Program Assistant - Administrative & Client Support Job #: req35608 Organization: IFC Sector: Administration/Office Support Grade: GC Term Duration:ย 3 years 0 months Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment Location: Windhoek,Namibia Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 2/17/2026 (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.
The International Finance Corporation (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 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record US$71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions, and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit:ย https://www.ifc.org
We are seeking a Program Assistant to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will bring exceptional organizational skills, strong attention to detail, and robust communication abilities to effectively manage multiple priorities and support the day-to-day operations of our team. This position offers a unique opportunity to act as a central point of coordination, facilitating smooth communication and contributing to the efficient execution of our programs and the overall mission of the IFC to encourage private sector development in emerging markets.
Duties and Accountabilitiesโข Provide high quality support to the team, including maintaining schedules and setting up meetings and implementing office procedures and guidelines to ensure smooth and efficient business operations.โข Assist in preparing and updating documents, reports, memos, and other Team materialsโข Support the team and project missions with logistical support for travel, conferences, workshops, and negotiations arranging hotel and travel reservations.โข Manage and organize files in dedicated systems to ensure data accuracy on platforms like i-desk.โข Draft and manage communications including routine correspondence, incorporating comments into documents using proper grammar, punctuation and style.โข Manage administrative procurement contracts and processes to ensure IFC quality guidelines are met.โข Assist in general research and analytical support, including research, reporting, and preparation of data and materials.โข Plan and manage the unitโs support services and resources to meet the needs of the work program.โข Undertake ad-hoc assignments for the team and broader department.โข Coordinate schedules, considering priorities, monitoring changes, and communicating information appropriately.โข Maintains current distribution lists, phone/address lists of projects, and distributes documents for the team.โข Be well versed with IFC project management and other IT systems such as consultant ASOP, Travel Portal, etc., and assist team members in handling issues related to these systems.
Selection Criteria
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.โข At least Bachelorโs degree.ย โข At least 3 years of experience in administrative support functions or other relevant fields.โข High degree of motivation, initiative, flexibility, reliability and ability to handle concurrent tasks simultaneously.โข Quick learner, proactive and self-starter; able to work independently with minimal mentoring.โข Dedicated team player with excellent organizational skills, ability to prioritize assignments, and willingness to learn about the teamโ s work.โข Excellent organizational, administrative and time management skills with proven ability to work quickly and efficiently under pressure and adapt to changing business needs.โข Proactive in identifying issues and proposing solutions using best practices.ย โข Willingness to learn and understand the Bankโs procedures, especially operational procedures and follow-up processes.โข Solid attention to detail to ensure high quality work under tight deadlines.โข Good team player with excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to interact tactfully with clients and staff at all levels inside and outside the Bank.โข Demonstrate active listening, explain issues clearly, and maintain confidentiality with a high degree of judgement.โข Proficiency in the use of the Internet and other tools to research and retrieve data and information.โข Thorough knowledge of all relevant computer software: Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint.โข Work effectively and cooperatively with others, demonstrating the ability to collaborate withing teams and across boundaries.โข Understand the goals of the team and the broader organization to align personal objectives and seek appropriate training to meet job performance.โข Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal.
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 theย World Bankย andย IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.