External Affairs Officer

External Affairs Officer

Description

• 
  Provides strategic support to operations by embedding communications into the operations project cycle and reform processes and tells the story of the impact and results of World Bank support to its clients.
• Proactively works to strengthen strategic relationships and alliances with key influencers in civil society, media, academia, think tanks, Parliament, faith-based groups, labor groups, etc., to build political support for the WBG’s work in the region and in-country.
• Provides guidance, analysis, and advice as the trusted advisor to regional and country management teams to help position the Bank as the partner of choice, capitalize on opportunities to tell the development story, and collaborate with operational teams to manage risks.

• Responsible for planning, designing, and implementing strategies to promote effective communications with external and internal audiences on World Bank-financed operations, research products, and campaigns.
• Help determine the most effective content and communications interventions to address challenges.

• Responsible for planning and delivering a range of compelling products that tell the story of the World Bank's operational goals, results, and knowledge in EAP – ranging from press releases and Op-Eds to web features, documentary videos, brochures, Q&As, briefing notes, speeches, and updates to the country website and related World Bank social media channels.
• Produce and edit, as needed, ECREA's products, including press releases, op-eds, talking points, blogs, videos/multimedia products, and speeches, among others, and ensure that products are prepared and issued on time and to a high standard of quality. This involves assisting ECREA team members in country offices (and helping to build their capacity as needed).

• Provide advice and support to operational teams, as well as input throughout project cycles, including comments during project preparation.

• Identify stakeholders, opinion leaders, and influential organizations in EAP and guide a strategy of engagement with these stakeholders, which might range from media and parliamentarians to faith-based organizations to business associations.
• Responsible for convening stakeholder groups for consultations and structured dialogues around projects, knowledge outputs, and country development priorities, as well as regular press briefings and other ad hoc engagements.

• Develop content for impact stories.
• Monitor perceptions, track shifts in opinion, and respond to inquiries.
• Package facts about project goals, milestones, and impact.
• Provide political economy analysis including regular monitoring of the media.

Selection Criteria

• A Master's degree with 5 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience in a relevant discipline (communication, journalism, international affairs, or other related fields).
• Ability to demonstrate good judgment and prioritize multiple demands, often arising on short notice.
• Self-starter, quick learner, able to look around the corner; problem-solving and results mindset; track record of delivering high-quality work.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to speak persuasively and present ideas clearly and concisely; ability to write quickly/concisely on a variety of topics in a well-structured manner.
• Strong analytical and integrative skills; able to synthesize complex issues and substantial documentation into effective oral and written briefs.
• Understanding of the Bank Group's internal and external operating environment. Sound communications/stakeholder engagement experience, and solid understanding of Bank operations.
• High degree of ethics, discretion, tact, and sensitivity in dealing with others and in handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Demonstrated ability to work flexibly on a range of assignments, adjust to changes in schedule and priorities, juggle concurrent tasks, and work with very tight deadlines.
• Strong proclivity for teamwork including an open and collegial work style and a high energy level.
• Strong diplomacy skills and sensitivity to the WBG's internal and external relationships. Ability to exercise judgment, tact, and discretion, including in dealing with sensitive and confidential matters.
• Ability to analyze and synthesize complex issues and to communicate to others in a clear and concise way.
• Strong organizational skills, proven ability to perform multiple tasks, prioritize deliverables and work under pressure and tight deadlines with accuracy and professionalism.
• Ability to work both independently and in diverse teams.

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.