External Affairs Associate

Job #: req36472
Organization: World Bank Group
Sector: External Affairs & Corporate Relations
Grade: GE
Term Duration:  4 years 0 months
Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment
Location: Geneva,Switzerland
Required Language(s): English
Preferred Language(s): French, German
Closing Date: 5/5/2026 (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 (WBG) provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The WBG 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
External and Corporate Relations
The Communications and External Relations Vice Presidency (CER) is an expert team of communication and external engagement advisors working with the World Bank Group leadership to secure political and financial support, as well as 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. We promote an integrated WBG story and protect our license to operate. 
Within CER, the Department of Global Engagement (CERGE) leads the institution’s global and multilateral engagements across UN and multilateral partners, civil society, think tanks, academia, philanthropy, faith-based organizations, alumni, and the private sector.  CERGE also oversees the external positioning and communications of the World Bank Development Finance Vice-Presidency, the Horizontals (Knowledge & Learning; Innovation and Outcomes) as well as Community and outreach programs.
The World Bank’s Geneva Office spearheads engagement with Geneva-based multilateral actors (including the UN system, WTO and other international organizations) and manages the day-to-day relationship with the Government of Switzerland and the broader Swiss authorizing environment. 
Duties and responsibilities 
The External Affairs Associate reports to the Special Representative to the UN and WTO and supports the Geneva Office’s work across two pillars: (a) Swiss bilateral relations management (Government of Switzerland and broader Swiss authorizing environment), and (b) multilateral engagement in International Geneva (UN system, WTO, and other Geneva-based organizations and processes). The role combines substantive research/briefing support with coordination, stakeholder engagement assistance, and operational/event support to help advance the World Bank Group’s strategic priorities in Geneva and Switzerland. 
The External Affairs Associate’s major responsibilities will include, but are not limited to the following:
Swiss bilateral relations 
• Support the Special Representative and Geneva Office colleagues in maintaining and deepening relationships with Swiss federal counterparts and other Swiss stakeholders (e.g., parliament, civil society, think tanks, private sector, academia), including through stakeholder mapping, meeting preparation, and follow-up. 
• Monitor and synthesize political/economic/budget developments and stakeholder positions relevant to World Bank Group priorities in Switzerland; maintain situational awareness and track opportunities/risks for engagement. 
• Support the preparation of senior management engagements with Swiss and Multilateral counterparts, including background notes, talking points, briefing books, and readouts. 
• Help plan and implement outreach activities in Geneva/Switzerland designed to build understanding and support for the World Bank Group’s mission and key initiatives, including content preparation and logistical coordination. 
Multilateral engagements in International Geneva 
• Support the Geneva Office’s representation and engagement with UN entities, WTO, and other Geneva-based international organizations, including tracking relevant agendas, meetings, and policy processes tied to World Bank Group institutional priorities. 
• Gather intelligence and draft concise policy/issue briefs, meeting briefings, background notes, and stakeholder updates for Geneva interlocutors and internal teams. 
• Support preparations for participation in official sessions, briefings, events, launches, and interagency meetings, including drafting key messages/talking points and compiling briefing materials. 
Cross-cutting / Delivery and office support
• Contribute to coordination across relevant CER and operational teams to ensure consistent messaging and effective follow-through on bilateral and multilateral priorities, including support to visiting HQ/country teams as requested.
• Help organize meetings and events: scheduling, outreach activities, note-taking/minutes, participant lists, and readouts; maintain stakeholder contact lists and an events calendar. 
• Assist with preparing presentations and materials for internal/external audiences, and support media/outreach-related tasks as they pertain to Geneva Office activities. 
• Work flexibly as part of a small team, providing surge support during peak periods (high-level missions, major conferences, etc). 

Selection Criteria

Education and experience

• Master’s degree in international affairs, political science, economics, development studies, communications/journalism, or related fields; with at least 2 years of experience commensurate with an associate role or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
Knowledge and skills
• Demonstrated understanding of International Geneva dynamics and/or the UN system and familiarity with the WTO/Geneva trade ecosystem (or proven ability to rapidly build such expertise). 
• Understanding of the Swiss authorizing environment and its relevance to Switzerland’s relationship with the World Bank Group; ability to map stakeholders and support relationship management. 
• Strong analytical and drafting skills: ability to distill complex issues into crisp briefings and insights; ability to monitor trends and synthesize implications for engagement. 
• Strong organizational skills: ability to manage multiple workstreams, prioritize under pressure, and deliver high-quality outputs on tight deadlines. 
• Strong interpersonal skills, discretion and diplomacy; ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and with stakeholders at all levels. 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. 
• High level of proficiency in advanced functions of standard World Bank technology packages, and strong “hands-on” coordination capability (events, logistics, stakeholder tracking, document production). 

Languages

• Excellent written and spoken English required; French strongly desirable; Knowledge of German is an asset.

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.

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