Program Assistant presso World Bank Group

Program Assistant

Description

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. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org. 

Promoting good governance and tackling corruption are critical to achieving sustainable development and poverty reduction.  Diversion of funds from development projects through corruption impairs the ability of governments, donors and the World Bank (Bank) to achieve the goals of reducing poverty, attracting investment, and encouraging good governance.  One way that the Bank combats corruption is through the use of administrative sanctions against firms or individuals that have engaged in fraud, corruption, coercion, collusion or obstruction (Sanctionable Misconduct) in connection with Bank-financed projects.  The Bank’s administrative sanctions regime is designed to protect the funds entrusted to the Bank, while offering the firms and individuals involved an opportunity to respond to the allegations against them.  As the first tier of the Bank’s two-tier sanctions process, the Office of Suspension and Debarment (OSD) plays a critical role in ensuring the efficient, effective, and fair disposition of the Bank’s sanctions cases.

Allegations that a firm or individual has engaged in Sanctionable Misconduct in connection with a Bank-financed project are investigated by the Integrity Vice Presidency (INT).  If INT believes there is sufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations, the case is referred to OSD for review by the Bank’s Chief Suspension and Debarment Officer (SDO).  The SDO reviews the evidence submitted by INT and determines if the evidence supports a finding that the alleged Sanctionable Misconduct has occurred.  If so, the SDO issues a Notice of Sanctions Proceedings to the firm or individual alleged to have engaged in the Sanctionable Misconduct.  This Notice includes the allegations, the evidence, and a recommended sanction.  The SDO also determines whether the firm or individual will be temporarily suspended from eligibility for new Bank-financed contracts pending the final outcome of the sanctions process. 

The firm or individual can choose not to contest the allegations or the recommended sanction, in which case the recommended sanction is imposed.  If the firm or individual does contest the allegations or the recommended sanction, the case is referred to the Sanctions Board – the second tier of the Bank’s two-tier sanctions process.  The Sanctions Board considers the allegations in the Notice, along with any response from the firm or individual, before taking a final decision.  The Sanctions Board reviews all of the evidence in the case and may hold a hearing as part of its deliberations.

The Bank’s Sanctions Procedures provide for five possible sanctions: (i) debarment (i.e., a declaration of ineligibility to receive new Bank-financed contracts); (ii) debarment with conditional release; (iii) conditional non-debarment; (iv) a public letter of reprimand; and (v) restitution. 

Roles and Responsibilities:

Working under the direction of and reporting to the SDO and other OSD attorneys, the duties and accountabilities of the Program Assistant will include, but will not be limited to, the following:

i. General Support: 

1. Provide administrative support to the SDO and any other attorneys in OSD;
2. Manage a comprehensive schedule for the SDO;
3. Assist the SDO in preparing, monitoring, and updating the unit budget, including forecasting projected non-base budget expenditures;
4. Assist in hiring process and onboarding of interns, consultants, and/or staff members;
5. Analyze data and documents to compile statistics, graphs and results to be used for the preparation of customized reports to senior managers and other stakeholders; and
6. Under the supervision of the SDO and other attorneys in OSD, research and summarize critical issues relevant to OSD, including but not limited to anti-corruption cases, anti-corruption conventions, and the international anti-corruption environment.

ii. Event Planning: 

1. Spearhead all logistical aspects of the planning and oversight of OSD-sponsored events (both at HQ and overseas);
2. Communicate and liaise with the other Bank units to coordinate the logistical arrangements for any events organized by OSD; 
3. Liaise with external parties (such as observer organizations, civil society organizations, press/media, private sector, academia, and vendors) on their queries and arrangements; 
4. Handle travelling logistics for both OSD staff and speakers and attendees of OSD events;
5. Assist with event promotion both inside and outside the Bank; 
6. Handle other ad hoc projects or research work relating to the work of OSD, as assigned by the manager; 
7. Maintain databases for event participants and identify, formulate and review relevant reports required for pre-registration, on-site registration, and recording and statistical purposes; and 
8. Maintain and update internal protocols for event planning and coordination.

iii. Document and Case Management: 

1. Whenever necessary and under the supervision of the SDO and other attorneys in OSD, take charge of all logistical tasks for issuing cases to Respondents (i.e., request copies of cases for each Respondent, check all photocopies of cases for consistency, prepare Notices for shipping, check addresses, create labels, request courier service, monitor shipping to ensure delivery, etc.);
2. Post temporary suspensions, debarments, and SDO determinations on the Bank’s website;
3. Assist with the maintenance of (i) case management system; and (ii) document management system, both of which are specifically tailored to protect documents of a confidential nature;
4. File all necessary documents, accurately and timely, and with due regard to their confidential nature; and
5. Coordinate logging and tracking of all incoming and outgoing correspondence.

iv. Communications and Website Management:

1. Whenever necessary, draft standard correspondence and manage communications between the SDO and Respondents, as well as outside parties;
2. Coordinate with other communications officers inside the Bank on behalf of the unit in the production and dissemination of OSD’s deliverables, such as public reports, press releases, and workshops;
3. Coordinate the design and maintenance of OSD’s internal and external web pages, the Bank’s public debarment list, and other sources of knowledge management (e.g., event pages); and
4. Assist the OSD Legal Assistant, the SDO, and other attorneys in OSD in drafting PowerPoint presentations, talking points, communication materials, and meeting minutes.

Selection Criteria

Attention: Only applicants who are nationals of the duty station or legal residents authorized to work in the duty station will be considered.

• High School Diploma with 7 years of experience or BA/BS Degree with at least 3 years of experience.
• Fully proficient computer and relevant software skills, particularly in MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and in using information databases, internet/intranet services and library sources, and the ability to help organize data and information retrieval systems.
• Well-rounded experience and knowledge in event management, conference management, and/or event communication.
• Proven ability to manage vendors.
• Good knowledge of web design and maintenance software applications.
• Proven ability to consistently deliver timely and high-quality work while handling multiple concurrent assignments.
• Well-developed document drafting and editing skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Demonstrated experience in organizing complex and/or confidential documentation.
• Ability to work independently when directed and capacity to assume higher levels of responsibility over time.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including a proven ability to deal sensitively in multicultural environments and build effective working relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Adaptability, flexibility, and an innovative mindset are key qualities needed to handle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Established reputation for integrity, sound judgment, fairness, and discretion in dealing internally and externally.
• Familiarity with the Bank Group’s sanctions system and policy framework is a plus.
• Fluency in multiple languages is a plus.

GENERAL PROVISIONS:
• OSD personnel must sign and remain bound by the terms of the standard OSD confidentiality agreement.
• OSD personnel must follow appropriate OSD protocols when handling all documents relating to sanctions proceedings.
• OSD personnel are not authorized to provide legal advice to the Bank, but rather shall refer legal issues (including, but not limited to, any legal issues that involve the Bank's legal status, possible court litigation or potential privileges and immunities) to the Legal Vice Presidency.

Note: 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 – Anticipating and quickly reacting to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful Risk Taking – Taking informed and thoughtful risks and making courageous decisions to push boundaries for greater impact.
3. Empowerment and Accountability – Engaging with others in an empowered and accountable manner for impactful 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.