Description

The WBG 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 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 to deal with a health and related economic crisis. Yet, the basic elements of the strategy: accelerating growth, investing in human capital, and building resilience appear fully relevant.
Latin America and Caribbean Region: https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/lac

Country Unit and Position Context

The LC7 Country Management Unit (CMU) is responsible for Bank operations in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, and is composed of a decentralized office in Buenos Aires, where the Country Director (CD) and the Operations Manager (OM) are based, an Anchor Office at Headquarters. and Country Offices in Asunción and Montevideo, each led by a Resident Representative (RR). The CMU oversees a wide range of Bank activities, including about 34 projects under implementation with commitments of around US$7.9 billion, a strong lending pipeline of above US$1.2 billion per year on average, and a rich program of over innovative knowledge, reimbursable, and convening activities.

Across the countries, the work of the WBG has been characterized by bringing global knowledge to the clients, accompanying them in complex reforms and testing innovations in both financial instruments as well as knowledge services. Joint teams with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) are being created to offer integrated solutions in a few focus areas to our clients, especially with respect to infrastructure finance. More recently, the portfolio has been adjusted to respond to the COVID emergency and is now being focused on green, resilient, and inclusive economic recovery.

Country Unit and Position Context

The LC7 Country Management Unit (CMU) is responsible for Bank operations in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, and is composed of a decentralized office in Buenos Aires, where the Country Director (CD) and the Operations Manager (OM) are based, an Anchor Office at Headquarters; and Country Offices in Asunción and Montevideo, each led by a Resident Representative (RR). The Buenos Aires office is large (around 77 staff) covering all aspects of the operational business from the field. The CMU oversees a wide range of Bank activities, including a large number of operations and a diverse knowledge program. Given the setup of the CMU, extensive communication and coordination among virtual teams working in Buenos Aires, Asunción, Montevideo and Headquarters (HQ) is required.
The CMU is looking for an experienced, high-performing, energetic Assistant to the Front Office. He/she would work closely with the team ins Buenos Aires. The selected Office Assistant will be based in Buenos Aires, Argentina and will report to the OM.

Role & Responsibilities:

The incumbent for this position works under the supervision of the Operations Manager and day-to-day guidance of the Senior Executive Assistant (SEA), on detailed issues, using accuracy and attention to detail to meet the country office’s need for general administrative support.

We are looking to hire someone with a good written and oral command of the English language to ensure our work program is completed effectively and efficiently, working as needed with others in the Country Office or in other Bank units. On the job training on WBG systems will be provided.

The office assistant’s duties will include but are not limited to:

General Administrative Support

– Provides Assistance to SEA in her role of first point of contact for the CD.
– Receives calls, requests for meetings and visitors to the Office. Handles requests under SEA’s guidance. Takes messages and delivers them accordingly. Answers routine inquiries.
– Assists in managing the CD’s calendar, trip planning and trip expense submission.
– Helps arrange internal and external meetings, prepares remote connection (if required).
– Assists the Senior Executive Assistant in making phone calls, arranging appointments, travel arrangements, event planning, etc.
– Follows up on documents for signature.
– Keeps the latest FO directory and contact list of key government officials updated.
– Gathers and prints project related documentation for meetings, making sure Country Director receives them on time.
– Prepares FO minor expenses reports and acts as corporate card holder.
– Serves as back-up for SEA in specific routine tasks.
– Acts as back-up for other ACS colleagues upon need.
– Performs other duties as required and assigned by the CD, Operations Manager or Senior Executive Assistant.

Selection Criteria

* High school diploma with 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
* Demonstrated proficiency in the use of various computer software applications (e.g. inter-related word processing, spreadsheets, electronic mail, database and presentation applications);
* Proven ability to help organize data and information retrieval systems.
* Strong English and Spanish languages skills, (verbal and written), including ability to draft routine correspondence and edit materials using proper grammar, punctuation, and style.
* Demonstrates orientation to detail and quality.
* Effective time management and excellent organizational skills.
* Ability to quickly acquire a good knowledge of the Bank Group’s organization, procedures, policies, and practices.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

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Note: The selected candidate will be offered a one-year appointment, renewable at the discretion of the World Bank Group, and subject to a lifetime maximum ET appointment of three years. If an ET appointment ends before a full year, it is considered as a full year toward the lifetime maximum. Former and current ET staff who have completed all or any portion of their third-year ET appointment are not eligible for future ET appointments.