Jobs at World Bank in Singapore

Senior Program Assistant – Job #: req34663 – Organization: World Bank – Sector: Administration/Office Support – Grade: GD – Term Duration: 4 years 0 months – Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment – Location: Singapore, Singapore – Required Language(s): English – Closing Date: 11/1/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? 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 and promoting shared prosperity. 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. https://www.worldbank.org

Planet Vertical in East Asia and the Pacific (EAP) Region

The Planet vertical helps countries tackle complex challenges in Agriculture and Food; Climate Change; Environment, Natural Resources & Blue Economy; Environmental and Social Framework; Social Sustainability and Inclusion; and Water. The Planet program in EAP includes a lending program of about $1.9 billion for FY26, an active portfolio of 67 operations with $8.1 billion under implementation, and a dynamic program of 45 ASAs across all Planet sectors. The EAP Planet Management team includes the Regional Director and seven Practice Managers. The selected candidate will report to the EAP Planet Regional Practice Director (RPD). The ideal candidate is an energetic and efficient professional, comfortable working in a front office team setting across a range of functions, highly familiar with Bank systems and operations, and motivated to continue professional development in a positive team setting.

Role and Responsibilities

• Function with high level of judgment in a wide range of executive assistant to the RPD, especially in the areas of managing priorities, workflow, screening, preparing responses and ensuring smooth delivery of services.
• Responsible for proactive time, travel and calendar management for the RPD, including effective prioritization and resolution of related conflicts and competing demands. Initiates dialogue with the RPD to proactively resolve scheduling complexities and conflicts.
• Plan and coordinate the RPD’s travel. Ensure that relevant staff members are consulted on objectives and timing of the RPD’s visits to clients and partners, attendance and active participation at key international conferences, media contacts, interviews, speeches and presentations, and the quality and timely completion of briefing materials.
• In consultation with other colleagues, screen and prioritize invitations received for the RPD and senior management and make recommendations to the RPD.
• Ensure quality assurance and operational accuracy of all documents requiring the RPD’s signature. Guide staff on official formatting and standard protocol in processing executive correspondence and briefing materials. Work closely with other Program Assistants to ensure all operations-related correspondence conforms with operational guidelines.
• Provide general research support on a range of topics on behalf of RPD utilizing relevant software. Participate in regular Management Team meetings where requested by the RPD.
• Where requested by the RPD, liaise with senior officials inside and outside the World Bank Group, including high-level contacts in government offices, other international organizations, NGOs and the public sector.
• Establish and maintain contacts with executive assistants of all relevant clients of the RPD and with the executive assistants of the EAP RVP and DSO.
• Independently respond to diverse inquiries and make decisions when multiple courses of action are possible. Keep relevant parties informed of actions taken by the RPD by providing information, reports or status updates.
• Support the RPD in ensuring that management decisions are properly communicated, carried out and delivered in a timely manner.
• Stay informed on technological developments as introduced by the World Bank Group; ensure all staff in the RPD’s office are informed.
• Demonstrate high standards of integrity when handling confidential material; use tact and sensitivity when resolving delicate issues.
• Work with the program assistants of the global Planet Vertical as needed to support the RPD.
• Lead in setting up relevant departmental and managerial meetings for the RPD.
• Takes responsibility for maintaining a high degree of organization and efficiency in the RPD’s front office.

Selection Criteria

• Bachelor’s degree or at least 8 years of relevant experience, preferably with international development organizations working in an English language environment.
• Previous experience in effectively managing or supervising staff is a plus.
• Ability to process, handle, and communicate matters of a sensitive and confidential nature with good judgment and maturity.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including ability to speak and write clearly in English for various audiences, and strong ability to work within a team.
• Ability and willingness to work with a diverse set of colleagues, cooperating with key members of the EAP VPU, Planet VPU and the CMU management teams.
• Excellent organizational, administrative, and time management skills with proven ability to work promptly and efficiently under pressure and meet tight deadlines. Ability to shift gears on short notice to handle a wide range of assignments.
• Demonstrated initiative and drive for results, including ability to undertake tasks within a rapidly changing environment on short deadlines.

Note - Only applicants who are nationals, legal residents, or otherwise have legal presence in the duty station independent of any employer, and who are authorized to work in the duty station, will 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.