Background/general description

ECCUA intends to appoint a Senior Program Assistant in Kyiv, Ukraine. The lending program is estimated to be approximately 4 new operations each year with average new commitments expected in the range of $600 - $1,400 million per annum. The portfolio consists of about 14 IBRD operations. There is around 1 billion in undisbursed commitments. There is a large program of analytical work and technical assistance, with active dissemination, consultation, and outreach. There are today around 60 staff working in Ukraine, with 7 internationally recruited staff based in the country office.

Duties and Accountabilities

Based in Kyiv, and reporting to the Executive Assistant to Country Director, the position will form fully dedicated support to Poverty Reduction and Economic Management (PREM) team. The team's program in Ukraine consists of 2 active investment loans, 2 investment loans under preparation, a Development Policy Loan program, and a significant engagement in regular policy advice. The PREM team maintains an active policy engagement on macroeconomic management, issues of growth and competitiveness, fiscal policy, as well as public sector governance and regularly produces analytical reports and short policy notes on these topics. It is led by Country Sector Coordinator, who is also in charge of Country Partnership Strategy. Incumbent is expected to work independently, making substantial contributions to the team. The principal duties and accountabilities will be as follows:

• Providing general quantitative analysis and research support to the project team, including verifying and gathering required data, using specialized resources. Developing and maintaining nonstandard spreadsheets for specific project reporting activities, and preparing standard system generated and customized reports using SAP, Business Warehouse and Microsoft applications.
• Drafting and compiling standard sections of reports, Board notices, contributing to key Bank operational documents (Project Concept Note, Project Appraisal Document, etc.) and following upon key actions;
• Participating in project-related meetings, negotiations, writing minutes/decision notes and correspondence; reviewing translations, preparing presentation material for round-table discussions;
• Handling routine clearance procedures and finalization of documents ensuring incorporation of necessary amendments, etc.
• Contributing to preparation and assisting Country Sector Coordinator with monitoring of the team work program in the country, monitoring deadlines and milestones, performing related programming and administrative tasks as needed;
• Maintaining and monitoring trust funds, drafting trust fund proposals, maintaining spreadsheets to monitor grant proposal submissions, approvals, signing of grant agreements, and extensions of grant closing dates, etc; ensuring the procedures are being met;
• Facilitating for visiting experts visit, including liaising with government senior officials and acting as focal point for government officials and ministries, donors, compiling materials necessary such as aide memoir, management letters, minutes of meetings, etc.
• Provide assistance to clients on a number of Bank operational procedures, practices, and requirements. Disseminate project materials accordingly, ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of all information;
• Major events/conference/special seminars organizing, negotiating travel arrangements of participants and speakers, administering budget, etc.
• Preparing hand out materials and following up registration. Drafting preliminary program.
• Coaching and mentoring more junior staff, providing operational procedures and best practices.
• Depending on the work load and staff availability, in addition to the above responsibilities, other tasks may be assigned as needed.
  

Selection Criteria

Candidates must meet the generic criteria for Grade GD Senior Program Assistant:
§ Minimum Education: AA, in relevant field OR equivalent combination of education and experience
§ Minimum Years of Relevant Experience: 7
§ In depth technology skills
§ Able to independently prepare a variety of quality written documents and to edit materials.
§ Demonstrated leadership and ability to develop, coach, and mentor, where called upon to do so, a team of Administrative and Client Support staff.
§ Able to prioritize work and plans, and schedule own time to ensure timely completion of work. Adjusts to changing needs/demands, highlights potential conflicts to team and agrees on course of action, seeking assistance as appropriate. Performs multiple tasks successfully under pressure and ensures appropriate follow-up.
§ Takes action to solve problems, locating appropriate information or referral source, etc. Anticipates own needs and the needs of others in the work unit. Initiates and takes responsibility for the quality delivery of products and services. Is a self-starter and motivated to accept additional assignments, as well as look for opportunities to help others in meeting work objectives.
§ Actively builds and sustains effective relationships with staff/clients at all levels. Is sensitive to and respectful of cultural differences in an international environment. Collegial in approach with ability to listen and understand others' points of view. Expresses disagreement in a constructive way and seeks to resolve differences by identifying and pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Shows consideration for the needs /concerns of others. Shares expertise so others benefit and learn.
§ Fluency in English as well as Russian and/or Ukrainian.
§ Sensitivity to social and cultural issues, high degree of discretion and tact in handling confidential and sensitive information.

All candidates interviewed for the job must achieve satisfactory scores in the institutional Administrative and Client Support testing (including English grammar, typing test and standard computer application tests in MS Office).
The closing date for the receipt of applications is Tuesday, February 29, 2008.
Applications (most recent CV and cover letter) in English are to be submitted to e-mail address: mkacavenda@worldbank.org .
Please, indicate the position you are applying for in the Subject line of your message/package.