External Affairs Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a prominent global institution established to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries. Its mission is to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity by providing funding and knowledge to address the most pressing development challenges. The organization comprises five institutions and has 189 member countries, with over 120 offices worldwide. The World Bank Group collaborates with both public and private sector partners to invest in innovative projects, leveraging data, research, and technology to create sustainable solutions for global issues. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

Job Overview:
The External Affairs Associate will play a crucial role in supporting the Office of the Director, Communications and Marketing (ECRCM) at the World Bank. This position is designed for an individual who can manage scheduling, workflow coordination, and operational support to ensure the efficient functioning of the Front Office. The associate will be responsible for managing priorities, facilitating communication between various stakeholders, and ensuring that the Director’s work program is executed in a timely manner. The role demands exceptional organizational skills, sound judgment, and the ability to anticipate needs in a dynamic environment that frequently interacts with senior management across the World Bank Group. The associate will be integral in ensuring that the Director's time is utilized effectively and that all engagements are executed seamlessly, aligning with the institutional objectives of ECRCM.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the External Affairs Associate include:

• Strategic Coordination and Director Support: - Serve as the primary coordinator for the Director’s daily schedule, meetings, and travel, managing competing priorities to ensure seamless execution of all engagements. - Anticipate needs and organize materials in advance to ensure the Director’s time is used strategically. - Coordinate requests and briefing materials for Senior Leadership, ensuring timely and high-quality submissions. - Liaise with the Senior Strategy Officer and ECRCM management to prepare leadership briefings and departmental updates. - Monitor key milestones and institutional priorities to keep the Director informed of upcoming initiatives and deadlines.
• Operational and Administrative Management: - Oversee the Director’s correspondence and communication flow, ensuring timely handling in line with World Bank Group standards. - Draft and format official correspondence and internal communications on behalf of the Director. - Track and monitor requests using workflow systems to ensure deliverables are met. - Serve as a liaison with internal partners on administrative matters, ensuring compliance with institutional priorities. - Assist in budget tracking and vendor coordination for ECRCM contacts. - Support recruitment efforts, including managing job postings and coordinating with HR for staffing needs. - Contribute to the development of internal knowledge tools and process improvements.
• Planning and Event Support: - Assist with the coordination of major communications activities and events involving stakeholders. - Manage logistics, agendas, and follow-up actions for Director-led meetings. - Contribute to the planning and execution of strategic communications events, ensuring alignment with institutional objectives. - Partner with colleagues across ECR divisions to facilitate coordination on cross-cutting projects.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the External Affairs Associate position include: - A Master’s degree in communications, public affairs, business administration, or a related field, along with at least three years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. - Demonstrated experience providing executive-level support in a complex, fast-paced institutional setting, ideally within the World Bank Group or similar international organization. - Proven ability to organize, coordinate, and monitor multiple workflows, delivering consistently high-quality outputs. - Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and work effectively with staff at all levels. - Ability to handle sensitive matters with confidentiality and tact, maintaining professionalism at all times. - Proactive in learning new systems and approaches, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities. - Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and take initiative in problem-solving and process improvement. - Familiarity with World Bank Group administrative, HR, and operational policies and systems is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the External Affairs Associate position includes a Master’s degree in communications, public affairs, business administration, or a related field. This educational foundation is essential to equip the candidate with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform effectively in a role that demands high-level communication and organizational capabilities.

Experience:
Candidates for the External Affairs Associate position should have at least three years of relevant experience in providing executive-level support within a complex and fast-paced institutional environment. This experience should ideally be within the World Bank Group or a similar international organization, demonstrating the ability to manage multiple workflows and deliver high-quality outputs consistently.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is English. Proficiency in English is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders. While no additional languages are specified as preferred, having knowledge of other languages could be beneficial in a diverse international environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 3 years. It is important to note that this internal requisition is open only to World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund staff, including short-term and extended-term consultants or temporaries. External candidates are not eligible to apply, and any applications from external candidates will not be considered. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, 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 a diverse workforce that does not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.