Description

The Europe and Central Asia External and Corporate Relations Unit (ECREX) manages strategic communications in support of the Bank’s work in Europe and Central Asia (ECA). In particular, the communications program is directed at building understanding and support for the work of the World Bank Group and ensuring the full spectrum of views and information is brought into the Bank’s decision-making. The mission of ECREX is to connect and engage with diverse stakeholders to communicate about the World Bank’s mission, promote an informed and evidence-based debate about development in the region, and enhance the Bank’s reputation as an effective development partner for countries in the region.

The World Bank Romania Country Office is seeking an experienced and dynamic communications professional who will work across all areas and instruments of the Romania and Hungary country programs to share knowledge, build partnerships, promote key dimensions of these programs, and “market” the results of the programs to internal and external audiences.

• Develop and execute a communication strategy to support the Bank’s work in Romania and that demonstrates Bank impact and results.
• Identify, facilitate, and maintain strategic partnerships with a cross-section of local and international partners, including with the government, the media, CSOs, academia, the international development community, and others.
• Manage media relations and broaden outreach opportunities with media based in Romania.
• Provide regular communications advice to the Country Manager and work closely with the EU regional team in Brussels, including the Country Director.
• Manage and provide support to major outreach efforts and launches in the region. Designs media and stakeholder engagement plans, coalition building strategies and key messages to position the World Bank on major issues/projects/initiatives and maintains effective relationships with key national and international audiences.
• Provide real-time insight and analysis of ongoing political developments, changes, and potential outcomes.
• Provide general advice to management and project teams on navigating client relations/responses during a reputational risk challenge.
• Prepare and oversee delivery of relevant communication briefing notes, PRs, Speeches, OpEDs/blogs, social media posts, web stories and talking points, etc.
• Provide advice and support for the review of operational documents and coordinate submission of communications inputs at relevant stages during the project cycle.
• Work with technical teams to increase the adoption of innovative and creative communications approaches with an emphasis on short, clear and concise messages.

Selection Criteria

• We require a relevant mix of education and experience: Master’s degree with 5 years of experience OR equivalent combination of education and experience in a relevant discipline (communication, journalism, international affairs, or other related fields).
• Experience working in an international environment and in-depth knowledge of international trends and political/economic issues related to development.
• Knowledge of, and experience working with the Romanian government and public institutions, ideally national and subnational, CSOs, think tanks and other key actors in Romania.
• An understanding of WBG operations and key corporate issues and priorities; up-to-date knowledge of current development topics and issues, and ability to identify communications and reputation-related risks and opportunities in an international environment.
• Demonstrated political awareness and ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and to otherwise cultivate effective, productive client relationships/partnerships. 
• Experience working with senior executives including experience of managing reputational risks and issues, messaging, stakeholder engagement, and media engagement; and ability to think strategically and rapidly analyze diverse information from varied sources.
• Excellent English and Romanian language skills and proficiency to write and edit complex communications products for purposeful structure, clarity of ideas, and logical, persuasive presentation, in an accessible way to different audiences.
• Demonstrated ability and the necessary personal organization skills to multitask, take initiative, personal ownership, and accountability to meet deadlines, work under pressure, and achieve agreed-upon results.
• Understanding of project management concepts sufficiently to propose and develop drafts of communications plans and strategies.
• Teamwork orientation with strong diplomatic and interpersonal skills, and sensitivity to working in a multicultural environment.

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.

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