The World Bank – Communications Officer (Editor).

Description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. Working with more than 2,000 businesses worldwide, we use our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in the toughest areas of the world. Visit http://www.ifc.org.

IFC’s Partnerships, Communications and Outreach Vice Presidency manages multilateral engagement and communications – both internal and external – across IFC. The Vice Presidency is responsible for content creation, branding, reputational risk management, relationships with shareholders in Western Europe and Japan, fundraising, and multilateral engagement.   

The Global Business Partners unit (CGB) coordinates the communications network across the regions where IFC operates. The network’s objectives include supporting IFC’s operations, strengthening IFC’s brand, and communicating its development impact to internal and external clients to demonstrate that IFC is the premier development institution focused on the private sector. The network promotes IFC’s thought leadership and a better understanding of the key role of the private sector in development. The network also helps manage reputational risks around IFC’s regional investments and policies. CGB is currently searching for a Communications Officer to focus on regional communications initiatives in the Africa and Middle East region. 

Role and Responsibilities: 

The Communications Officer will work in the Global Business Partners (CGB) Unit under the supervision of the Regional Communications Lead for Africa and the Middle East (AFR/MENA). His/her accountability is to be the main focal point for digital and print communications work across AFR/MENA to support the operations of the Regional Vice President (RVP), the Africa and Middle -East based Regional and Industry Directors, and other members of the AFR/MENA Regional Management and operational teams. He/she has overall responsibility for creating high-quality digital content for IFC online communication channels and external partner channels and for developing print products that highlight and promote IFC’s work across AFR/MENA.  

The Communications Officer will articulate compelling narratives on the development impact of IFC’s operations in AFR/MENA by working closely with IFC investment and advisory teams, regional strategists and economists, as well as with clients in the private and public sector. Under the supervision of the Regional Communications Lead for Africa and the Middle East, the Communications Officer will engage with country officers and investment and advisory teams, Regional Directors, Industry Directors, Regional Managers and other operational staff/management to conceptualize, write and/or commission high-quality content for use in editorial campaigns.  

He/she will work closely with other Communications Officers in IFC’s Partnerships, Communications and Outreach Vice Presidency, operational departments, as well as with the corresponding World Bank teams in the region. 

Specific responsibilities include, among others:

• Proactively develop creative and engaging feature and human-interest stories, op-eds, blogs, profiles, tweets, and other materials for internal and external publication.
• With guidance from the Regional Communications Lead, develop a digital communication strategy to support IFC’s operational targets in AFR/MENA.
• In close collaboration with the wider AFR/MENA regional communications team, develop a pipeline of blog posts and op-eds to support IFC AFR/MENA communication strategy and coordinate blog posting, including on IFC, WB and partner platforms.
• Work closely with the Campaigns and Content team to identify AFR/MENA stories and projects that support the Creating Markets and other corporate campaigns and work with the team to develop high-quality editorial and multimedia content.
• Develop and implement online campaigns to target key audiences, and measure success in achieving them, including integrating social media and other audience engagement tools where relevant.
• Develop editorial strategies to promote IFC thought leadership pieces.
• Develop content for and curate the monthly AFR/MENA internal newsletter.
• Supervise any social media consultant hired to maintain AFR/MENA’s social media channels.
• Review and monitor AFR/MENA’s digital properties for quality and timeliness, as well as for compliance with WBG editorial standards.

In addition to his/her editorial duties, the Communications Officer will support the wider regional communications team by taking on the following responsibilities as needed:

• In cooperation with industry and advisory teams, draft talking points for the RVP, Regional Directors and Industry Directors.
• Increase IFC’s presence in AFR/MENA in media and foster a better understanding of IFC’s work in AFR/MENA through developing media contacts and promoting newsworthy content and narratives in local, regional, international publications and digital platforms. 
•  Promote IFC’s brand externally by working closely with the Campaigns and Content and External Relations teams on key projects that demonstrate IFC’s development impact in AFR/MENA and beyond. 
• Work under the supervision of the Regional Communications Lead for Africa and the Middle East to monitor and evaluate reputational risks, including those identified via digital channels.

The Communications Officer will be based in Nairobi, Kenya. 

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, International Relations, Public Affairs, Marketing, Business/Finance with five or more years’ experience in corporate communications, international relations, public affairs, political science, or other related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. In addition, a degree in Business Administration and/or working experience in Investment Operations will be valued.    
• State-of-the art knowledge in the field of strategic communications, and ability to address a range of issues related to a business group, including taking the lead on highly visible and sensitive assignments.  
• Highly developed verbal and written communications skills, ability to convey complex messages succinctly and diplomatically. 
• Demonstrates an in-depth understanding of target audiences, highly effective writing style, and expertise in high-impact messaging to global audiences. 
• Crafts strategic, high-level company positioning in the market, and has a strong understanding of reputational risk and branding.  
• Has excellent working knowledge of digital media, including social media platforms and processes – particularly Facebook and Twitter – with experience in creating and sharing digital content.
• Shows sensitivity when delivering politically sensitive communication to large group/public forums and/or strategic parties.
• Effectively counsels /coaches team members, senior management in their delivery of messages to a variety of constituents, even on challenging topics. 
• Anticipates problems and opportunities; with potential problems, surfaces contributing factors and resolves them before there is negative impact.  
• Coaches others in selecting and using appropriate problem-solving methods. 
• Can proactively advise management on the implications and risks for IFC operations when choosing between certain communication strategies. Creates highly effective strategic vision and has sound judgement.
• Experience in working closely with senior leaders on communications and in dealing with media. 
• Proven ability to operate effectively in a multicultural environment. 
• Operational experience in Africa and the Middle East and knowledge of private sector development a prerequisite. 
• Understanding of multilateral development banks, including the World Bank Group, its policies and operations a plus, as well as basic understanding of current development topics and issues.
• Fluency in written and spoken English required.
• Fluency in written and spoken French desired.
  

Poverty has no borders. Neither does excellence. This is why we continually search for qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds from around the globe. 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.