External Affairs Associate Job #: req32780 Organization: World Bank Sector: External Affairs & Corporate Relations Grade: GE Term Duration: 4 years 0 months Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment Location: Berlin,Germany Required Language(s): English, German Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 4/29/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. 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, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. 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.
ECR is an expert team of communication and external engagement advisors working with WBG leadership to secure political and financial support and strengthen its role as a global leader in development. Our team manages the WBG’s reputation and brand, focusing on relations with donors, clients, partners, key stakeholders, our senior management, and staff. ECR promotes an integrated WBG story and protects our license to operate.
ECR Europe manages relationships with key stakeholders, including government counterparts, parliament, civil society, private sector, media, academia and international organizations in the traditional European development partner and donor countries. As part of the World Bank’s External and Corporate Relations function in West Europe (ECRWE) the World Bank's Berlin Office (the Berlin Office) is responsible for leading the dialogue between the World Bank and constituencies in Germany, and supporting the dialogue in Austria in close cooperation with ECREX Senior External Affairs Officer.
The Berlin Office is integrated into ECRWE, which is part of the ECR Vice Presidency, and reports to the Head of the World Bank’s Berlin Office, ECRWE. The overall objective of the International Affairs Associate is to support the World Bank’s stakeholder relationships in Germany and Austria and to ensure the effective running of the World Bank Berlin office. Responsibilities
Program Delivery:
• Taking on distinct research activities, including data analysis, and drafting briefing material for Senior Management, the ECRWE Special Representative, and the Head of the World Bank’s Berlin Office.• Monitor and articulate the political and economic trends and landscape in Germany and Austria, drawing on a strong understanding of the respective political landscapes and stakeholder positions.• Prepare visits by World Bank Senior Management to Germany and Austria, and their meetings with German and Austrian stakeholders. Work with the Head of the World Bank‘s Berlin Office to ensure visits by senior World Bank management are successful, through identifying and where relevant, leading on opportunities for engagement, assessing and managing risks, and preparing readouts of meetings.• Support and strengthen collaboration between World Bank units and partners in Germany and Austria.• Leading the organization of meetings with external stakeholders, taking minutes and sharing summaries with colleagues.• Act on behalf of the Head of the World Bank’s Berlin Office during their absence.• Contribute to corporate activities and initiatives in Europe and globally as part of ECRWE, and the ECR and World Bank community more broadly.• Work flexibly as an integral part of a small team, lending support when needed on a range of tasks.
Work Program Administration: • Coordinating World Bank Senior Management visits to Germany and Austria which may include arranging appointments, transportation, security, protocol, and other logistics.• Supporting organization of consultation meetings, outreach events, report launches, and press briefings.• Preparing presentations for internal and external audiences.• Maintaining stakeholder contact lists and a calendar of events to support Berlin office strategic planning.
Selection Criteria
• We require a relevant mix of education and experience: Master's degree with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience in a relevant discipline (communications, journalism, international affairs, political science or other related fields).
• A good understanding of the German and Austrian authorizing environment (Government, NGOs, parliament, etc.) and how it relates to the relationship between Germany and Austria and the World Bank Group.
• Knowledge of the World Bank Group and its work, and commitment to its principles is essential.
• Strong existing network of contacts in Germany/Austria, especially in the government and parliament, and track record in building and maintaining influential networks.
• A strong track record of taking initiative, a clear drive for results and evidence of client orientation.
• Effective analytical, research, and problem-solving skills, and ability to synthesize information.
• Strong data analysis capabilities and experience in utilizing data to inform decision-making and strategy development.
• Self-starter mentality with the ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Proven ability to organize, prioritize and coordinate work and other activities. Ability to work independently as well as effectively under pressure; ability to handle concurrent activities simultaneously, prioritize competing demands; and to extend self to meet deadlines.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills and the ability to deal diplomatically and effectively with clients at all levels in a multicultural environment. High degree of judgment, tact and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential issues.
• Excellent teamwork skills, flexible and willing to lend a hand to colleagues, taking on tasks that go beyond core job description.
• Strong office technology skills. High level of proficiency in advanced functions of standard World Bank technology packages.
• Excellent command of verbal and written English and German.
• Experience of development work either at field or HQ level is an advantage.
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.