Special Assistant

Job #:
req38221

Organization:
World Bank Group

Sector:
Finance & Accounting

Grade:
GG

Term Duration:
3 years 0 months

Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment

Location:
Washington, DC,United States

Required Language(s):
English

Preferred Language(s):

Closing Date:
9/16/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

VPU Context:
The Budget and Procurement Vice Presidency (WBP) is organized into five departments under a Vice President: (1) WBPCU- WBG, Budget Partners, Corporate and Knowledge Units: Providing strategic and operational leadership in finance planning and budget oversight to WBG executive, compliance, corporate, finance, and knowledge VPUs; (2) WBPRU- IBRD/IDA Budget Partners, Regional Units: Providing strategic and operational leadership in finance planning and budget oversight to regional VPUs and Country Office Accounting management and oversight, globally; (3) WBPCE- WBG Center of Excellence: Leading planning, reporting, shared services, and budget solutions; (4) WBPCP- WBG Corporate Procurement: Overseeing sourcing, supplier management, and operational support; and (5) CSRDR- IFC & MIGA Budget Partners: Providing strategic and operational leadership in finance planning and budget oversight to IFC and MIGA clients, globally.

WBP' service delivery model has three core roles: (1) Business Partners (serving clients directly with focus on decision support and performance oversight); (2) Centers of Expertise (providing thought-leadership and analytics, designing business finance policies, practices and systems, and coordinating knowledge management); and (3) Service Center (managing delivery of high volume and transactional and reporting services across Bank, including help desk support to clients).

Unit Context:
The VP Front Office enables the Vice President to lead with strategic focus, institutional alignment, and disciplined execution. It supports the translation of broad business priorities into a coherent agenda by helping clarify direction, connect work across teams and stakeholders, anticipate risks and emerging issues, and ensure timely follow-through on decisions and commitments. Through effective coordination, strategic communication, and performance oversight, the Front Office helps create the conditions for the VPU to operate as one integrated leadership platform-focused on delivering results, strengthening accountability, supporting staff through change, and advancing institutional priorities with consistency and impact.

The Special Assistant supports the Vice President in managing a complex portfolio of priorities by ensuring the effective functioning of the Front Office and the seamless execution of executive processes. The position serves as a senior member of the Front Office, responsible for overseeing executive workflow, management processes, governance support, information management, and the preparation and coordination of Vice-Presidential engagements.

The role promotes operational excellence, facilitates the timely flow of information and decision materials, and ensures that commitments, priorities, and key deliverables requiring Vice Presidents attention are effectively organized, monitored, and advanced. Through strong organizational leadership, sound judgment, and exceptional execution skills, the Special Assistant helps enhance the effectiveness, responsiveness, and overall performance of the Vice President's office.

Duties and accountabilities:
Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

Executive Portfolio Integration and Management Support
• Support the Vice President's oversight of Vice Presidency priorities by ensuring effective integration of portfolio information, management decisions, and implementation updates.
• Ensure leadership priorities, decisions, and management direction are appropriately reflected in portfolio management, monitoring, and reporting processes.
• Lead the consolidation of portfolio information and management updates from the PMO and relevant business units for executive review and governance discussions.
• Facilitate the identification and escalation of key implementation issues, interdependencies, and risks requiring leadership attention.
• Strengthen collaboration between the Front Office, PMO, and departments to enhance management visibility, accountability, and execution of Vice Presidency priorities.

Governance and Institutional Process Management:
• Support governance processes affecting the Vice Presidency and ensure compliance with institutional requirements and timelines.
• Coordinate preparation, review, and submission of materials requiring Vice President's clearance or approval.
• Facilitate leadership meetings, management reviews, retreats and forums through agenda management, documentation, and follow-up.
• Maintain management systems that support accountability, coordination, and timely execution of WBP commitments.
• Promote consistency and quality across management and operational processes within the Front Office.

Front Office Operations and Management Effectiveness:
• Contribute to the effective management and continuous improvement of Front Office operations, systems, and business processes.
• Develop and maintain approaches that enhance effectiveness, responsiveness, knowledge sharing, and service delivery within the Front Office.
• Support management of information resources, correspondence, and institutional records to ensure continuity and organizational effectiveness.
• Establish and maintain operating procedures and management practices that support efficient execution of Front Office responsibilities.

Other Responsibilities:
• Coordinate and integrate briefing materials, presentations, and executive correspondence supporting Vice Presidential engagements and institutional priorities.
• Facilitate effective information flow between the Front Office, PMO, leadership, and relevant stakeholders to support management decision processes and implementation follow-up.
• Support the preparation and coordination of engagements involving Senior Management, Executive Directors' offices, clients, development partners, and external stakeholders.
• Maintain systems and practices that support executive information management, institutional knowledge, and operational continuity.
• Undertake special assignments and represent the Front Office, as requested, on matters related to governance processes, executive coordination, and operational effectiveness.

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 accounting, business, finance or other relevant discipline required, or non-finance master's degree plus an internationally recognized completed professional accounting qualifications (e.g. CPA, CA, ACCA, CGMA, CMA)
• Eight or more years of progressively responsible professional experience.
• Experience in at least 2-WBG units or non-WBG experience.
• Experience and understanding of IFC process and operations is desired.

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.