Executive Assistant to Regional Vice President

Executive Assistant to Regional Vice President

Job #: req37245 Organization: IFC Sector: Administration/Office Support Grade: GD Term Duration: 3 years 0 months Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment Location: Dubai,United Arab Emirates Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Arabic Closing Date: 7/5/2026 (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 $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 www.ifc.org.

The Regional Vice President (RVP) for the Middle East & Central Asia (MCA) is looking to recruit an experienced and highly motivated Executive Assistant (EA) based in Dubai, UAE, for the Vice Presidency’s front office. The MCA VPU oversees IFC’s engagements in the region, including operationalizing IFC’s growth strategy (IFC 3.0) – a systemic approach to stimulate more investment activities; building a strong pipeline for private sector investments rooted in country strategies; and fostering more collaboration opportunities with key stakeholders to maximize impact. The RVP is part of IFC’s senior management and interacts closely with the Board, the World Bank, MIGA, and external partners.

The Executive Assistant will work as a core member of the front office team and provide comprehensive executive, administrative, and operational support. This role requires an energetic and mature individual who can engage successfully with the offices of external governmental and private sector clients and other partners, and work with the World Bank Group teams across departments and geographies.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Executive Assistant will play a critical role in ensuring the smooth and efficient management of the RVP's office. The EA will act as one of the primary points of contact for internal and external stakeholders, manage the RVP's agenda and communications, and provide high-level administrative and logistical coordination for the front office. In this role, the EA is expected to exercise sound judgment, tact, and diplomacy at all times, particularly in handling sensitive, confidential, or strategically significant matters. The roles and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide high-quality administrative and logistical support to the RVP, managing the RVP's calendar with effective prioritization of meetings across time zones, and preparing daily briefing books and supporting materials in advance of meetings.

• Draft, proofread, and coordinate routine correspondence and information flow to and from the RVP's office, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness, while handling sensitive and confidential matters with the utmost discretion.

• Manage all aspects of the RVP's travel and mission logistics, including flights, hotels, visas, ground transportation, and itineraries, in coordination with travel agency and regional offices to ensure trips are well-planned. Maintain accurate travel schedules and coordinate briefing materials.

• Provide comprehensive logistical support for the RVP's meetings and high-level events, including room bookings, Facilities and IT coordination, catering, and security escorts, as well as assistance with WBG corporate events such as Annual and Spring Meetings, leadership team retreats, conferences, training programs, and other regional meetings.

• Serve as a key liaison across the front offices of EXC, WBG Managing Directors, WBG VPs, WBG Directors, and other relevant stakeholders, maintaining an effective network of contacts to facilitate coordination and acting as an integral part of the IFC executive office support team.

• Implement office procedures and quality controls to ensure smooth workflow, maintain accurate records and filing systems, keep the VPU Internal Directory and distribution lists current, and develop shared tracking tools to support efficient delivery of administrative services.

• Maintain proficiency in relevant platforms, including Admin Portal, SAP, ePayables, Travel System, Webex, and Teams, and proactively adopt emerging technologies to enhance the effectiveness of the office. Process the RVP's office expenses, procurement requests, and purchase orders, ensuring compliant pCard usage and timely monthly reconciliation in accordance with WBG policies.

• Provide leadership, training, and guidance to ACS staff across the region, and support office space planning in coordination with Facilities, fostering a collaborative working environment.

• Support the Senior Adviser, and other front office staff as required; manage special VPU projects and ad hoc duties; and independently identify and resolve diverse issues as they arise, applying sound interpretation of existing procedures and processes.

Selection Criteria

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.

• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively with staff at all levels and maintain a high degree of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, including the ability to draft, proofread, and edit a variety of correspondence in accordance with WBG standards. Proficiency in English is required and knowledge of the Arabic language is a plus.

• Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking skills, with demonstrated ability to prioritize competing demands, handle concurrent activities, and deliver results in a deadline-driven environment.

• Sound judgment, proactive attitude, and resourcefulness, with the ability to handle highly sensitive, confidential, and non-routine information with discretion.

• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, adapt to unexpected events, and independently identify and resolve problems quickly and efficiently.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and collaborative platforms (Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive), as well as WBG/IFC systems including SAP, ePayables, eServices, Admin Portal, etc. Willingness to learn new programs and applications as needed.

• Flexibility and willingness to work extended hours at short notice as required.

• Prior experience with IFC and/or WBG front offices is a plus.

Note: 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.