Program Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a prominent global institution dedicated to providing funding and knowledge to developing countries. Established with a mission to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity, it operates through a unique partnership of five institutions. The organization has a membership of 189 countries and maintains over 120 offices worldwide, collaborating with both public and private sector partners to invest in innovative projects. The World Bank utilizes data, research, and technology to devise solutions for pressing global challenges, making it a critical player in international development.

Job Overview:
The Program Officer position at the World Bank's Global Environment Facility (GEF) is pivotal in ensuring the successful planning, organization, and execution of high-profile international events, including Council Meetings and the GEF Assembly. This role demands a professional with a proven track record in international event coordination, strong diplomatic skills, and experience in engaging with high-level stakeholders. The Program Officer will lead the GEF Events Team, providing strategic and operational leadership to deliver impactful events that align with institutional standards and effectively cater to GEF's diverse stakeholder community. The position also emphasizes team development, requiring the Program Officer to enhance both the technical and interpersonal skills of team members, thereby fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Officer will undertake a comprehensive range of responsibilities, including: coordinating and supervising the events team in the end-to-end planning and execution of GEF international events, ensuring efficient logistics such as venue selection, contracting, travel arrangements, and audio-visual services; developing travel guidelines in accordance with World Bank policies; creating contingency plans and troubleshooting unforeseen issues during events; conducting post-event evaluations and generating lessons-learned reports to enhance future event quality; mentoring team members and providing day-to-day guidance; advising on event strategy and best practices; and contributing to the development of standard operating procedures for event coordination. The role requires a proactive approach to leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement in event management processes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Event Coordination, International Relations, Public Administration, Communications, or a related field, along with at least five years of relevant experience. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree combined with ten or more years of directly relevant experience may be acceptable. Applicants should have over four years of experience in coordinating and mentoring teams, with a focus on collaboration and professional development. A minimum of five years of demonstrated experience in planning and coordinating high-level international events is essential, as well as in-depth knowledge of World Bank event processes and procurement frameworks. Familiarity with GEF processes and experience in a development context are highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in a relevant field such as Event Coordination, International Relations, Public Administration, or Communications. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree may be considered if they have extensive relevant experience, specifically ten or more years in the field. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of international event coordination and the operational standards of the World Bank.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of five years in planning and coordinating high-level international events, including large-scale intergovernmental or multilateral meetings. Additionally, candidates should have more than four years of experience in coordinating and mentoring teams, demonstrating the ability to drive collaboration and professional development within a team setting. Experience working with international organizations or in a development context is highly desirable, as is familiarity with World Bank procurement processes in an events context.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary working language of the World Bank. Additionally, knowledge of French and Spanish is highly desirable, as these languages are considered assets in the context of GEF's diverse stakeholder community. The ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages will enhance the Program Officer's capacity to engage with a broader range of participants and stakeholders during international events.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under international recruitment and is open to World Bank Group (WBG) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff only, including short-term and extended-term consultants and temporaries. External candidates are not eligible to apply. The role is a full-time position with a term duration of two years. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including retirement plans, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunity for all employees regardless of gender, identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.