E T Temporary (Conference Assistant) Job #: req35242 Organization: World Bank Sector: Administration/Office Support Grade: ET3 Term Duration: 1 year 0 months Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment Location: Paris,France Required Language(s): English and French Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 1/20/2026 (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. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.
Position Context:
The Global Corporate Solutions (GCS) Department delivers a wide range of corporate services essential to the effective functioning and mission of the WBG. GCS operations comprise distinct, complex business enterprises that have expanded globally over time.
The Paris Office Conference Center is part of GCSCA (Conference Services). Its facilities host WBG events, including training, retreats, and arbitration sessions. The Center supports more than 100 one-day or multi-day events annually, totaling approximately 550 bookings per fiscal year, and plays a vital role in supporting the organization’s mission.
GCSCA is responsible for the responsive, safe, efficient, and cost-effective administration of the WBG’s highly visible food and conference program. We seek a well-organized, proactive, and motivated individual for an Extended Term Temporary (ETT) role to support these operations in the Paris Office.
Duties and Accountabilities:
The Conference Assistant will schedule and coordinate onsite events in the Paris and Sofia Conference Centers using the in-house Event Management System (EMS). The role requires ongoing communication with WBG staff based in Paris, Headquarters, and Country Offices, and close coordination with internal business partners and local vendors. The Conference Assistant reports to the Senior Program Manager at Headquarters in Washington, D.C., with a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Senior Conference Assistant in Paris.
Responsibilities include (but not limited to):
• Provide logistical and organizational support for events at the Paris Conference Center, before, during, and after each event.
• Liaise with organizers to confirm requirements and foster cooperative engagement.
• Enter event requirements into the Event Management System (EMS), ensuring data accuracy and proper chargeback for goods and services.
• Coordinate with internal business partners (e.g., IT, Facilities, Security, Accounting, Print & Mail Shop Services) and their service providers to ensure event support in alignment with building access protocols and business guidelines.
• Provide logistical and organizational support for events at the Sofia Conference Center (Sofia Office, Bulgaria), which operates as an extension of the Paris Conference Center; coordinate with Sofia-based partners as needed.
• Maintain positive vendor relationships (e.g., caterers, temporary staffing agencies), place orders for goods and services, and assist with periodic negotiations to ensure cost-effectiveness.
• Serve as the point of contact between the Print & Mail Shop and organizers to prepare supporting materials (e.g., access badges, name tents).
• Collect client feedback and recommend appropriate improvements to conference services.
• Support accounting processes, including invoice collection and documentation, obtaining necessary approvals, processing payments, and assisting with vendor registration and information updates.
• Report facility issues and coordinate with maintenance teams for resolution.
• Provide recommendations for offsite hospitality and event venues, as needed.
• Perform other administrative duties to support smooth operations.
• Interact with a wide range of internal and external clients, including WBG senior management.
• Act as backup to the Paris-based Senior Conference Assistant during absences.
Selection Criteria
Attention: \"Preference will be given to local talent, that is, applicants that are authorized to work in the duty station for any employer. Internal applicants may apply per existing guidelines.\"
• Minimum education: High School diploma; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• At least five years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in French and English.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and cloud-based software; prior experience with event management systems preferred.
• Strong client orientation and communication skills; proven ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and interact professionally with clients and staff at all levels.
• Excellent organizational and workflow management skills; strong attention to detail and ability to multitask.
• Demonstrated ability to meet tight deadlines and manage concurrent activities under pressure with minimal supervision.
• Accountability for timely responses to queries and requests; demonstrated ownership and responsibility for assigned tasks.
• Familiarity with conference program policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Knowledge of food and conference industry trends, business practices, and basic accounting are desirable.
• Dedicated team player with a willingness to learn and take on additional responsibilities as needed.
Employment Terms:
• Appointment type: Extended Term Temporary (ETT), local hire.
• Duration: 1 year, with possibility of extension subject to business needs and performance.
• Work modality: Onsite in Paris, with occasional coordination for events hosted in Sofia.
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
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.