Program Assistant - Administrative & Client Support

Job Posting Organization:
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a member of the World Bank Group, which is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. Established to help countries solve their greatest development challenges, the World Bank Group is a unique partnership of five global institutions dedicated to ending poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and over 120 offices worldwide, the WBG collaborates with public and private sector partners to invest in groundbreaking projects and utilize data, research, and technology to develop solutions to urgent global challenges. The IFC specifically focuses on the private sector in emerging markets, working in more than 100 countries to create markets and opportunities. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. The South Africa (CAJZA) team is part of the Southern Africa (CAJ unit) at IFC, united by core values of Impact, Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation, and is dedicated to tackling the world’s toughest challenges and advancing social and economic inclusion.

Job Overview:
The Program Assistant position at IFC in Johannesburg is designed to provide proactive operational and administrative support to the Country Office. This role is pivotal in ensuring seamless coordination and enhancing efficiency within the team, contributing significantly to IFC’s mission of driving impactful private sector development in South Africa. The Program Assistant will be responsible for a variety of administrative tasks that are essential for the smooth functioning of the office. This includes managing schedules, coordinating travel, preparing documents, and maintaining filing systems. The role requires a high level of attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively. The Program Assistant will also play a key role in organizing team events and workshops, monitoring budgets, and supporting procurement processes, all while upholding the values of the IFC and fostering an inclusive work environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Program Assistant include providing comprehensive administrative support to the CAJZA team, which involves scheduling meetings, managing calendars, and coordinating travel arrangements to ensure efficient operations. The assistant will prepare, edit, and format documents, presentations, and reports with a high level of accuracy, adhering to IFC standards. Additionally, the role includes managing and maintaining electronic and physical filing systems for easy access to information and compliance with record-keeping policies. The Program Assistant will coordinate logistics for team events, workshops, and conferences, including venue booking, catering arrangements, and participant communication. Monitoring and tracking departmental budgets and expenses is also a key responsibility, ensuring accurate reporting and adherence to financial guidelines. The assistant will support procurement processes by preparing purchase requisitions, tracking orders, and liaising with vendors to ensure timely delivery of goods and services. Utilizing online collaboration tools to facilitate communication and document sharing among team members and stakeholders is essential, as is proactively identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance administrative operations. Upholding IFC values by fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment is crucial, as is maintaining professionalism and confidentiality in all tasks.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Program Assistant position include a high school diploma or equivalent, along with a minimum of five years of relevant administrative experience in a professional setting. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in office software, particularly the MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and online collaboration tools such as Teams and SharePoint. The ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively is essential, along with strong organizational and time management skills. Exceptional attention to detail is required to ensure accuracy in documentation, scheduling, and communication. Candidates should possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, enabling them to draft professional correspondence and interact effectively with diverse stakeholders. Experience in coordinating meetings, events, and travel arrangements, including familiarity with international travel logistics, is also necessary. Strong interpersonal skills are important for working collaboratively in a multicultural and team-oriented environment, as is the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality. Proactive problem-solving skills are essential, as is a commitment to IFC’s mission and values, including inclusivity, integrity, and a focus on delivering high-quality support to advance organizational goals.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Program Assistant position includes a high school diploma or equivalent. While a higher level of education may be beneficial, the emphasis is placed on relevant administrative experience rather than formal educational qualifications. Candidates should have a solid understanding of office procedures and administrative practices, which can be gained through practical experience in a professional environment.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the Program Assistant position is a minimum of five years of relevant administrative experience in a professional setting. This experience should include a variety of administrative tasks, such as managing schedules, coordinating travel, and preparing documents. Candidates should have a proven track record of effectively managing multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating strong organizational and time management skills.

Languages:
The mandatory language for the Program Assistant position is English. Candidates must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills in English to effectively interact with diverse stakeholders and draft professional correspondence. While no additional languages are specified as preferred, proficiency in other languages may be considered an asset in a multicultural work environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is a local recruitment opportunity, meaning preference will be given to applicants authorized to work in South Africa. The term duration for the position is three years, and it is expected to be a full-time role. The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to being an equal opportunity and inclusive employer, ensuring that there is no discrimination based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The closing date for applications is December 12, 2025, at 11:59 PM UTC.