Program Assistant

World Bank Group

Chennai, India

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work 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.

The World Bank Group Finance and Accounting (WFA) Vice Presidency Unit, is responsible for all aspects of financial accounting, reporting and the internal control framework for the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Development Association (IDA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the extensive Trust Fund/Partnership portfolio of those entities

WFA comprises the following functions: Financial Instruments Accounting and Valuation; Loan Operations; Accounting Business Services; Financial Analysis and Reporting; Accounting Policy; Documentation and Communication; Advisory Services; and Operational Risks and Controls. These units collectively include approximately 450 staff, of which approximately 150 are in Washington, D.C., with the remainder in regional offices including the largest in Chennai, India.

WFA has a large footprint in Chennai (WFACO) with about 250 staff, supervised by 8 senior team leads and supported by 20+ team leads. Functionally, the Senior team leads report to Managers of their respective units in Washington, DC; administratively, they report to the WFA Chennai Manager, who has cross-cutting  responsibilities for WFA Chennai and some functional responsibilities. 

The position of the program assistant will report to the WFA Chennai Manager (WFACO), who has leadership responsibility for WFA teams in Chennai,  and will support the WFA Chennai Manager on daily administrative tasks and provide program support to WFA teams as required.

Duties and Accountabilities:

  • Provide administrative assistance to the WFA Chennai Manager. This includes, but not limited to:
  • Scheduling meetings with various persons /departments within the Chennai center, HQ, external partners, stakeholders
  • Manage the calendar and appointments of the Manager; and
  • Coordinate the presentations and other discussion materials for Manager’s meetings.
  • Provide logistics support for senior staff visiting Chennai.
  • Provide program support for WFA Chennai activities including but not limited to Learning program, Career management, Diversity and Inclusion, Management of WFA asset inventory.
  • Organize and manage events including seminars, staff retreats, knowledge forums etc and in doing so interact with various hotels in the city & negotiate rates for corporate lunches, banquet events, Knowledge Forum etc.
  • Manage contents in SharePoint for various team purposes and act as administrator for the same.
  • Coordinate with transaction processing team for creating purchase orders, service entry sheets and payments.
  • Coordinate with LARS & TRS coordinators in the unit for timely submission of time and leave records by staff in WFA in Chennai office.
  • Coordinate with units in Chennai for updating BCP records including call tree.
  • Carry out ad-hoc assignments as required and serve as back-up to any function as may be assigned by the WFA Chennai Manager.

Selection Criteria

  • A Bachelors Degree in any discipline, with 3+ years of experience in relevant field.
  • A Masters in Business Administration (MBA) will be an added advantage.
  • Strong Communicator
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools and basic understanding of information systems and the application of new technologies.
  • Effective time management and organizational skills; Project management skills will be an added advantage
  • Demonstrated initiative and resourcefulness;
  • Proficiency in written and verbal language skills in English.
  • Good interpersonal skills with proven ability of being a good team player
  • High level of personal and professional integrity. 

Source: https://worldbankgroup.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=20785&site=1