Job Description

Program Officer

Job #: req38055 Organization: World Bank Sector: Environment Grade: GF Term Duration: 2 years 0 months Recruitment Type: International Recruitment Location: Washington, DC,United States Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): French, Spanish: Highly desirable Closing Date: 8/26/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

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. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a multilateral financial mechanism created in 1991 to provide grant and concessional funds to recipient countries for projects and programs that address biodiversity loss, climate change mitigation and adaptation, degradation of international waters, land and forests, ozone depletion, elimination or reduction of persistent organic pollutants and mercury, all within the framework of sustainable development.

The GEF unites 186 countries in partnership with international institutions, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the private sector to address global environmental issues while supporting national sustainable development initiatives. An independently operating financial organization, GEF is the designated financial mechanism for five multilateral environmental conventions: The Convention on Biological Diversity, the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), UN Convention to Combat Desertification, and Minamata Convention on Mercury. GEF was also recently designated to serve as part of the financial mechanism of the international legally binding instrument under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).

Since 1991, the GEF has achieved a strong track record with developing countries and countries with economies in transition, providing $24.7 billion in grants for over 5,700 projects in over 170 countries.

The GEF Secretariat is a Vice-Presidential Unit (VPU) within the World Bank for administrative purposes and has approximately 100 professional, administrative and client support staff.

The Secretariat is seeking a Program Officer to provide comprehensive assistance in the planning, organization, and execution of Council Meetings and other meetings such as the GEF Assembly and the replenishment meetings. The role requires a professional with proven track record in international event coordination, strong diplomatic skills, and experience in high-level engagements. The incumbent will play a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of Council Meetings, supporting both technical and political aspects, and maintaining high standards of organization and detail.

The selected Program Officer will report to the Secretary to the GEF Council.

Objective

The Program Officer will provide strategic and operational leadership to the GEF Events Team, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, impactful events that meet institutional standards and effectively serve GEF's diverse stakeholder community. The role also carries a strong team development mandate, with responsibility for building both the technical and interpersonal capabilities of team members.

Scope of Work

The Program Officer will be responsible for the following:

Events Team Coordination

• Coordinate and supervise the events team in end-to-end planning, logistics, and execution of GEF international events (efficient per diem delivery, venue selection, contracting, Purchase Orders, travel logistics, interpretation, audio-visual services, travel for sponsored participants, among others).
• Develop and coordinate travel guideless in line with World Bank’s policy, event budgets, timelines, work plans and roles and responsibilities of each team member, ensuring delivery within scope and on schedule.
• Develop contingency plans and coordinate operations, including troubleshooting unforeseen issues in real time.
• Develop post-event evaluations and produce lessons-learned reports to continuously improve event quality.
• Back-fill members from the events team as needed.

Team Leadership and Development

• Coordinate and mentor the GEF Events Team, providing day-to-day guidance, workload coordination, and performance oversight.
• Conduct regular one-on-one check-ins and team meetings to foster a collaborative, high-performing work culture.
• Identify training needs and facilitate access to relevant learning opportunities for team members.
• Set clear performance expectations and provide constructive feedback.

Strategic and Institutional Contribution

• Advise on event strategy, format innovation, and best practices in international event coordination.
• Contribute to the development of standard operating procedures and events coordination guidelines.

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.

Selection Criteria

• Master's degree in Event Coordination, International Relations, Public Administration, Communications, or a related field with at least 5 years of relevant experience. A Bachelor's degree combined with ten or more years of directly relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a graduate degree.
• More than four years of experience coordinating and mentoring teams with more than three people, consistently driving collaboration and professional development.
• A minimum of five years of demonstrated experience in planning and coordinating high-level international events, including large-scale intergovernmental or multilateral meetings.
• In-depth knowledge of World Bank event processes, institutional protocols, and operational standards; capable of independently developing guidance materials and training or upskilling staff.
• More than three years demonstrated experience in World Bank procurement in an events context, including vendor sourcing, contracting, developing Purchase Orders and coordination in compliance with institutional procurement frameworks. Ability to guide and build the team's procurement competencies.
• Experience collaborating with World Bank Country Offices on event planning and delivery, with the ability to translate that experience into practical guides, workflows, and training programs for the events team.
• Experience working with international organizations, multilateral institutions, or in a development context is highly desirable.
• Proven track record of developing institutional knowledge products such as standard operating procedures, how-to guides, or training curricula based on hands-on operational experience.
• Familiarity with GEF processes, Country Engagement Strategy or similar intergovernmental mechanisms is an advantage.
• Demonstrated leadership and people coordination skills, with a coaching and mentoring mindset.
• Strong project coordination skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple events simultaneously under tight deadlines.
• Excellent organizational and logistical coordination abilities.
• High proficiency in event coordination tools and platforms, including hybrid/virtual event technologies.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English; proficiency in additional GEF working languages (French, Spanish) is an asset.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and engage diplomatically with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Integrity and Credibility, Assertive Communication, Sound judgment, problem-solving ability, and composure under pressure.

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.