Senior Executive Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a sister organization of the World Bank and a member of the World Bank Group. Established to promote private sector investment in developing countries, IFC is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. The organization works with over 2,000 businesses worldwide, leveraging its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in challenging areas. In fiscal year 2018, IFC delivered more than $23 billion in long-term financing for developing countries, aiming to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. IFC operates in numerous countries across various regions, with a strong presence in Sub-Saharan Africa, where it seeks to enhance economic growth and improve living standards through private sector development.

Job Overview:
The Senior Executive Assistant position is a critical role within the IFC’s Sub-Saharan Africa Department, specifically supporting the Director for Southern Africa & Nigeria. This position is designed for a highly motivated and well-organized individual who will contribute significantly to the effective operation and administrative coordination of the Director’s front office and the broader department. The Executive Assistant will be responsible for ensuring that the Director is well-prepared for meetings, presentations, and events, while also maintaining an overview of the department’s work program. This role requires a proactive approach to managing the Director's calendar, travel arrangements, and communication with various stakeholders, ensuring that all tasks are completed efficiently and effectively. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills and the ability to handle complex situations with discretion and professionalism.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Executive Assistant include providing high-level administrative support to the Director, effectively communicating with all members of the Front Office to ensure coordination and efficiency, and managing the Director's calendar, scheduling, and travel arrangements. The Executive Assistant will ensure that the Director is fully prepared for each meeting, presentation, or event, and will maintain a strong overview of the department’s work program to ensure timely delivery of tasks and actions needed by the Director and management team. Additionally, the role involves quality control by monitoring documents for accuracy, ensuring adherence to guidelines, and assisting in editing and formatting documents. The Executive Assistant will proactively handle incoming emails, delegate tasks to relevant staff members, and follow up to ensure timely responses. Other responsibilities include filing, retrieving, and tracking information for the Director's office, managing special departmental projects, and acting as a liaison for the Director with external clients and internal management teams, handling sensitive matters with discretion.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Senior Executive Assistant position must possess a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience. Advanced knowledge of office productivity tools, including MS Office, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, is essential. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral in English, are required, along with demonstrated maturity, discretion, and good judgment in handling confidential information. Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with a diverse range of contacts are crucial. The candidate must be able to handle complexity and ambiguity, prioritize tasks, and manage a variety of situations with tact and diplomacy. Proven ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, multi-cultural environment is necessary, along with a high degree of resourcefulness and problem-solving skills. The ability to influence others and excellent team-building skills are also important, as is a commitment to the World Bank's development agenda and mission.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Senior Executive Assistant position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of the role and effectively supporting the Director and the department's objectives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in administrative support or a similar role. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage high-level administrative tasks, coordinate complex schedules, and communicate effectively with various stakeholders.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, which is essential for communication within the organization and with external clients. While no additional languages are specified as preferred, proficiency in other languages may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 3 years. The role is full-time, and the organization offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The IFC is committed to being an equal opportunity and inclusive employer, ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and without discrimination based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.