Communications Officer

Contract

This is a World Bank Group grade: GF contract. More about World Bank Group grade: GF contracts.

Communications Officer

Description

IFC—a member of the World Bank Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2022, IFC committed a record $32.8 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

The Office of the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) is the independent accountability mechanism for the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), members of the World Bank Group, reporting directly to the IFC and MIGA Boards. CAO’s mandate is to facilitate the resolution of complaints from people affected by IFC and MIGA projects, enhance environmental and social project outcomes, and foster public accountability and learning to enhance IFC’s and MIGA’s performance.

CAO’s Communications Team – Communication and outreach are integral activities that support CAO’s work and strategic engagement with internal and external stakeholders. CAO’s Communications Team is responsible for developing communications and outreach strategies; producing and publishing CAO reports, publications, newsletters, multimedia, and other materials; organizing outreach and training events; handling press inquiries; promoting CAO’s value and thought leadership; and supporting CAO’s effective engagement with complainants, IFC and MIGA staff, the Board, civil society, private sector, the Independent Accountability Mechanisms network, and other institutions.

Roles and Responsibilities

CAO seeks a dynamic and experienced communications professional to work in a small team focused on environmental and social accountability and grievance redress in relation to private sector development. Strong editing, writing, and creative skills are an important part of the job, as is an ability to engage diverse stakeholders and forge partnerships. Reporting to CAO’s Head of Communications, and working closely with the Communications Analyst and Communications Consultant, the Officer will have a range of responsibilities including, but not limited to the following:

• Provide communications guidance and support to CAO teams (dispute resolution, compliance, and advisory), editing and proofing reports, drafting case communiques and press releases, developing content and messaging for presentations, talking points, and information materials, and helping document and communicate case outcomes.

• Manage CAO publications pipeline, advising teams on the development of new products, planning and overseeing production and dissemination of advisory work, good practice publications, case studies, and toolkits, and provide editorial advice to CAO staff, as needed.

• Support CAO’s reporting to internal and external stakeholders, advising on featured content, helping draft content, providing editing support, quality control, and overseeing the production schedule to ensure timely delivery of products.

• Manage production of CAO’s Annual Report from initial concept through to final product, working with the Leadership Team to develop an outline and lead content generation and production of the report in print and digital formats.

• Design and implement outreach and training events to increase understanding of CAO with internal and external stakeholders, including civil society organizations, IFC and MIGA staff and other stakeholders, including collaboration with the IFI independent accountability mechanisms (IAMs).

• Promote and steer development of compelling CAO content on internal and external digital platforms, including CAO’s website, social media channels, intranet, and IFC/MIGA/World Bank sites and blogs, that communicates CAO’s impact, improves awareness of CAO, and expands CAO’s audience reach.

• Work closely with the communications analyst and consultant in writing creative and engaging feature and human-interest stories, blogs, profiles, and other materials for internal and external publication.

• Stay abreast of reports about CAO or issues of relevance to CAO in specific countries, regions, and sectors of relevance to CAO’s work, develop knowledge of IFC’s and MIGA’s strategic priorities, portfolios, and policies, and track high-risk projects to inform CAO’s communications and outreach strategies.

• Coordinate with IFC/MIGA/World Bank Group communications staff and develop working relationships to build awareness and understanding of CAO.

• Guide and mentor communications staff and consultants, and support Head of Communications with planning, quality control, and oversight of communications tools and products.

• Be available to travel to countries/regions where CAO has casework to document outcomes and generate communications products or for the conduct of outreach activities.

• Support budget planning and management, and contractual relationships with vendors.

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, International Relations, Public Affairs, Marketing, Business/Finance with 7-10 years’ experience in corporate communications, international relations, public affairs, environmental and social sustainability, corporate social responsibility, stakeholder engagement, accountability, or other related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Highly developed written and verbal communications skills, able to communicate with independence, sensitivity, and tact, and convey complex messages succinctly and diplomatically.

• Track record of synthesizing complex technical material, particularly on environmental and social topics, in a clear, concise, and accessible style.

• Experience producing Annual Reports, Sustainability Reports or similar high-profile corporate publications.

• In-depth understanding of target audiences, highly effective writing style, and expertise in high-impact messaging to diverse stakeholders.

• Strong understanding of reputational risk and branding

• Adept at developing and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders and collaborating effectively/building partnerships within institutions and externally.

• Experience developing outreach and stakeholder engagement strategies, and leading planning and executive of internal and external outreach and training events, particularly with civil society organizations.

• Excellent working knowledge of digital media, including managing websites and social media platforms and processes, particularly Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn – with experience in creating and sharing compelling digital content and increasing engagement with stakeholders.

• Experience in working closely with senior leaders on communications and dealing with press and media

• Excellent interpersonal skills, able to work in a small, diverse team with ethics and integrity at the forefront of the work.

• Anticipates problems and proactive in formulating appropriate communications strategies and solutions to address them.

• Effectively mentors other communications staff and coaches team members on their delivery of messages to a variety of stakeholders.

• Excellent planning and project management skills, impeccable attention to detail, and able to support effective quality control of multiple communications channels and products.

• Self-motivated in reaching deadlines, flexible, and able to multitask.

• Understanding of multilateral development banks, including IFC and MIGA, their Sustainability Frameworks and operations a plus, as well as an understanding of independent accountability mechanisms, grievance redress, stakeholder engagement, and current development topics and issues. Communications experience in an international organization preferred.

• Fluency in written and spoken English required, and ability to work in other languages preferred.

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.