Senior Executive Assistant - Regional Director, Brazil, Southern Cone

Description

Build a career with impact. Working at the World Bank Group (WBG) provides a unique opportunity to help countries solve their greatest development challenges. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, the WBG is a unique partnership of five global institutions dedicated to ending poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, the WBG works 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.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions, and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

We are seeking a highly capable and proactive Senior Executive Assistant (SEA) to join our dynamic team. This role goes beyond traditional executive support and serves as a key operational partner to the Division Director for Brazil and the Southern Cone. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a proven track record in high-level executive support and event leadership, with the ability to anticipate needs, exercise sound judgment, and operate independently in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment.

The successful candidate will ensure the smooth and disciplined execution of the Director’s priorities and support the effective functioning of the front office and broader department. The SEA must be capable of operating with minimal supervision, demonstrating professional maturity, resilience, and leadership in complex situations.

The Senior Executive Assistant will report to the Division Director for Brazil and the Southern Cone and to the Senior Office Administrator. 

Duties and Accountabilities

Executive & Strategic Support: 

•   Provide high-level administrative and organizational support to the Division Director for Brazil and the Southern Cone and Regional team ensuring disciplined execution of priorities and alignment with IFC strategic objectives.
•   Serve as a trusted liaison between the Director and internal/external senior stakeholders, handling sensitive matters with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment. 
•   Manage the Director’s complex and demanding calendar, proactively identifying conflicts, prioritizing competing demands, and ensuring full preparation for meetings and engagements.
•   Coordinate detailed travel plans, high-level meetings, and mission logistics, anticipating risks and ensuring seamless execution.
•   Maintain an up-to-date action list and follow through to ensure timely execution of decisions and assignments. 
•   Ensure accuracy, quality, and institutional compliance of documents, reports, and presentations, leveraging AI tools and advanced systems.
•   Support and lead special departmental projects and perform additional responsibilities that contribute to the effective achievement of departmental goals. 

Event Leadership & High-Level Engagements: 

•   Lead the end-to-end planning and coordination of high-level events, VIP missions, roundtables, and senior engagements in Brazil and the Southern Cone, assuming ownership within defined parameters and established guidance.
•   Independently organize internal and external events aligned with IFC priorities, operating with limited guidance and without reliance on external agencies unless required by scope or complexity.
•   Develop agendas in partnership with leadership, coordinate protocol requirements, manage stakeholder communications, oversee logistics, and proactively mitigate operational and reputational risks.
•   Monitor and coordinate event-related budgets in compliance with institutional policies, ensuring cost-effectiveness and appropriate use of resources.
•   Demonstrate assertiveness in engaging internal and external counterparts to secure timely inputs and ensure successful execution of high-visibility engagements.

Selection Criteria

•   Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, or other relevant subjects with at least 5 years of work experience of relevant professional experience supporting senior executives in complex organizations.
•   Proven experience leading high-level events independently, demonstrating ownership, assertiveness, and the ability to deliver results without close supervision or external agency support.
•   Strong project management capability, including stakeholder coordination, timeline management, risk mitigation, and budget oversight.
•   Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and proficiency in technology or systems relevant to functional area. 
•   Demonstrate initiative in learning and supporting the implementation of emerging technology and systems.
•   Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with due discretion.
•   Ability to handle complexity and ambiguity, prioritize and multitask, and manage a diverse range of situations with good judgement.
•   Demonstrate a high level of professional maturity, emotional intelligence, and consistent respectful communication, especially under pressure—ensuring a constructive, solution-oriented environment and setting a standard of behavior expected for the Front Office.
•   Ability to influence others, excellent team building, collaboration, and partnering skills.
•   High degree of resourcefulness with the ability to anticipate and solve problems and demonstrated willingness to go the extra mile.
•   Ability to perform under pressure and adapt to diverse, fast-paced environment. 
•   Knowledge and experience working with expatriates and with the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty) will be considered an asset.
•   Full proficiency in English and Portuguese, both written and spoken; Spanish fluency considered a strong advantage.

Note: Preference will be given to local talent, that is, applicants who are authorized to work in the duty station for any employer. Internal applicants may apply per existing guidelines.

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.