External Relations Officer

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This vacancy is a local staff position with a local remuneration package. It is open only to nationals of ADB’s European member countries, or permanent residents in Germany.

Overview Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines and is composed of 68 members, 49 of which are from the Asia and Pacific region. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. ADB combines finance, knowledge, and partnerships to fulfill its expanded vision under its Strategy 2030.

ADB only hires nationals of its 68 members.

The position is assigned in the European Representative Office (ERO) in Frankfurt, Germany which is part of the Strategy, Policy and Partnerships Department (SPD) in the Headquarters. SPD provides ADB with strategic planning perspectives and direction, ensures policy and operations coordination, develops policies and business processes for sovereign and nonsovereign operations, supports allocation and monitoring of the use of operational resources, manages the implementation of development results and effectiveness, maintains institutional relations with the international development community and quality assurance of country partnership strategies, country operational business plans, and selected projects. SPD also has direct oversight functions for the three Representative Offices in Frankfurt, Tokyo and Washington DC.

ERO is tasked to build working relationships with ADB’s 17 European member governments, and other key European stakeholders, and to build public awareness and support for ADB and its work. ERO also builds relationships with multilateral institutions, mobilizes resources, acts as an information conduit and facilitates broader ADB outreach throughout Europe.

To view ADB Organizational Chart, please click here.

Job Purpose The External Relations Officer support ADB’s European Representative Office (ERO) to effectively communicate and engage with external stakeholders to raise understanding about ADB’s mission and help build multi-stakeholder support for ADB’s work in the Asia and Pacific region. An important link to promote ADB’s key messages to target audiences in Europe and strengthen and expand partnerships with key European stakeholders.

The incumbent will report to Representative ERO, designated International Staff, and senior National Staff, with functional oversight from the Department of Communications and Knowledge Management (DOCK). DOCK will provide inputs to the incumbent’s work program and performance review.

Responsibilities a. Stakeholder Relationships • Identifies and proactively supports the Representative to build relationships with key audiences including: top-tier local and international media, government officials, private sector, nongovernment organizations, development agencies, think-tanks/academia and other influential European constituencies. Undertake the necessary background research into partner organizations and make recommendations for follow-up to the Representative accordingly. • Facilitates the Representative’s engagement with key audiences, including through organization of ERO events, receptions and social occasions (e.g. official dinners), meetings, etc. as well as preparation of high quality correspondence with counterparts. • Supports the Representative to establish and maintain good relations and strong networks with the target audiences, particularly government agencies by:

b. Supporting ADB’s Media Relations Activities • Proactively develops close ties with European journalists/media representatives, maintains a database of key contacts for use by ERO and HQ; and promotes ADB activities and messages through the network. • Arranges interviews and other media engagement for ERO Representative, ADB Management and Senior Staff. • Develops and annually updates an external relations workplan for ERO. • Liaises with the Department of External Relations (DOCK) focal point/s on interview requests from European-based media and help organize media interviews in Europe. • Prepares, distributes, and monitors coverage of news releases and other relevant materials to support media outreach and provide public relations support as needed. • Organizes press conferences as required, e.g. for Management missions, product launches, etc.

c. Organizing Participation in External Events and Outreach Staff • Identifies and arranges high profile opportunities for the ERO Representative, ADB Management and Senior Staff to engage with leading European stakeholders, including conferences, summits etc. • Assists the ERO Representative to prepare for and participate in external events as needed (e.g. arranging bilateral meetings, taking meeting records, photographs). • Supports the ERO Representative, ADB Management and Senior Staff’s external relations and information dissemination activities in Europe, such as high-level visits, press tours, launch of flagship publications, road shows, major international conferences, seminars, and policy review meetings. • Liaises with DOCK in ensuring the consistency and coherence of ADB-wide external relations policy and strategy in Europe.

d. News Coverage Monitoring • Monitors daily media coverage in top-tier European press on developments relevant to ADB, and advises the DOCK and other concerned ADB departments and offices. • Provides DOCK regular news monitoring reports and media analyses on ADB’s profile in target media. • Gathers information from media, civil society organizations (CSO), governments, and other relevant sources on issues relevant to ADB, in particular on climate, to enhance and strengthen the relationship between ADB and its European member countries.

e. Content Development and Dissemination of Products and Information • Builds up an ERO photobank, systematically covering ERO activities and disseminates in newsletters, social and other media. • Publishes ERO promotional materials, in consultation with DOCK, as needed, to include videos, fact sheets, brochures. • Publishes periodic ADB ERO e-newsletters to share information about relevant developments in Europe and at ADB (internal and external) and builds up circulation. • Advises Representative on optimal ERO social media engagement, and assists Representative to ensure targeted and effective visibility; Monitors and measures coverage. • Arranges translation of selected ADB publications and public awareness materials into European languages. • Works with DOCK to maintain the ADB ERO website and updating regularly to reflect ERO priorities. • Prepares ERO content for internal communications products such as ADB Today and ADB Avenue.

f. Implementation of ADB’s Disclosure Requirements • Manages responses to public inquiries and implements the disclosure aspects of the Public Communications Policy (PCP) in close consultation with DOCK. • Ensures documents and information are made publicly available according to the PCP guidelines and that the PCP requirements are implemented. Advises ADB ERO staff on the disclosure requirements of the PCP.

g. Others • Performs other duties that may be assigned as reflected in the incumbent’s workplan.

Qualifications

Relevant Experience & Requirements • Bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations, public affairs, communications, journalism, or related fields preferably with advanced training. • At least 8 years of relevant work experience in a development bank, international organization, bilateral donor, government agency, journalism, public relations. • Proven ability to engage with government agencies and a solid understanding of the structures and processes of European governments, especially on development aid and economic issues. • Knowledge and understanding of European media and solid media contacts. • Knowledge of the operations of development banks and experience in the Asia Pacific region preferred. • Comprehensive knowledge and practical experience in planning, successfully implementing and measuring communications and outreach programs with defined objectives. • Strong analytical skills, especially regarding tracking of legislation and government policies, with the ability to think strategically, rapidly analyze and integrate information from diverse sources into conclusions and recommendations. • Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills in English. Ability to independently prepare effective write-ups and presentations drawing from ADB and external sources. • Ability to use standard Microsoft packages, graphics design, desktop publishing, and multimedia development software. • Resourcefulness, organizational skills and attention to detail. • Knowledge of German language also preferred. • Ability to guide Administrative Staff (AS) to facilitate work planning, delivery and quality review. • Advanced networking and interpersonal skills, ability to work within a multi-cultural environment, and proven ability to work both independently and as a member of a team. • Please refer to the link for ADB Competency Framework for National Staff level NS2.

General Considerations The selected candidate, if new to ADB, is appointed for an initial term of 3 years.

ADB offers competitive remuneration and a comprehensive benefits package. Actual appointment salary will be based on ADB’s standards and computation, taking into account the selected individual’s qualifications and experience.

ADB seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities to work in an inclusive environment. ADB encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities. Women are highly encouraged to apply.

Please note that the actual level and salary will be based on qualifications of the selected candidate.