Communications Officer – GF

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. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet.

 

Context of the Position

Are you passionate about having an impact on people’s lives and contributing to solving some of the world’s greatest development challenges? Do you believe that the private sector can provide practical and efficient responses to South Asia’s economic issues and play a vital role in generating growth and jobs and improving the quality of life for people? Then consider this opportunity.

We are looking for a Communications Officer to join our Regional Communications team and cover Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. Responsibilities focus on developing and executing communications strategies, in line with business priorities agreed for each market. In addition to being a good team player, the right candidate will be highly organized, detailed-oriented with strategic-thinking skills to recommend best communications approaches in countries experiencing important social, political, and economic transformations. The selected candidate will be a trusted advisor for the Country Manager and able to travel as needed to effectively perform the role.

The Communications Officer will be an integral member of the Regional Communications team. The Regional Communications Unit is part of the Communications and Outreach Department and works closely with the Corporate and Industry Communications Units and Reputational Risk and Issues Management team to advance business development and communicate IFC’s impact. Regional Communications Officers engage with all IFC stakeholders – companies and businesses, development partners, civil society, and others, to promote projects that showcase IFC’s leadership and innovation as the premier partner of choice for the private sector in emerging and developing economies. The Regional Communications Unit also collaborates regularly with counterparts within the World Bank Group. 

 

Roles and Responsibilities

The Communications Officer – Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal will be based in Dhaka, Bangladesh and will report to the South Asia Communications Lead based in New Delhi, India. The selected candidate will work closely with the consultants supporting the cluster and the rest of the South Asia team.  Responsibilities include:

Advice and strategic networking

•  Build and nurture network of contacts with key audiences – media, corporate executives, civil society, donor representatives, academia and think-tanks, government bodies, the World Bank Group, and other international organizations as needed

•  Provide strategic advice to the team and to internal clients on communications matters; identify/leverage opportunities for proactive, high-impact communications that help position IFC and its projects with relevant audiences

•  Advise IFC teams on trends, news, or changing/unexpected circumstances that may impact IFC and its work and help determine strategic responses

•  Drive and oversee strategic communications partnerships to amplify IFC’s voice, notably by positioning the Country Manager

•  Respond to routine and non-routine inquiries about IFC’s operations to enhance two-way communications and dialogue

•  Work collaboratively and maintain dialogue with IFC’s operational teams to ensure that communications activities always support business development. 

 

Messaging, products, and events

•  Conceptualize and supervise the preparation, production, and dissemination of communication products (stories of impact, news releases, op-eds, blog posts, speeches, presentations, briefing notes, online and social media content, thought leadership pieces, issue briefs, talking points, presentations, Q&As, and reactive messaging/holding statements) for both internal and external use, as well as client-facing collaterals and internal staff engagement content

•  Oversee communication activities around IFC-organized events and other public engagement opportunities

 

Risk monitoring and mitigation

•  Follow up, in close coordination with relevant World Bank Group colleagues, on economic and social trends and issues affecting the business climate in the region. Provide insights to regional and communications management

•  Support risk identification and mitigation activities

•  Coordinate proactive, effective stakeholder engagement and timely responses to questions and concerns

•  Advise specific internal and external stakeholders on managing responses in challenging circumstances

 

Coordination, quality control, and resource management

•  Manage consultants providing communications support in Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. Identify and manage external vendors such as video producers, photographers, graphic designers, and writers

 

Selection Criteria

•  Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, International Relations, Public Affairs, Marketing, Business/Finance with 8-10 years of experience in corporate communications, international relations, government relations, public affairs, political science, or another related field. 

•  Strong verbal and written communications skills as a fluent speaker in English and Bengali. Other languages relevant to the cluster a plus

•  Demonstrated media managements experience and ability to quickly activate or develop personal networks of contacts (including media, influencers, opinion leaders, and corporate communications executives) if selected for the role

•  Knowledge of design tools (Adobe InDesign, Photo Shop, Canva), website design, content management, and media and social media monitoring tools (Hootsuite, Talkwalker) is a distinct plus

•  Knowledge of national, regional, and international trends; demonstrated political awareness, and ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences

•  Experience in crisis communications and reputation management a plus

•  Self-motivated, creative, excellent organizational skills, proven ability to perform multiple tasks, and ability to work with both internal and external constituencies

•  Excellent interpersonal skills with a willingness to work in a team environment

•  Exceptional ability to operate under tight deadlines with accuracy and professionalism

•  Ability to manage own schedule, work with different time-zones and a self-starter

•  Understanding of multilateral development institutions, including the World Bank Group, its policies, and operations; as well as current development topics and issues

•  WBG Core competencies: client orientation; drive for results; teamwork of collaboration and inclusion; knowledge, learning and communication; business judgement and analytical decision-making

 

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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