Special Assistant

Special Assistant

The World Bank is seeking a Special Assistant to the CEO of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to provide strategic, diplomatic, and operational support. This role involves preparing the CEO for engagements, managing the CEO's agenda, and acting as the first point of contact for senior-level requests. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in international relations and demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills.

The position requires close collaboration with the CEO and various stakeholders in a fast-paced international environment.

Candidate Requirements:

• Master's degree in relevant field
• Minimum of eight years of relevant experience
• Experience in international relations
• Experience supporting senior public officials
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Fluency in one additional relevant language
• Outstanding diplomatic judgment
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills
• Ability to travel internationally

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.

The Special Assistant to the CEO will provide high-level strategic, diplomatic, and operational support to the Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson. The position will help ensure that the CEO's engagements, priorities, and relationships are prepared, coordinated, and followed through effectively across the GEF Secretariat and the wider GEF partnership. The incumbent will serve as a trusted first point of contact for the CEO's office and will work side by side with the CEO in a fast-moving, international environment.

Duties and Accountabilities:

• Support the CEO's relationships and substantive engagement with senior government authorities, heads of GEF Agencies, heads and senior officials of multilateral environmental conventions, leaders of multilateral organizations, international NGOs, civil society, private sector institutions, and other senior stakeholders.
• Prepare the CEO for bilateral meetings, missions, Council-related engagements, conferences, and public events through concise briefing materials, stakeholder profiles, key messages, agendas, and follow-up notes.
• Accompany the CEO to selected events, missions, and high-level meetings, coordinating closely with host institutions and relevant GEF Secretariat teams.
• Coordinate and help organize the CEO's agenda in partnership with administrative and substantive teams, ensuring that priorities, preparation requirements, travel needs, and decision points are anticipated and sequenced effectively.
• Act as the first point of contact for senior-level requests directed to the CEO's office, exercising sound judgment in triaging, routing, and following up on issues.
• Support the CEO's interactions with the GEF senior management team and facilitate timely information flow, alignment, and follow-through on agreed actions.
• Maintain a structured system for tracking the CEO's commitments, correspondence, stakeholder engagements, decisions, and follow-up actions.
• Draft and coordinate high-quality correspondence, meeting records, speaking points, outreach notes, and other executive…