Communications Officer – Media Relations – 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. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

IFC Corporate Communications

IFC’s Communications and Outreach Department is responsible for managing IFC’s communications and outreach strategy with a focus on the Corporation’s business priorities, including cross cutting themes. The Corporate Communications team is responsible for communicating the organization’s message and priorities with both internal and external audiences, with the goal of maximizing IFC’s reach and impact, aligning messages, and strategically targeting key audiences.

About the Role:

IFC is seeking a dynamic and skilled media relations practitioner to join our Corporate Communications team, with a specialized focus on tier-one financial media. Engaging with top-tier media is a critical component of IFC’s overall communications strategy. This role is essential in ensuring a strong public understanding of IFC’s work, elevating our brand, shaping our message on key corporate priorities, and supporting our partnerships with clients and stakeholders. The team’s media relations tasks encompass both daily engagement and outreach, as well as managing communications around highly sensitive topics and mitigating potential reputational risk. The successful candidate will work to identify and secure opportunities in leading broadcast media outlets to raise awareness about IFC’s work and highlight IFC as a leader in private sector investment in emerging markets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Media Strategy Development: Design and implement a comprehensive financial media engagement strategy aligned with organizational objectives.
• Proactive and Reactive Media Relations: Work closely with the Spokesperson to manage media relations initiatives, focusing on cultivating relationships – particularly with broadcast media outlets.
• Media Inquiries: Address questions and inquiries from the press, particularly from top-tier financial media. Work closely with the IFC multimedia studio team on live and recorded broadcast media interviews in the studio.
• Media Materials Development: Develop media-related materials, including press releases, pitches, talking points, Q&As, and reactive messaging/holding statements for external use. In addition, develop compelling stories for media that highlight IFC’s work, leveraging case studies, field visits and project results.
• Executive Media Positioning: Position and prepare IFC senior leadership for media opportunities.
• Press Events Management: Assist in planning and overseeing IFC press events, including media/journalist roundtables and press conferences, with a focus on financial media.
• Engage with non-traditional broadcast media like streaming services, social media platforms and podcasts.
• Story Pitching: Develop and proactively pitch story ideas for the institution and senior leadership, securing UK-based media interview opportunities and managing the interview process, including the development of pre-interview briefs/messaging/coaching.
• Issue Briefs and Research: Coordinate and develop issue briefs and research materials for major IFC flagship events and convenings (e.g., IMF/World Bank Group Annual Meetings).
• Risk Management: Analyze IFC risk issues and, in coordination with IFC’s Risk and Public Affairs team and World Bank Group counterparts, develop strategies and programs to mitigate risks and ensure accurate communications with the media.
• Crisis Communications – Assist in managing media inquiries during crisis or sensitive issues, ensuring timely and appropriate responses to protect IFC’s reputation.
• Media Monitoring and Analysis: Effectively manage tools to track and monitor relevant IFC media coverage (including on social media) and public sentiment, providing timely and reliable analysis to management, including outside of typical working hours when necessary.
• Actively advancing the integrated approach to communications across the World Bank Group, working seamlessly with colleagues in MIGA and World Bank media teams.

Selection Criteria

• Educational Background: Master’s degree in communications, Journalism, Political Science, International Relations, Public Affairs, Marketing, Business/Finance, or a related field, with 5+ years of experience in corporate communications, international relations, public affairs, or a related field.
• Strategic Thinker: Big picture thinker with strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills, while effectively maintaining attention to detail.
• Communication Skills: Excellent writing, editing, and research skills, with the ability to quickly produce quality, engaging, and crisp documents and presentations.
• Media Engagement Expertise: Strong knowledge of and practical experience in communications planning and implementation, including opinion research, media engagement, message targeting, and marketing communication.
• Financial Media Experience: Demonstrated experience presenting to and interacting with members of top-tier financial media, executive leaders, and a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Analytical Skills: Solid conceptual, research, and analytical skills, with the ability to think strategically and rapidly synthesize information from varied sources into concise conclusions and recommendations.
• Team Player: Demonstrated willingness to assist others and perform tasks necessary to help the team achieve its goals.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Ability to deal sensitively in a multi-cultural environment and build effective working relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Initiative and Judgment: High levels of initiative, judgment, and decisiveness in accomplishing tasks; proven ability to work independently; good time-management skills and an eye for detail; ability to work effectively under stress and juggle multiple tasks within tight deadlines.
• Interest in International Development: Interest in international development issues and an understanding of how communications can assist key audiences in meeting challenges.
• Diplomatic Skills: Strong diplomatic, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.

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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