billion in over 100 countries.

Launched under the Kyoto Protocol of the UNFCCC, the Adaptation Fund has been formally serving the Paris Agreement since 2019. The Adaptation Fund is implementing its second medium term strategy (2023-2027) that rests on the three pillars of adaptation action, innovation and learning/knowledge management.

The Adaptation Fund supports country-driven projects and programs, innovation, and global learning for effective adaptation. All of the Adaptation Fund's activities are designed to build national and local adaptive capacities while reaching and engaging the most vulnerable groups, and to integrate gender consideration to provide equal opportunity to access and benefit from the Fund's resources. They are also aimed at enhancing synergies with other sources of climate finance, while creating models that can be replicated or scaled up.

The Secretariat of the Adaptation Fund Board is seeking an Extended-Term Temporary with a solid background in administrative and travel arrangements and coordinating events in partnership with other institutions. He/she will be helping to process payments and track expenditure and other day-to-day operational support, in a highly dynamic environment. He/she will work under the daily supervision of the Lead for Governance and Operations, who coordinates the Fund's work on its internal and external delivery systems, including administration, and will be accountable to the Manager of the Adaptation Fund Board Secretariat. The position is to be based in Washington DC and follows a competitive local hiring process.

Duties and Accountabilities

The successful candidate will provide a range of office/administrative support to the Adaptation Fund team including, but not limited to the following:

• Assist in the preparation and logistical planning of various events, e.g. conferences, workshops, learning events, and online webinars.
• Make logistical and travel arrangements for event participants and consultants, oversee conference room arrangements, and when applicable, liaise with counterparts in countries for good coordination, prepare necessary materials as needed.
• Process trip requests and cost statements for consultants, and external participants.
• Draft and send routine correspondence (letters, memos, emails, etc.) conforming to the Adaptation Fund standards, using proper grammar, punctuation, and style, and proofread materials.
• Assist in updating and maintaining the mailing lists.
• Assist in unit meetings and retreats arrangements (both virtual and in-person).
• Assist in uploading documents on the AF website.
• Assist in processing and follow-up on contracts for consultants and vendors.
• Support in processing, clearance and payment of invoices and manage SAP workflow as needed.
• Perform any other routine administrative tasks as required.

Selection Criteria

• Minimum High school diploma with seven years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A Bachelor's degree is preferred.
• Good communication skills, positive and professional client service attitude.
• Fluency (reading, writing, speaking) in English (fluency in French or Spanish is an advantage).
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and experience working with Microsoft office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, etc.).
• Highly organized with good project management practice, problem-solving, analytical skills, and ability to work competently with minimal supervision. Demonstrate attention to detail and quality. Has ability to manage multiple tasks and complete tasks within agreed schedule.
• Display understanding of World Bank policies and procedures relevant to the area of assigned responsibilities and is able to apply/implement them.
• Willingness to travel internationally to provide logistics support on events.

Note: This internal requisition is open to WB 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.

Competencies

• Project and Task Management: Able to undertake diverse and complex assignments with minimal supervision and resolve competing demands. Demonstrates good organizational skills, can plan and prioritize own work and work of internal clients.
• Technology and Systems Knowledge: Exhibits excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and standard office equipment such as copiers, scanners, and shredders.
• Institutional Policies, Processes, and Procedures: Demonstrates relevant functional knowledge and understanding of institutional priorities, policies, operational and administrative procedures, and staff roles and responsibilities. Able to practically apply and guide others in policy application.
• Versatility and Adaptability: Demonstrates initiative and motivation to proactively learn new skills, acquire new knowledge, and seek feedback on work products. Can proactively identify, prevent, and/or solve problems. Able to participate in change management activities and initiatives. Innovates new ways to achieve work, collaborate with colleagues, and provides input and suggestions.
• Client Orientation: Demonstrates the ability to interact with clients with discretion and diplomacy, as well as resolve complex issues for clients. Displays understanding of relevant internal and external factors and their impact on the client and to Adaptation Fund.
• Drive for Results: Demonstrates personal ownership and accountability of the quality and timeliness of work products. Exhibits an important level of attention to detail and personal standards of quality. Strives to meet deadlines and achieve agreed-upon results. Seeks and accepts constructive feedback on work products.
• Teamwork (Collaboration) and Inclusion: Collaborates with other team members and contributes productively to the team's work and output, demonstrating respect for different points of view.
• Knowledge, Learning, and Communication: Demonstrates effective communication in a constructive and professional manner. Assists in preparing written materials in accordance with WBG administrative guidelines and best practices. Contributes to Adaptation Fund's knowledge sharing.
• Business Judgment and Analytical Decision Making: Demonstrates the ability to effectively and independently provide general research support. Demonstrates ability to assess the situation, desired outcomes, and make sound judgment on action needed or provide suggestions for approval.

The World Bank Group values diversity and encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of World Bank Group member countries to apply, regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. Sub-Saharan African nationals, Caribbean nationals, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

WBG Culture Attributes:

• Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
• Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
• Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

As per WBG policy, an Extended Term (ET) appointment is subject to a lifetime maximum of three (3) years. Former and current ET staff who have completed or are in the process of completing their third-year ET appointment are not eligible for future ET appointments.

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.