Program Officer

Job #:
req38055

Organization:
World Bank

Sector:
Environment

Grade:
GF

Term Duration:
2 years 0 months

Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment

Location:
Washington, DC,United States

Required Language(s):
English

Preferred Language(s):
French, Spanish: Highly desirable

Closing Date:
8/26/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

The Secretariat is seeking a Program Officer to provide comprehensive assistance in the planning, organization, and execution of Council Meetings and other meetings such as the GEF Assembly and the replenishment meetings. The role requires a professional with proven track record in international event coordination, strong diplomatic skills, and experience in high-level engagements. The incumbent will play a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of Council Meetings, supporting both technical and political aspects, and maintaining high standards of organization and detail.

The selected Program Officer will report to the Secretary to the GEF Council.

Objective

The Program Officer will provide strategic and operational leadership to the GEF Events Team, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, impactful events that meet institutional standards and effectively serve GEF's diverse stakeholder community. The role also carries a strong team development mandate, with responsibility for building both the technical and interpersonal capabilities of team members.

Scope of Work

The Program Officer will be responsible for the following:

Events Team Coordination
• Coordinate and supervise the events team in end-to-end planning, logistics, and execution of GEF international events (efficient per diem delivery, venue selection, contracting, Purchase Orders, travel logistics, interpretation, audio-visual services, travel for sponsored participants, among others).
• Develop and coordinate travel guideless in line with World Bank's policy, event budgets, timelines, work plans and roles and responsibilities of each team member, ensuring delivery within scope and on schedule.
• Develop contingency plans and coordinate operations, including troubleshooting unforeseen issues in real time.
• Develop post-event evaluations and produce lessons-learned reports to continuously improve event quality.
• Back-fill members from the events team as needed.

Team Leadership and Development
• Coordinate and mentor the GEF Events Team, providing day-to-day guidance, workload coordination, and performance oversight.
• Conduct regular one-on-one check-ins and team meetings to foster a collaborative, high-performing work culture.
• Identify training needs and facilitate access to relevant learning opportunities for team members.
• Set clear performance expectations and provide constructive feedback.

Strategic and Institutional Contribution
• Advise on event strategy, format innovation, and best practices in international event coordination.
• Contribute to the development of standard operating procedures and events coordination guidelines.

Note: This internal requisition is open to WBG and IMF staff only (including short-term and extended term consultants/ temporaries). External candidates are requested not to apply. In case an external candidate applies, their application will not be considered.

Selection Criteria
• Master's degree in Event Coordination, International Relations, Public Administration, Communications, or a related field with at least 5 years of relevant experience. A Bachelor's degree combined with ten or more years of directly relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a graduate degree.
• More than four years of experience coordinating and mentoring teams with more than three people, consistently driving collaboration and professional development.
• A minimum of five years of demonstrated experience in planning and coordinating high-level international events, including large-scale intergovernmental or multilateral meetings.
• In-depth knowledge of World Bank event processes, institutional protocols, and operational standards; capable of independently developing guidance materials and training or upskilling staff.
• More than three years demonstrated experience in World Bank procurement in an events context, including vendor sourcing, contracting, developing Purchase Orders and coordination in compliance with institutional procurement frameworks. Ability to guide and build the team's procurement competencies.
• Experience collaborating with World Bank Country Offices on event planning and delivery, with the ability to translate that experience into practical guides, workflows, and training programs for the events team.
• Experience working with international organizations, multilateral institutions, or in a development context is highly desirable.
• Proven track record of developing institutional knowledge products such as standard operating procedures, how-to guides, or training curricula based on hands-on operational experience.
• Familiarity with GEF processes, Country Engagement Strategy or similar intergovernmental mechanisms is an advantage.
• Demonstrated leadership and people coordination skills, with a coaching and mentoring mindset.
• Strong project coordination skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple events simultaneously under tight deadlines.
• Excellent organizational and logistical coordination abilities.
• High proficiency in event coordination tools and platforms, including hybrid/virtual event technologies.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English; proficiency in additional GEF working languages (French, Spanish) is an asset.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and engage diplomatically with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Integrity and Credibility, Assertive Communication, Sound judgment, problem-solving ability, and composure under pressure.

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.