Communications Officer – Industry Support – GF

IFCa member of the World Bank Groupis 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. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

Context of the Position

Are you passionate about making a difference in people’s lives and addressing some of the world’s greatest development challenges? Do you believe the private sector can drive growth, create jobs, and improve the quality of life in emerging markets? If so, consider this opportunity.

We are seeking a Communications Officer to join the India Communications Team, part of IFC’s Regional Communications Unit in the Communications and Outreach Department, with a focus on Indian markets. The position will report to the South Asia Senior Communications Officer and focus on providing sector-specific communications support for industries such as Financial Institutions Group (FIG), Disruptive Technology and Funds, and others.

The role involves developing and executing communications strategies tailored to specific industries, positioning IFC as the leading business and development partner of choice for private sector development in emerging markets. The ideal candidate will be a strong team player who is highly organized, detail-oriented, and skilled in strategic thinking and writing. The ability to build and maintain networks with key stakeholdersincluding media, think tanks, experts, and influencersis essential. The role requires travel within India and occasionally to other regions to fulfill assignments.

As part of the Regional Communications team, the Communications Officer will work closely with IFC operations, the Corporate and Industry Communications Units, and the Reputational Risk and Issues Management team to advance business development and communicate IFC’s impact. Regional Communications Officers engage with a wide range of stakeholders to promote projects that highlight IFC’s leadership and innovation as the premier partner for private sector development in emerging and developing economies. The team also collaborates regularly with counterparts across the World Bank Group.

Roles and Responsibilities

Advice and Strategic Networking

• Build and nurture a network of contacts with key audiences, including media, private sector players, government bodies, donor representatives, academia, think-tanks, and other international organizations as needed.

• Provide strategic advice to internal clients on communications matters related to FIG, Disruptive Tech, and other assigned sectors.

• Identify and leverage opportunities for proactive, high-impact communications that help position IFC and its projects with relevant audiences.

• Engage with Mumbai-based media outlets, including financial journalists and trade publications, to amplify IFC’s impact in assigned sectors.

Messaging, Products, and Events

• Develop regional narratives for FIG, Disruptive Tech, and other assigned sectors, in coordination with industry experts and global industry communications teams.

• Write high-profile materials such as speeches, talking points, op-eds, and presentations, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities and key regional narratives.

• Prepare, produce, and finalize sector-specific news releases, blog posts, speeches, presentations, briefing notes, and content.

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee communications activities for sector-specific events, including conferences, workshops, and roundtables, in coordination with operational event leads.

Reputational Risk Monitoring and Mitigation

• Serve as focal points on industry-related reputational risks; as such, master reputational risk mitigation processes; lead on communications plans for most sensitive risks; advise internal clients on managing responses in challenging circumstances.

• Monitor reputational risk issues in Indian and global media, and in publications by Indian CSOs and think-tanks, in close coordination with World Bank Group colleagues.

• Work closely with the Reputational Risk and Issue Management Unit and World Bank Group Colleagues on reputational risk issues and to manage relationships with Indian CSOs; build and implement proactive CSO engagement where/when relevant, to understand arising trends and issues which could affect operations

Coordination and Resource Management

• Collaborate closely with the Delhi-based Communications Officer to ensure seamless coverage of all sectors and avoid duplication of efforts.

• Establish regular check-ins and shared reporting mechanisms to ensure seamless coordination.

• Manage consultants providing communications support such as video producers, photographers, graphic designers, and writers.

• Actively explore joint activities with other communications teams of the World Bank Group (WBG), under supervision of South Asia Senior Communications Officer

Internal Support and Travel

• Provide internal communications support to IFC teams in Mumbai, including advising on trends and strategic responses.

• Travel as needed to engage with stakeholders, attend events, and support communications activities in Mumbai and other regions.

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree in communications, journalism, political science, international relations, public affairs, marketing, business/finance, or a related field.

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in corporate communications, international relations, public affairs, or related fields.

• Proven experience in digital communications and impactful content creation, including creating visually engaging multimedia content. Knowledge of relevant social media tools (Canvas, Hootsuite, etc.) is a plus.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage relationships with senior executives, industry experts, and operational teams.

• Demonstrated experience in reputation management and crisis communications.

• Experience with/exposure to the private sector, particularly in industries such as finance, infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, or agribusiness.

• Demonstrated ability to manage relationships with journalists and media outlets in Mumbai, ensuring consistent and impactful coverage of IFC’s work.

• Proven ability to think strategically, analyze diverse information, and develop impactful communications strategies for targeted audiences.

• Knowledge of development challenges in South Asia and India, including private sector dynamics and regional priorities.

• Excellent project-management skills, including event organization and campaign design, execution, and measurement.

• Fluency in English and Hindi (required); Marathi proficiency is a plus.

• Highly developed verbal and written communications skills, with the ability to convey complex messages succinctly and diplomatically.

• Ability to operate under tight deadlines with accuracy and professionalism.

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

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of Urgency – Anticipating and quickly reacting to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful Risk Taking – Taking informed and thoughtful risks and making courageous decisions to push boundaries for greater impact.
3. Empowerment and Accountability – Engaging with others in an empowered and accountable manner for impactful results.

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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