• Application Deadline: Fri, 3 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT
• Position: Senior Program Assistant



• Job Type Full Time



• Qualification MBA/MSc/MA



• Experience 5 years



• Location Abuja




• Job Field Administration / Secretarial  , Project Management 
  
  

Description

The World Bank Country Nigeria Office is seeking a highly organized and energized professional, capable of operating effectively and discreetly in a very demanding, fast-paced, and culturally diverse environment, to work as a Senior Program Assistant, level GD based in Abuja, Nigeria.

The successful candidate will work under the overall supervision of the Country Operations Manager and in collaboration with the Operations Officer (OO), Program Leaders (PLs), and the operations teams.

Roles & Responsibilities:

The overall purpose of the assignment is to provide overall coordination support to the Operations Manager in coordinating the ACS Staff in the Country Office/Portfolio, in addition to his/her normal ACS role. S/he will provide administrative, operational and knowledge management support to the country teams.

The main functions include but are not limited to:

•   Mentor other ACS Colleagues: Serve as a mentor to other ACS staff. Keep abreast of the relevant policies and procedures of the Bank and guide staff on how to gain access the policies.


•   Training Support: Support in the onboarding of other ACS staff and provide the necessary support needed to integrate them into the system.


•   Periodic Data Update: Serve as rallying point in requesting and collating information from each unit as required by the Operations Manager or the CMU per time. E.g. number of TTLs/Local and International staff in each team that an ACS supports.


•   Administrative support: Provide administrative support to designated members of the team, including organizing team meetings, preparing documents, and managing communication. Organize and coordinate AWCW2 unit-wide activities (such as unit retreats, unit meetings, social events, etc.) 


• ·    Document Management: Oversee the organization, filing, and retrieval of documents, ensuring that all records are maintained accurately and securely. 


•   Travel and Event Coordination: Arrange travel itineraries, accommodations, and events for the team members as needed. Also manage operational VIP visit to the country.


•   Operational Support: Provide operational support to the teams, circulating packages, sending reminders on milestones of the project and providing follow-up to relevant teams such as AFDWE, LEGAM and other team members where necessary.


•   Provide support to Program Leaders on their work program in the Nigeria Portfolio as requested.


•   Participate and/or chair committees within the Country Office such as retreats, high level visits, etc.


•   Assist in monitoring the budgets in the project, liaise and follow up with TTLs as appropriate and advise on overruns and burn rate.


•   Confidentiality: Handle sensitive information with the utmost discretion and maintain the confidentiality of all communications and documents.


•   Efficiency and Initiative: Proactively identify areas for improving administrative processes and take initiative to streamline tasks and enhance office efficiency. 


•   Technical Proficiency: Utilize office software and tools proficiently, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Selection Criteria

• A master’s degree or undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Economics, Business Administration, Political Science, Finance, International Relations, Social Science or similar field relevant to the Bank’s mission) strongly preferred. 


• Five (5) years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 


• Proficiency in English Language (verbal and written).


• Strong knowledge of Nigeria’s context, Nigeria WBG portfolio, work program, Government of Nigeria systems, UN/INGO and donor coordination mechanisms.  


• Extremely dynamic, results-oriented, and action focused with a can-do attitude focused on immediate problem solving.


• Proven ability to think strategically and demonstrated political sensitivity and mature judgment, with an ability to navigate a challenging environment.


• Outstanding inter-personal skills with proven ability to work cooperatively with a multi-disciplinary team.


• Demonstrated initiative, leadership skills, and drive for results including ability to undertake a diversity of tasks within a rapidly changing and demanding environment on short deadlines.


• Highly developed spoken and written communications skills including the ability to draft concise reports, minutes, briefs, and correspondence.

Competencies:

• Excellent working knowledge and understanding of the WBG organization and its range of available financial instruments (e.g., IBRD loans, IDA credits and grants, trust funds).


• Demonstrated experience working in operations with a clear understanding of the project and country engagement life cycle and Bank operational policies and procedures.


• Familiarity and ease of working with the Bank’s data and reporting systems, such as SAP, Standard Reports, and the Operations Portal. 


• Familiarity and understanding of Bank’s lending portfolio performance measurement and analytics.


• Full proficiency in data handling and ability to work quickly in Excel, particularly with creating data driven visuals and using advanced formulas e.g. pivot tables.


• Ability to carry out research and analytical tasks on a wide range of operational and country issues, review and interpret information/data, identify trends and issues, and recommend actions/solutions.


• Excellent writing skills and capacity to prepare briefs/presentations using Word/PowerPoint.


• Capacity to work with tact and diplomacy with staff at all levels, often under tight time pressure in a busy environment.


• Proven ability to work both independently and in diverse teams, including with colleagues in various Global Practices, with minimal supervision and with high levels of accuracy and attention to detail.