Job Description
Senior Program Assistant
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Job #: |
req37142 |
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Organization: |
IFC |
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Sector: |
Administration/Office Support |
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Grade: |
GD |
| Term Duration: | 3 years 0 months |
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Recruitment Type: |
Local Recruitment |
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Location: |
Washington, DC,United States |
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Required Language(s): |
English |
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Preferred Language(s): |
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Closing Date: |
6/18/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC |
Description
Build a career with impact. Working at the World Bank Group (WBG) provides a unique opportunity to help countries solve their greatest development challenges. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, the WBG is a unique partnership of five global institutions dedicated to ending poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, the WBG works with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges.
IFC—a member of the World Bank Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than one hundred countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet.
The IFC Legal Department (CLED) is overseen by two Deputy General Counsels (DGCs) who report to the Vice President & General Counsel. CLED provides legal and policy advice to the IFC Board, its management, and client departments on legal and policy issues related to operations, advisory services, and corporate matters. CLED supports client departments in executing IFC’s annual financing program for private sector projects in emerging markets, managing project portfolios, designing structured finance products, and advising on corporate policies.
The Legal Department (CLED) is looking for a Program Assistant who will be able to provide high-quality secretarial and administrative support to members of their legal team. CLED is responsible for providing legal services to the entire Corporation, both on investment transactions and on policy matters. Under the general supervision of the CLED ACS Coordinator, the selected candidate will be assigned to several lawyers and legal assistants.
Role and Responsibilities
The various duties related to the work of the department include, but are not limited to the following:
• Take full ownership of addressing lawyer needs and demonstrate initiative, independence, and autonomy in addressing CLED needs in changing business contexts and environments.
• Allocate and prioritize resources according to areas of most urgent need and greatest impact for clients through support of project lawyers.
• Mentor and provide training to peers, in particular on drafting skills (retainer, Article III notice), Onit workflows (RFP, Counsel Selection, Retainer and Invoice processing), and procedures.
• Draft, edit, and finalize routine memos, letters, faxes, and powers of attorney using standard legal specimens.
• Assist with special tasks as assigned by CLED lawyers and legal assistants.
• Maintain and update CLED specimens, templates, and guidance notes.
• Support all other aspects of CLED’s activities, as needed.
• Process (including editing, proofreading, and formatting) legal agreements accurately, independently, and in a timely manner.
• Maintain lawyers’ project files and process official documents, including Onit closing memo workflows.
• Assist lawyers with travel arrangements and preparation for conferences, seminars, etc.
• Proactively handle telephone inquiries and solve non-routine problems.
• Handle requests requiring file searches using the Internet, intranet, or Legal Records.
• Handle material of a confidential nature.
• Undertake ad hoc duties as assigned by the CLED ACS Coordinator.
• In addition, the Program Assistant will be a member of the ACS support team in CLED and will be expected to assist other legal staff as required.
Selection Criteria
• Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of experience in administrative support, or a relevant combination of diploma and experience.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English (essential).
• Good proofreading skills.
• Excellent secretarial and organizational skills, and attention to detail to ensure high standards.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure; take initiative in judging priorities and organizing workload accordingly.
• Effective team player with strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity, communicating tactfully and effectively with all levels of staff and external clients, both orally and in writing.
• Willingness and flexibility to work overtime when needed, sometimes at short notice.
• Proficient in IFC’s standard administrative technology packages (Onit, Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint). Knowledge of, or ability to learn, SharePoint and SAP. AI literate and comfortable using ChatIFC, Copilot and other enterprise AI tools.
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.
Attention: Preference will be given to local talent, that is, applicants that are authorized to work in the duty station for any employer. Internal applicants may apply per existing guidelines.
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.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.
Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC including our values and inspiring stories.