External Affairs Officer

1818 H St NW, Washington, DC 20433
Posted on  

Job Description

Job #:
req29284

Organization:
World Bank

Sector:
External Affairs & Corporate Relations

Grade:
GF

Term Duration:
3 years 0 months

Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment

Location:
Washington, DC,United States

Required Language(s):
English

Preferred Language(s):

Closing Date:
10/1/2024 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC


Description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. Visit www.worldbank.org.

External and Corporate Affairs – Government Relations

ECR Government Relations manages relationships with key stakeholders, including government counterparts, parliament, civil society, private sector, media, academia, and international organizations in 28 donor countries world-wide, including the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and in Western Europe. As part of the World Bank’s External and Corporate Relations function in North America, ECRNA is responsible for leading the dialogue between the World Bank and authorities and stakeholders in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Israel.

Duties and Accountabilities

Government Relations:

The External Affairs Officer supports the Special Representative for the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Israel (ECRNA), providing analysis and advice to the ECR Government Relations (ECRGR) Director and WBG Senior Management on policy dialogue, development priorities and overall authorizing environment relative to the WBG mission in the ECRNA countries.

  • Closely monitors political/economic/budget developments in ECRNA countries and provides analysis on the ODA environment and other issues relevant to WBG. Collects intelligence and flags opportunities, risks, and sensitivities.
  • Prepares quality updates and briefing materials on U.S. and other ECRNA countries for the ECRGR Director and WBG Senior Management.
  • Helps to develop and implement individual ECRNA country relationship strategies in line with ECRVP’s overall engagement strategy for the WBG. These strategies help to guide efforts to build political and funding support for the WBG’s mission as well as outreach work to ensure a favorable authorizing environment for the WBG. Supports the implementation of key corporate priorities including IDA replenishments.
  • Supports development and implementation of crisis management strategies to address unforeseen issues of concern to U.S. and ECRNA constituencies as they arise, in collaboration with ECR’s Issues Management unit.
  • Supports missions to ECRNA countries by WBG Management by helping to develop a program of engagement with the government and other stakeholders and preparing necessary briefing materials.
  • Organizes speaking engagements, meetings and events involving Senior Bank Management in ECRNA countries. Conducts appropriate research, planning, development, implementation, and evaluation for these activities.
  • Strengthens ties with external partners and country stakeholders, including the private sector, think tanks and CSOs (working closely with ECR's Global Engagement team), and ensures coordinated outreach and communication with these groups.
  • Supports on other ad hoc duties as they arise.

Selection Criteria

  • A Master’s degree in relevant field with a minimum of 5 years of directly relevant experience OR a relevant Bachelor’s degree and about 13 years of relevant experience.
  • Superior analytical skills coupled with proven ability to communicate clearly and concisely in English, both verbally and in writing. Ability to extract essential elements from voluminous materials and to present them concisely and coherently in written and spoken form.
  • Understanding of U.S. Government, including knowledge of U.S. legislative procedure and experience working with Congress and/or the Administration strongly preferred.
  • Understanding of development aid policy, legislative process, and the political and economic context as well as an active network within the WBG’s authorizing environment in other ECRNA countries is a plus.
  • Strong overall knowledge of the WBG, its mission and strategy. Familiarity with the World Bank’s operations, policies, and procedures (project cycle and World Bank-financed projects) is an advantage.
  • Excellent diplomatic skills and sensitivity to the World Bank Group's internal and external relationships.
  • Independent and highly developed political judgment, and the ability to influence and develop consensus on difficult and controversial issues, balancing multiple stakeholder expectations and objectives.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and networking abilities.
Competencies
  • Client Orientation - Identifies and meets (internal or external) client/constituent needs; builds productive client/constituent relationships; delivers client-centric solutions; takes responsibility for ensuring client/constituent satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Drive for Results - Takes personal ownership and accountability to meet deadlines and achieve agreed upon results and has the personal organization to do so.
  • Teamwork and Inclusion - Values working in collaboration and respecting the views of others; understands differences in culture and values and the importance of including others’ views in achieving the strategic goals of the World Bank and its partners.
  • Knowledge, Learning, and Communication - Shares best practices, trends, knowledge, and lessons learned across units and with clients and partners, articulating ideas in a clear and compelling way across audiences of varied levels.
  • Business Judgment and Analytical Decision Making - Analyzes facts and data to support sound, logical decisions regarding own and others' work.

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.