Program Assistant

THE ROLE OF THE GLOBAL PRACTICE FOR MACROECONOMICS, TRADE and INVESTMENT (MTI) IN THE WBG

The Macroeconomics, Trade and Investment (MTI) Global Practice is comprised of some 450 staff, with almost half working in country Analysts around the world. MTI houses the Bank’s country economists together with trade economists and specialists, debt and macro modeling experts, and fiscal experts. MTI offers integrated solutions to macroeconomic and structural reform programs.  In doing so, MTI staff work closely with other Global Practices (GP). 

MTI staff help to shape and lead knowledge and learning related activities across a range of thematic areas, including but not limited to: (a) macroeconomics; (b) fiscal policy; (c) growth; (d) economic management in resource rich environments; (e) macroeconomic modelling & statistics; (f) trade and regional integration.  

THE LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN REGION (LCR)

• The World Bank Group serves 30 client countries in the Latin America and the Caribbean Region (LCR). Clients range from large rapidly growing sophisticated middle-income clients to International Development Association (IDA) borrowing countries as well as small Caribbean states and one fragile state. Despite immense resources, dynamic societies, and an average annual per capita income of about US$4,000, deep inequalities persist in most LCR countries, with nearly a quarter of the Region’s people living in poverty. The Bank’s strategy in LCR is focused on three pillars: promoting inclusive growth, investing in human capital, and building resilience. This includes encouraging better governance and economic integration and leveraging the private finance necessary to address the region’s pressing development needs.
• The regional context has become even more complex in a post-pandemic world, which will require fast and effective policy response from LAC countries. The Bank – and MTI in particular – will play an important role in supporting the countries in the region to face this unexpected and massive shock.
• We are seeking an outstanding program assistant to work with our team of outstanding professionals. You will be an integral part of the team and will report to the MTI Practice Manager covering Latin America and the Caribbean.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following

Budget and Portfolio Monitoring:

Work closely with the Practice Manager and Operations Analyst to keep track of preparation, implementation and delivery of the unit’s work program, including monitoring project deliverables and milestones, and to follow-up on any outliers.  

• Support TTLs in preparing task planning tools (TPTs) for projects.
• Support the Practice Manager and Operations Analyst to monitor expenditure (by activity code), including for bank budget and trust funds, and against FY plans and targets.
• Prepare standard system generated and customized reports such as Portfolio, Trust Fund and ASA reports, with guidance from the Operations Analyst as needed.

Operational and Administrative Support

• Provide operational support on a diverse range of activities related to the stages of the project cycle, for selected projects, including in some cases as a full team member.
• Support the Operations Analyst in providing quality enhancement function for project-related documents, adhering to departmental, VPU, and institutional guidelines.
• Support clearance procedures and finalization of documents.
• Use SAP system to monitor, and update on project achievements
• Coordinate the scheduling of meetings including logistical and documentation arrangements

Maintain up-to-date distribution lists

• Support the Practice Manager in supervising annual WPA allocation and taking proactive action as needed
• Lead the process for closing of commitments, in collaboration with TTLs, RM and other colleagues at the end of the fiscal year
• Ensure LARS coordination and TRS monitoring and timely update.

Selection Criteria

• High school diploma with at least 5 years of highly relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Knowledge of Bank operational policies and procedures. Ideally would be familiar with using the new operations portal.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently, as well as collaboratively with other team members to pursue collective team goals.
• Ability to quickly learn and deliver on new emerging technologies and areas not previously worked on.
• Demonstrated ability to handle highly confidential information with due discretion, ability to deal tactfully with government officials.
• Resourcefulness and ability to prioritize workload and work well in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of Bank applications.
• Clear and concise communication: strong written and verbal communication skills in English and Spanish.

Source: https://worldbankgroup.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=27850&site=1