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

As part of the South Asia Region (SAR), the Pakistan Country Management Unit (CMU) is responsible for overseeing the World Bank’s program in Pakistan. CMU is led by the Country Director for Pakistan, supported by the Operations Manager (OM) and the Operations team in Islamabad and the Country Program Coordinator (CPC) and team in Washington DC.  In addition, there are four Program Leaders in the country program leadership team who provide direction and support to all of the Global Practices (GPs).  

The World Bank’s Pakistan CMU, based in the Islamabad Country Office, is responsible for overseeing a program providing US$1-2 billion per year to the Government of Pakistan, and mobilizing a modest amount of grant resources. This program includes financing a wide range of operations and direct Advisory Services and Analytics (ASA) for sensitive policy advice, small and large infrastructure operations, and services in a wide range of areas (health, social protection, education, finance, energy, digital, mobility, water and sanitation, solid waste management, urban, agriculture, disaster risk management, environment, domestic revenue mobilization, public financial management, trade, poverty reduction, governance, etc.).   The Office has about 120 staff.  Reporting to the Operations Manager and co-Supervised by Program Leaders, Program Assistants are assigned to the CMU or practice groups (Equitable Growth, Finance and Institutions, Human Development, Infrastructure, and Sustainable Development) and work with practices and teams.  

Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Assistant (PA) positions are held by experienced staff whose acquired knowledge and skills enable them to independently undertake diverse and complex work assignments. With only routine supervision, the PAs work closely with other staff within the unit to make a significant contribution to the overall achievement of the unit s work program. Staff:

• In addition to performing the full range of office support work within a team, a significant part of the job entails provision of some specialized support (e.g., database management, knowledge management, task management, major event/course planning, etc.). PAs/SPAs typically report functionally to an Office Administrator, Executive Assistant or Office Manager who provides supervision and guidance (in this position, currently they report to the Operations Manager and are co-supervised by Program Leaders) and they provide the full range of PA/SPA support to practice teams and team members in the Country Office. 

• Provide primary assistance in the implementation of the unit s work program, including some specialized support in a specific area(s), e.g. task management, procurement, database management, information technology, editorial assistance, etc.

• Identify and resolves diverse issues/problems as they arise, which often requires interpretation of existing procedures and processes and independently determining the appropriate application.

• Exercise quality enhancement function for project and other documents by ensuring adherence to departmental, VPU and institutional guidelines. PAs also mentor less experienced staff.

• Participate in developing project/product time lines, using appropriate software.

• Undertakes stretch assignments using analytical, diagnostic and writing skills.

• Attend meetings, drafts minutes and ensures timely clearance and distribution. Provide updated information on resource status of project/products (e.g. procurement, disbursement, audit, trust fund/co-financing, and legal issues) and drafts a variety of standard project-related correspondence.

• Monitor task budget/trust funds for specific projects on behalf of the team.

• Participate in mission field work as required.

Selection Criteria

• Bachelor’s degree, and at least 5 years of relevant internal and external experience.

• Experience, exposure to / understanding of the Government system will be preferred.

• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and operate under pressure and tight deadlines.

• Knowledge of World Bank policies and procedures and familiarity with project cycle.

• Interpersonal Skills and ability to work effectively in a diverse team.

• Strong spoken and written communications skills in English including the ability to speak and write persuasively and present ideas clearly and concisely. 

• Proficiency in office information technology and programs (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

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.