Jobs and Internships

Latin America Program Assistant (Washington, DC)

Job Description

The Bank Information Center (BIC) partners with civil society around the world to influence the World Bank and other international financial institutions (IFIs) to promote social and economic justice and ecological sustainability. BIC is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization that advocates for the protection of rights, participation, transparency, and public accountability in the governance and operations of the World Bank Group and regional development banks.  

We are looking for a sharp, energetic person with strong writing, communication, and organizing skills to help us in our ongoing campaign to strengthen social and environmental safeguards and ensure meaningful civil society participation in the design and implementation of the World Bank’s programs on Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD), which includes the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) and Forest Investment Program (FIP). BIC is currently the official NGO Observer for the FCPF. S/he will assist in writing regular updates on IFI REDD initiatives, communicating timely information and analysis to Latin American civil society partners, and organizing national/regional REDD workshops in the region.  Click here here for more information on our campaign.

The Latin America Program Assistant will be based in BIC’s Washington DC office, with occasional travel to the region. 

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Program Assistant will assist the Latin America Program Manager in planning and implementing various programmatic and administrative tasks related to BIC’s ongoing campaign, with focus on REDD activities.  These may include assistance in the following tasks:

Information sharing and capacity building

1. Obtain and disseminate to partners in Latin America timely documents and information on the operations of the FCPF & FIP.
2. Write and disseminate regular web updates/newsletters on IFI REDD initiatives in the region which would include latest information on design and implementation, ongoing civil society efforts, and opportunities to influence the process.
3. Organize regional/national level REDD workshops, possibly in Mexico, Colombia, or Central America. Workshops will be with relevant stakeholders, including forest communities, indigenous peoples, government officials and local NGOs, to conduct basic training, share information, and support advocacy planning.
4. Organize partner visits to Washington, DC to participate in FCPF meetings/negotiations and raise key concerns and interests with Bank staff and delegates.

Monitoring

5. Identify and work with partner organizations in Latin America REDD countries to monitor FCPF readiness activities to ensure transparency and broad participation.

Advocacy

6. Engage relevant staff of the World Bank to obtain latest information, relay specific CSO concerns, and advocate for CSO positions on the FCPF/FIP.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Strong interest in environmental and social justice, and good understanding of key concerns involving forestry, climate, and REDD issues.
2. Strong writing, communication, analytical, and organizing skills.  Experience in writing informational briefs and organizing workshops are a plus.
3. One to three years of experience in environment or development fields, preferably related to forest or climate policy advocacy. Direct field experience in Latin America is preferred.
4. Bachelor’s degree in relevant social science field.  Masters degree is a plus.
5. Ability to learn quickly and work with a diverse array of civil society groups, as well as with World Bank and U.S. government staff.
6. Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under tight deadlines.
7. Fluency in Spanish is required.

SALARY AND BENEFITS 

Salary will be $30,000 to $33,000 per year. BIC offers outstanding benefits including comprehensive health insurance, generous annual leave with pay, and a friendly work atmosphere in an international team. 

PROcESS

Send a cover letter explaining your interest in the position, a 1-2 page resume, and two writing samples to or by fax to 202-737-1155.  Write “LAC Assistant” on the subject heading.  Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Anticipated start date is March 1, 2010.  No phone calls please.  Due to capacity constraints, BIC will only reply to short-listed candidates.