Program Assistant

Program Assistant

Description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? 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. Visit www.worldbank.org

VPU Context

The Middle East and North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan Region serves twenty two countries across different income groups, of which fourteen are active/potentially active IBRD/IDA borrowers (Afghanistan, Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Syria, West Bank and Gaza, Tunisia, and Yemen), with a total of 251 projects and over $51 bn in total commitment. Eight are users of the Region's non-lending services, mostly on a reimbursable basis (Bahrain, Kuwait, Libya, Malta, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates).  The mission of the region is to foster sustainable growth with a focus on job creation and poverty reduction, economic and social inclusion, and good governance. The region attaches importance to creating a supportive work environment based on the values of teamwork, transparency, trust, and client service, underlined by professional excellence. The region places high value on diversity. The region is organized into seven Country Departments (CMUs), the Office of the Regional Chief Economist, and the Development Effectiveness Unit (MNADE).

With an expanded regional strategy, the World Bank aims to help the region weather the current crises, move from stabilization to transformation, unlock its vast economic potential of youth and women, develop its human capital to adapt to global megatrends, and foster innovation (https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/mena).

Unit Context

The World Bank Mashreq Department (MAP02) is situated at the center of the MENAAP Region, serving four Middle Income Countries (Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon) and 1 IDA country (Syria) which comprise a total population of approximately 160 million. Since the establishment of the department, the Country Management Unit (CMU) has worked to design projects to cater for the specific development needs of the countries through lending, grants, as well as Advisory Services and Analytics. 

Jordan Country Office

Jordan has demonstrated resilience in the face of regional instability, global economic shocks, and resource constraints. The country ranks among the most water-scarce in the world with vulnerability to climate change and dependence on external energy supplies. The country is also host to an estimated 475,000 registered refugees, equivalent to around 4% of its population, providing global public good but also adding pressure on the country’s resources and services.

Country Partnership

The Jordan Country Partnership Framework (CPF) 2024-2029 is rooted in an understanding of Jordan's diverse economic and development landscapes and built upon the foundation of long-standing partnership.  IFC investments in Jordan have doubled since 2010 and currently represent the second-largest investment portfolio in the region. For MIGA, Jordan is its most diversified and third-largest investment exposure in the region.  Over the past 5 years, IBRD's active portfolio has increased from 4 to 17 projects reaching US$4.5 billion, spanning sectors including education, water, energy, agriculture and job creation. 

The CPF for 2024-2029 takes our partnership to the next level.  It places inclusive green growth at the center and has three high-level interlinked objectives: 1) More and better private sector jobs, especially for youth and women; 2) Improved human capital outcomes; and 3) Increased resilience and sustainability with green investments. The CPF underscores that none of these goals cannot be met without the full engagement and economic participation of women and youth.

For more information on Jordan, please visit: https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/country/jordan

Position Overview

The World Bank Group is seeking a highly motivated Program Assistant to join the Country Office in Amman, Jordan. The selected candidate will report to the Operations Manager and provide high-quality administrative, operational, and program support to the Country Management Unit (CMU).

The Program Assistant will work closely with the Operations Manager, Country Director, Operations Officers, technical teams, and administrative colleagues to support the effective implementation of the World Bank's program in Jordan. The role requires strong organizational skills, sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and multicultural environment.

The Program Assistant will play a key role in coordinating administrative and operational activities, supporting missions and events, facilitating communication with internal and external stakeholders, organizing meetings and travel logistics, preparing documentation, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the Country Office. The position requires close collaboration across Global Practices and World Bank Group institutions to support the delivery of high-quality services to clients and partners.

Roles & Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Operations Manager, the Program Assistant will provide high-quality administrative, operational, and logistical support to the Country Office. Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinate with relevant government authorities and external stakeholders, as appropriate, to facilitate administrative and operational requirements in support of World Bank staff, consultants, and visiting missions.
• Serve as the administrative focal point for Country Office operations, supporting staff onboarding, office logistics, and day-to-day operational needs.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with government counterparts, clients, and service providers to facilitate the smooth implementation of Country Office activities.
• Coordinate administrative arrangements for visiting missions, including travel logistics, meeting schedules, security clearances (where applicable), and other mission-related requirements.
• Manage office logistics, including workspace coordination, office moves, inventory, and recommend process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
• Support newly appointed staff and consultants with onboarding and office orientation, coordinating with relevant corporate units as needed.
• Coordinate logistics and administrative arrangements for high-level visits, official meetings, workshops, conferences, and events in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Cross-train with administrative colleagues to ensure business continuity and effective team support.
• Provide quality control of internal and external documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance with World Bank policies, procedures, and formatting standards.
• Draft, edit, format, and produce correspondence, reports, presentations, and other documents.
• Manage complex calendars and schedules, prioritize appointments, monitor changes, and communicate updates to internal and external stakeholders.
• Research and respond to routine and non-routine administrative inquiries, escalating issues when appropriate.
• Organize meetings, workshops, conferences, video conferences, and other events, including coordinating logistics, preparing meeting materials, sending invitations, maintaining participant lists, and preparing meeting summaries where required.
• Coordinate travel arrangements and mission logistics for staff and consultants, including travel requests, itineraries, and related administrative processes in accordance with World Bank policies.
• Assist in coordinating mission agendas and provide logistical support for visiting teams and official delegations.
• Maintain current distribution lists, contact databases, project files, and other administrative records in both electronic and paper formats.
• Generate administrative and operational reports, as required.
• Collaborate effectively with Country Office colleagues and contribute to a positive, client-focused, and inclusive team environment.
• Provide backup support to other administrative staff and perform additional operational and administrative duties as assigned.

Selection Criteria

Attention: 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.

Education/Experience

• Minimum education: Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum of 2-5 years of relevant experience
  
  Required Competencies
• Teamwork (Collaboration), Interpersonal Skills and Inclusion – Able to collaborate with other team members and contribute productively to a respectful and positive work environment, the team’s collective work and output, demonstrating respect, understanding, flexibility for different points of view, and collaborative problem-solving skills.
• Technology and systems knowledge – Demonstrate advanced knowledge and experience working with Microsoft office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, etc.). Has ability and willingness to maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
• Project and task management - Exhibit good organizational, 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.
• Institutional policies, processes, and procedures - Demonstrate knowledge of own department’s programs and products, know key players, understand own role. Display understanding of WB policies and procedures relevant to the area of assigned responsibilities and can apply/ implement them.
• Versatility and adaptability - Demonstrate flexibility and is receptive to the implementation of new solutions. Is willing to stretch own capability. Demonstrate motivation to avail and adapt oneself to effecting change.
• Client Orientation - Exhibit good communication skills, positive and professional client service attitude; understands clients’ needs and complete them professionally.
• Learning, knowledge sharing and communication - Able to write clearly, edit and proofread draft communications. Able to learn and share knowledge/information across the unit.
• Business judgment and analytical decision making - Able to manage information and support retention and disposition of information and records. Able to search, report, and deliver basic information from various sources and independently respond to basic inquiries.
• Drive for Results - Able to take personal ownership and accountability to meet deadlines and achieve agreed-upon results and has the personal organization to do so.
  
  *Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed and undergo a written competency test.

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.