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. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org. About the World Bank Group:

Regional Context

The WDG serves 30 client countries in the Latin America and the Caribbean Region (LCR). Clients range from large rapidly growing sophisticated middle-income clients to IDA countries to small Caribbean states to one fragile state. Despite immense resources, dynamic societies, and an average annual per capita income of about $4,000, deep inequalities persist in most LCR countries, with nearly a quarter of the Region’s people living in poverty. The last Bank’s strategy for LCR focused on three pillars: (a) supporting the foundations for inclusive growth; (b) investing in human capital and protecting the poor; and (c) building resilience. In the aftermath of the COVID19 pandemic, this strategy will need to be adjusted to better support the countries deal with a health crisis without precedents and an economic crisis not seen since modern statistical records started in 1900. Yet, the basic elements of the strategy: accelerating growth (following a projected GDP contraction in 2020 of 7.2%), investing in human capital, including in health (in the most affected region by COVID19), and building resilience appear fully relevant.

CMU and Country Office Context

LC2 is the CMU responsible for overseeing the World Bank’s program in Central America and the Dominican Republic, including country strategy formulation and implementation, policy dialogue, portfolio management and country relations.  The CMU Management Team consists of the Director, Four Program Leaders and the Country Operations Manager, who will be based in Panama; a Country Manager based in El Salvador, who is also the country manager for Costa Rica; and a Resident Representatives based in the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The CMU works with a diverse set of clients:  two IDA countries (Honduras and Nicaragua), two lower middle income (El Salvador and Guatemala), and two upper middle-income counties (Costa Rica and Panama). Central America has the economy with the fastest growth rate in Latin America (Panama) and one with the biggest growth challenges (El Salvador); countries where poverty tops 25 percent (Honduras), and countries that are close to the 3 percent poverty objective for the Bank twin goals (Panama); countries that have managed to transform its economy entering in high value-added sectors (Costa Rica), and countries where the structural transformation of the economy needs to happen (Nicaragua). Central America has been significantly affected by the COVID pandemic both on the health and the economics front (GDP is projected to contract on average by 4.3% in the Central American countries) and this will have a significant impact on poverty. On top of this, macroeconomic and governance challenges were already an issue in most of the countries before the pandemic.

The successful applicant for Team Assistant position will receive a two-year fixed term position in the Panama Country Office (LCCPA), subject to local recruitment and the local salary scale.  The Team Assistant will report primarily to the World Bank Country Manager and will receive day-to-day guidance on priorities and fulfillment of responsibilities from the World Bank Senior Executive Assistant in the Panama Country Office.

The World Bank Group is committed to achieving diversity in terms of race, gender, nationality, culture, and educational background. Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.

Note: If the selected candidate is a current Bank Group staff member with a Regular or Open-Ended appointment, s/he will retain his/her Regular or Open-Ended appointment. All others will be offered a 2-year term appointment.

Duties and Accountabilities:

– Provide safe and efficient transportation for the Country Office Director and senior staff to meetings, official functions, and other engagements.

– Ensure the safety and security of passengers and the vehicle, including during emergency medical situations in coordination with the Medical Response Coordinator.

– Assist with administrative tasks related to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including relocation and accreditation processes for international staff.

– Coordinate with other office drivers for high-level visit logistics, optimizing transportation routes and scheduling.

– Manage the day-to-day maintenance and repair of the vehicle, ensuring cleanliness, roadworthiness, and insurance compliance.

– Record all official trips, mileage, fuel consumption, and maintenance on the office log sheet.

– Perform daily vehicle inspections, including checking tire pressure and fluid levels, to prevent breakdowns.

– Assist with office errands, such as banking and purchasing supplies.

– Support administrative tasks during events, including transportation and logistical arrangements.

Selection Criteria

* High school diploma. Minimum of 5 years of professional driving experience.

* Excellent knowledge of Panama local routes and geography.

* Valid driver’s license for 4×4 and minibuses, and a recent fitness certificate.

* Training in auto mechanics and technical fields is an asset.

* Experience in an international institution is a plus.

* Proficiency in English and Spanish.

* Experience with Outlook for communication and scheduling.

* Ability to use navigation apps for route planning.

* Flexibility to work long hours and weekends.

* Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills in a multicultural environment.

Competencies:

– Expertly fulfill job responsibilities and make informed decisions.

– Collaborate effectively within teams and across boundaries.

– Deliver timely responses to client requests and produce high-quality work under pressure.

– Utilize tact and diplomacy to address issues with administration as needed.

– Safely transport passengers, maintain vehicle condition, and assist with loading/unloading.

– Communicate effectively and manage navigation applications efficiently.

Skills:

– Excellent driving skills and a clean driving record.

– Strong organizational and administrative abilities.

– Proficiency in Spanish and English.

– Familiarity with local traffic laws and regulations.

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.