Program Officer Job #: req35425 Organization: World Bank Sector: Governance Grade: GF Term Duration: 3 years 0 months Recruitment Type: International Recruitment Location: Washington, DC,United States Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 2/5/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? The World Bank Group (WBG) is a unique global partnership of five institutions driven by a bold vision to create a world free of poverty on a living planet. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, we help solve the world’s greatest development challenges. When you join the World Bank Group, you become part of a dynamic, diverse organization with 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide. We work with public and private sector partners, invest in groundbreaking projects and use data, research, and technology to bring tangible and transformative change around the globe. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.
The over $12.5 billion Climate Investment Fund (CIF) is the pioneer multilateral fund, mobilizing low-cost finance for energy system transformation and sustainable development. Established in 2008, CIF is the only multilateral fund working exclusively through six AAA-rated multilateral development banks. In 2025, CIF became the first multilateral climate fund to access capital markets, unlocking $500 million in private sector capital with the CIF Capital Markets Mechanism (CCMM).
The CIF Secretariat hosted by The World Bank supports the work of the CIF governing bodies, including strategy and policy development as well as reporting; manages internal and external institutional relations as well as strategic partnerships; supports program development; delivers a large program of thought leadership, knowledge and learning work; is responsible for portfolio risk management and new private sector capital mobilization modalities and initiatives.
CIF funding, featuring high quality financing and high co-financing ratios, empowers developing countries, lowers risk, enables first-of-their-kind investments, and contributes to transformational change. www.cif.org
The CIF Secretariat is seeking a dynamic Governance Officer to support CIF's Governance portfolio. The successful candidate is expected to collaborate effectively with the Head of Governance and teams across the CIF Secretariat, as well as CIF's key stakeholders, including CIF partner Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), CIF contributors, recipient countries, and the CIF Trustee.
Duties and Accountabilities:
Governance Operations and Documentation
• Provide legal and policy analysis on CIF governance matters, advising on compliance with the CIF Hosting Arrangement, policies, governance frameworks, and operational documents
• Lead development, clearance, and quality control of documents for Trust Fund Committee (TFC) presentations, ensuring legal accuracy, policy compliance, and confidentiality requirements
• Draft and review decision text, technical governance papers, and policy documents for TFC consideration, providing legal and substantive input
• Serve as backup to the Head of Governance on legal and governance matters, providing advice on interpretation of CIF governance documents and applicable policies
• Maintain document management systems ensuring accessibility and compliance with disclosure policies
• Coordinate day-to-day governance operations, track document submissions, and manage stakeholder workflow
Stakeholder Relations and Communications
• Provide guidance and legal advisory support to MDBs on CIF policies, procedures, and governance requirements
• Support relationship management with CIF contributors, recipient countries, and TFC observers on governance and legal matters
• Prepare briefing materials, legal analyses, and technical governance papers
• Maintain effective working relationships with World Bank Legal, Governance, and other departments affecting CIF operations
Knowledge Management and Process Improvement
• Ensure governance and TFC documents are properly classified, filed and posted.
• Contribute to enhancement of CIF governance systems, processes, and legal frameworks
• Support institutional knowledge management, maintaining repository of governance decisions and legal precedents
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and streamlining efforts
• Develop materials for capacity building on CIF governance and compliance requirements
Selection Criteria
• Law degree (LL.B., J.D., or equivalent legal qualification recognized for practice) with a Master's degree in law, international law, or related legal field strongly preferred
• Minimum five years of relevant professional experience in legal advisory, governance, policy management, or related field in multilateral organizations or comparable institutions
• Strong legal analytical skills with ability to interpret complex governance frameworks, institutional agreements, and operational policies
• Experience providing legal or policy advisory support in international organizations, particularly on governance, compliance, or institutional arrangements
• Experience with document management, disclosure policies, and confidentiality requirements in legal or institutional contexts
• Proven ability to draft, review, and negotiate complex legal or policy documents
• Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines in a legal/advisory capacity
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to build trust and effective working relationships in a multicultural, multi-stakeholder environment
• Experience working with multilateral development banks or international financial institutions strongly preferred
• In-depth understanding of MDBs policies, procedures, and legal frameworks strongly preferred
• Proven ability to work independently with limited supervision, exercise initiative, and provide backup support to senior colleagues
• Experience working with virtual teams and international stakeholders, including use of online collaboration tools
• Demonstrated flexibility, sound judgment, and discretion in handling sensitive legal and governance matters
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.