Program Assistant

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 organization 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 and leveraging private sector solutions 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, aiming to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit: https://www.ifc.org.

Job Overview:
The Program Assistant (PA) position at the IFC Korea office is designed to support the country activities of the IFC. The PA will be responsible for a variety of administrative management and coordination tasks, ensuring quality assurance in documents and processes, and serving as a liaison with both internal and external executives. The role requires a motivated and mature individual capable of working effectively with teams across different departments and geographical locations. The PA will report directly to the Senior Country Officer at the IFC Korea Office and will play a crucial role in coordinating with other Administrative Client Support staff in the Asia & Pacific Region. The position is integral to the smooth operation of the office and requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and communication.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Program Assistant include providing comprehensive logistical and secretarial support for business-related activities. This encompasses arranging travel schedules, organizing meetings, events, and workshops, and supporting office-wide activities and senior management visits. The PA will coordinate schedules while considering priorities, monitor and communicate changes to relevant staff, and maintain up-to-date project files in both paper and electronic formats. Additionally, the PA will be responsible for translating and drafting various routine documents, ensuring effective proofreading and grammar skills in both English and Korean, and assisting in the preparation of presentation materials. The PA will also provide primary assistance in implementing the unit's work program, which may include specialized support in areas such as task management, database management, editorial assistance, procurement, and Trust Fund reporting. Furthermore, the PA will assist team members in managing stakeholder relationships, identify and resolve diverse issues, serve as an information resource on project statuses, and undertake inquiries in standard and non-standard databases. Organizing office events and training programs, managing procurement processes, and suggesting enhancements to work organization and effectiveness are also key responsibilities. The PA will attend meetings, draft minutes, and ensure timely distribution, while also mentoring less experienced staff and promoting cooperation within the ACS community.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Program Assistant position must possess a Bachelor’s degree and have at least 5 years of relevant experience, ideally with solid knowledge of IFC/WBG operational procedures or a demonstrated capability to understand and implement corporate policies and procedures. Excellent written communication skills are essential, with the ability to draft correspondence and edit materials independently in both English and Korean. Candidates should have experience working under tight deadlines and pressure, demonstrating flexibility to work overtime during peak periods. The ability to multitask, prioritize workload, and work with minimal supervision is crucial, along with excellent time management and organizational skills. Candidates must demonstrate good judgment, tact, and discretion in handling confidential matters, possess outstanding interpersonal skills, and have the ability to conduct basic research and prepare briefs. Attention to detail and a results-oriented mindset are also important.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Program Assistant position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. This foundational education is essential for understanding the complexities of the role and the operational procedures of the IFC and WBG.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant experience in administrative support or a similar role. Candidates should have a solid understanding of operational procedures within the IFC/WBG or demonstrate a strong capability to learn and implement corporate policies and procedures effectively.

Languages:
Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, full proficiency in Korean, both written and spoken, is preferred. This bilingual requirement is crucial for effective communication and documentation in the role.

Additional Notes:
The Program Assistant position is a local recruitment role with a term duration of 3 years. 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 role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment.