External Affairs Associate

External Affairs Associate

Job #: req35827 Organization: World Bank Sector: Communications Grade: GE Term Duration: 3 years 0 months Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment Location: Washington, DC,United States Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 3/18/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

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. Please visit www.worldbank.org.

The External Affairs Associate will support the Office of the Director, Communications and Marketing (ECRCM), serving as the primary focal point for scheduling, workflow coordination, and operational support to ensure the smooth functioning of the Front Office. The incumbent will play a key role in managing priorities, facilitating communication between internal and external stakeholders, and ensuring the timely execution of the Director’s work program.

This position requires exceptional organizational skills, sound judgment, and the ability to anticipate needs in a fast-paced environment that interacts regularly with senior management across the World Bank Group.

Responsibilities

Strategic Coordination and Director Support:

• Serve as the primary coordinator for the Director’s daily schedule, meetings, and travel; manage competing priorities and ensure seamless execution of all engagements.

• Ensure the Director’s time is used strategically by anticipating needs, organizing materials in advance, and aligning scheduling priorities with ECRCM’s work program and institutional objectives.

• Coordinate requests and briefing materials for Senior Leadership (EXC and MDs), ensuring timely, high-quality submissions from and to the ECRCM Director’s Office.

• Liaise with the Senior Strategy Officer and the ECRCM management team to support the preparation of leadership briefings, talking points, and departmental updates.

• Monitor key milestones and institutional priorities to ensure the Director is briefed on upcoming initiatives and deadlines.

Operational and Administrative Management:

• Oversee the Director’s correspondence, invitations, and communication flow, ensuring timely and accurate handling in line with World Bank Group standards.

• Draft and format official correspondence, meetings summaries, and internal communications on behalf of the Director.

• Track, log, and monitor requests using workflow systems (e.g., Teams/Lists or equivalent) to ensure deliverables are met and follow-ups are completed

• Serve as a liaison with key internal partners (BPS, HR, ITS, and Procurement) on non-confidential administrative matters, ensuring compliance with institutional priorities.

• Assist in budget tracking and vendor coordination for ECRCM contacts, enabling timely processing and adherence to financial guidelines.

• Support recruitment efforts, including managing Terms of References (ToRs), job postings, administering digital skills tests for shortlisted candidates, and coordinating with HR for staffing needs.

• Contribute to the development of internal knowledge tools and process improvements to enhance Front Office operations and coordination across ECRCM.

Planning and Event Support:

• Assist with the coordination of major communications activities and events involving internal and external stakeholders, including Spring and Annual Meetings, CommNet Forums, team retreats, and high-level workshops.

• Manage logistics, agendas, briefing packages, and follow-up actions for Director-led meetings.

• Contribute to the planning and execution of strategic communications events and ensure the Director’s participation is well-prepared and aligned with broader institutional objectives.

• Partner with colleagues across the ECR divisions to facilitate coordination on cross-cutting projects, ensuring the Director is informed of key developments and dependencies.

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree in communications, public affairs, business administration, or a related field with at least three years of relevant experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Demonstrated experience providing executive-level support in a complex, fast-paced institutional setting, ideally within the World Bank Group or similar international organization.
• Proven ability to organize, coordinate, and monitor multiple workflows, delivering consistently high-quality outputs.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and work effectively with staff at all levels.
• Handles sensitive matters with confidentiality and tact, maintaining trust and professionalism at all times.
• Proactive in learning new systems and approaches; able to anticipate and adapt to changing priorities and requirements.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to take initiative in solving problems and improving processes.
• Familiarity of World Bank Group administrative, HR, and operational policies and systems is highly desirable.
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.

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.