Principal Communications Officer – Regional Lead – GH  

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.

Role and Responsibilities

The Principal Communications Officer and Lead for Northern Africa and the Horn of Africa, Eastern Africa and Southern Africa will be based in Nairobi, Kenya; will work closely with the Lead for Western and Central Africa, based in Dakar, Senegal; and  will report to the Regional Communications Manager, based in Paris, France.

The Principal Communications Officer will be responsible for:  

• Supervision and quality control: 

– Lead, structure, and manage an agile team of communications professionals to ensure effective delivery of a robust work program across a region that is geographically diverse.

– Oversee the development of issue briefs, stakeholder engagement plans, talking points and Q&As, and reactive messaging/holding statements for both internal and external use. Ensure each product meet WBG’s quality standards.

– Ensure consistency and harmonization across communications in Africa, identifying opportunities for regional narratives and approaches, where appropriate.

• Role of trusted advisor for operational team: 

– Build and nurture network of contacts with key audiences – media, corporate executives and business groups, civil society, academia, government agencies, World Bank and UN representatives.

– Provide strategic advice to the team and to internal clients on communications matters, leading efforts to identify/leverage opportunities for proactive, high-impact communications (reports, industry insights, multi-media packages, stories, notes, case studies, blogs) that helps positioning IFC/WBG and its projects with relevant audiences. 

– Work collaboratively and maintain dialogue with IFC’s operational teams (Regional Vice Presidents, Directors and Managers) to ensure that communications activities always support business development. 

– Actively participate in operational retreats and meetings to inform communications strategies.

• Special duties – Executive communications

– Serve as focal point for Regional Vice President’s communications: draft/review and sign off on communications materials for the RVP; actively explore opportunities to leverage the RVP’s voice to amplify IFC work and impact in the region; support the RVP’s internal engagement activities, including townhalls; serve as main liaison officer with the RVP’s Front Office; contribute from a communications perspective to strategic meetings and retreats convened by the RVP.

– Provide input and coordinate as needed to WBG counterparts while preparing high-level engagements and communications activities for WBG representatives

• Coordination and harmonization

– Implement and leverage relevant communications tools and work processes designed for the Communications and Outreach Department and the WBG Communications team.

– Actively participate in the regional management committee bringing together all regional leads under the leadership of the Regional Communications Manager. 

In collaboration with other communications units in IFC’s communications and outreach department the Principal Communications Officer will also be responsible for:

• Risk monitoring and mitigation:

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

– Support risk identification and mitigation activities.

– Coordinate proactive and reactive effective stakeholder engagement and timely responses to questions and concerns. 

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

• Corporate contributions:

– Contribute to the successful implementation of IFC’s overall Communications and Outreach strategy, ensuring that key themes of climate, gender, and private capital mobilization are reflected in Africa’s communications efforts.

– Actively support any mission or activity involving IFC’s Managing Director or management team in the region

– Coordinate with IFC’s Corporate Communications Unit on messaging, branding, and positioning.

– Actively explore joint communications opportunities with World Bank Group counterparts and support the Joint Country Representation initiative

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, International Relations, Public Affairs, Marketing, Business/Finance with 12-15 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 French. Other languages a plus.

• Strong understanding of main regional business trends and previous experience in the region.

• Strategic-thinking and ability to design and execute ambitious campaigns positively impacting stakeholders’ perceptions. 

• Ability to identify critical issues and turn them into concise messages for a variety of audiences.

• Understanding of IFC’s business model and private sector development issues and clear vision of how effective communications can support operational delivery. Understanding of WBG’s vision. 

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

• Experience in crisis communications and reputation management.

• Strong team and project management skills; ability to work in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment to create a common purpose to help team members deliver at their best. 

• Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills to operate with tact and discretion when appropriate and successfully manage relations with senior management.

• 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.

How cinfo Can Support You in the Application Process for This Position

• Application and Interview Preparation: Whether you’re preparing your application documents or getting ready for an interview, you can book a Job Application Support session to receive tailored guidance.
• For Swiss nationals invited to the first round of the selection process (e.g., written test, interview, assessment center): Notify us at [email protected], and we will inform our HR partners in the respective organization and the Swiss Government to help increase your visibility.