Senior External Affairs Officer
Apply NowCompany: The World Bank Group
Location: Washington, DC 20011
Description:
Senior External Affairs Officer
Job #:
req32629
Organization:
World Bank
Sector:
External Affairs & Corporate Relations
Grade:
GG
Term Duration:
4 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment
Location:
Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s):
English
Preferred Language(s):
French
Closing Date:
4/16/2025 (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. Please visit www.worldbank.org.
External and Corporate Relations Vice-Presidency (ECR):
ECR is an expert team of communication and external engagement advisors working with WBG leadership to secure political and financial support and strengthen its role as a global leader in development. Our team manages the WBG's reputation and brand, focusing on relations with donors, clients, partners, key stakeholders, our senior management, and staff. ECR promotes an integrated WBG story and protects our license to operate.
The External Communications Africa Western and Central (ECRAW) unit, comprising professionals at World Bank Headquarters, country offices, and Europe, supports inclusive growth in Western and Central Africa. ECRAW employs diverse communication tools to build understanding and support for the region's development goals, covering traditional and online media, relationship building, and risk management. The team aligns with regional operations and the World Bank's External Affairs network, using state-of-the-art tools to disseminate information and connect with actors involved in ending poverty and boosting shared prosperity on a livable planet. Recognizing Africa's evolving socio-economic context, ECRAW leverages traditional and digital tools, to shape the narrative on development priorities.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Plan, develop and execute impactful communications and engagement strategies to build support for the World Bank's Western and Central Africa regional strategy and programs, including the ECRAW narrative, and sub-regional initiatives like the Sahel Alliance and CEMAC region's communication strategy.
Support the Manager of the ECRAW Unit in aligning corporate, regional, and country narratives ensuring a One WBG approach to messaging.
Coordinate communications strategies with Verticals and Cross-Cutting Solution Areas on relevant regional initiatives, supporting both verticals and horizontals, including on the Bank's Knowledge Agenda.
As one of the ECRAW Leads, coordinate a team of staff members and consultants in the region, and provide coaching, oversight and review of work of external affairs staff based in the field. This includes ensuring quality control through writing, editing, and reviewing communication products.
Lead on special initiatives and impactful campaigns such as Mission 300, as well as coordinate within and beyond WBG Teams to deliver on the WBG's Jobs as a pathway to prosperity agenda.
Conceptualize, create and disseminate communication products (e.g., op-eds, speeches, news releases, Q&As, presentations, briefing notes, online and social media content) about the WBG Western and Central Africa Region's policies and programs.
Proactively seek opportunities through outreach and forge strategic partnerships with stakeholders and media to improve dialogue and understanding of WBG's activities in the AFW region, and to improve and protect the WB's brand.
Track and analyze current events, political developments, public opinion and other internal or external developments related to the WBG's work streams to identify and mitigate risks, including developing crisis communication strategies.
Advise management and teams on trends and risks impacting the WBG, providing strategic communication guidance for high-risk projects and reputational issues. Support planning and coordination across multiple WBG teams of high-level management visits, regional flagship report launches and other high-profile events and initiatives, conferences and seminars, and press briefings and other communications-related activities like speeches for senior management, news releases, web stories, talking points, presentations or other publications, multimedia products, and background documents involving external and/or internal audiences.
Assist the Directors, Managers, Advisors, and other AFW members in representing the region at key global events like COP and UNGA, and in corporate programs and special initiatives.
Mentor and coach junior staff within and across the unit.
Ensure quality control through writing, editing, and reviewing communication products.
Selection Criteria
"Master's degree with 8 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience in a relevant discipline (communications, journalism, international affairs, or other related fields)"
A thorough 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-related risks and opportunities in an international environment.
Experience in communicating complex technical concepts in a clear, compelling and concise manner and constructing messages that are accessible to a range of audiences. Experience in regional integration is appreciated.
Solid analytical skills on international, regional and multilateral political economy and development related issues which impact WBG's work.
Proficiency in written and spoken English and French, and the ability to convey complex ideas in a creative, clear, direct, and lively style in both languages.
Demonstrated experience working in diverse settings and leading a multicultural team with strong diplomatic, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
Capacity to multitask, take initiative, personal ownership, and accountability to meet deadlines, work under pressure, and achieve objectives and deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to function as a team player, within and across teams, and deliver on complex and sometimes parallel tasks on very tight deadlines. Experience working with cross-functional teams.
Experience working in Africa, with a strong country experience; experience working on humanitarian, development and security contexts would be considered a plus.
Proven expertise in reputation risk management and managing large-scale campaign-style media and stakeholder engagement plans, coalition building strategies and key messages to position the World Bank externally by working across various verticals, with a strong emphasis on knowledge management, developing strategic partnerships, and leveraging Bank resources like the Corporate Scorecard to evolve our work and create impact
Competencies
Communication Strategy and Execution in International Development: Capacity to lead the planning, development, and execution of an overall communication strategy by coordinating communication across teams. Leads research efforts to identify and map project stakeholders or intended audiences; leads media and audience outreach, identify audience needs. Works well across multiple teams spread across time zones and geographies to implement communication strategies in diverse, complex and sensitive contexts.
Broad Business Thinking: Capable of distilling an in-depth understanding of the long-term implications of decisions, both for the Western and Central African Region, ECR and for the Bank. Involve key players in identifying operational needs, challenges and immediate solutions. Ensure that decisions are supported by relevant stakeholders and can explain the business case for decisions.
Client Understanding and Advising: Looks at issues from the client's perspective and advocates for clients. Works with others across the VPU to define client needs and develop the best approaches to meet them. Focuses on achieving sustainable results for clients and proposes solutions to mitigate risks.
Content Development and Editing: Takes responsibility for the development of content for dissemination at the regional level as well as at the country level. Can ensure the development of communications products meeting WBG standards on structure, clarity, and persuasiveness.
Reputational Risk and Knowledge Management for Impact: Leverage Bank resources and channels to create impactful cross-sectoral large-scale campaigns, whilst positioning the Bank as a strong financial, technical and knowledge partner within the region, whilst mitigating and managing risk, to maximize audience engagement using innovative communication tools.
Relationship Management, Political Awareness and Diplomacy: Build strategic relationships with critical internal and external constituencies, foster partnerships to strengthen support for development objectives and mitigate reputational risks. Maintain and leverage high-level communication networks and contacts within key constituencies.
Lead and Innovate: Contributes new insights into development challenges and fashions solutions to complex problems. Adapts as circumstances require. Encourages and works with others to identify, incubate and implement relevant solutions.
Collaborate Within Teams and Across Boundaries: Appropriately involves others in decision-making and communicates with key stakeholders with a commitment to a One WBG. Actively seeks and considers diverse ideas and approaches, displaying a sense of mutuality and respect.
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.
Job #:
req32629
Organization:
World Bank
Sector:
External Affairs & Corporate Relations
Grade:
GG
Term Duration:
4 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment
Location:
Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s):
English
Preferred Language(s):
French
Closing Date:
4/16/2025 (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. Please visit www.worldbank.org.
External and Corporate Relations Vice-Presidency (ECR):
ECR is an expert team of communication and external engagement advisors working with WBG leadership to secure political and financial support and strengthen its role as a global leader in development. Our team manages the WBG's reputation and brand, focusing on relations with donors, clients, partners, key stakeholders, our senior management, and staff. ECR promotes an integrated WBG story and protects our license to operate.
The External Communications Africa Western and Central (ECRAW) unit, comprising professionals at World Bank Headquarters, country offices, and Europe, supports inclusive growth in Western and Central Africa. ECRAW employs diverse communication tools to build understanding and support for the region's development goals, covering traditional and online media, relationship building, and risk management. The team aligns with regional operations and the World Bank's External Affairs network, using state-of-the-art tools to disseminate information and connect with actors involved in ending poverty and boosting shared prosperity on a livable planet. Recognizing Africa's evolving socio-economic context, ECRAW leverages traditional and digital tools, to shape the narrative on development priorities.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Plan, develop and execute impactful communications and engagement strategies to build support for the World Bank's Western and Central Africa regional strategy and programs, including the ECRAW narrative, and sub-regional initiatives like the Sahel Alliance and CEMAC region's communication strategy.
Support the Manager of the ECRAW Unit in aligning corporate, regional, and country narratives ensuring a One WBG approach to messaging.
Coordinate communications strategies with Verticals and Cross-Cutting Solution Areas on relevant regional initiatives, supporting both verticals and horizontals, including on the Bank's Knowledge Agenda.
As one of the ECRAW Leads, coordinate a team of staff members and consultants in the region, and provide coaching, oversight and review of work of external affairs staff based in the field. This includes ensuring quality control through writing, editing, and reviewing communication products.
Lead on special initiatives and impactful campaigns such as Mission 300, as well as coordinate within and beyond WBG Teams to deliver on the WBG's Jobs as a pathway to prosperity agenda.
Conceptualize, create and disseminate communication products (e.g., op-eds, speeches, news releases, Q&As, presentations, briefing notes, online and social media content) about the WBG Western and Central Africa Region's policies and programs.
Proactively seek opportunities through outreach and forge strategic partnerships with stakeholders and media to improve dialogue and understanding of WBG's activities in the AFW region, and to improve and protect the WB's brand.
Track and analyze current events, political developments, public opinion and other internal or external developments related to the WBG's work streams to identify and mitigate risks, including developing crisis communication strategies.
Advise management and teams on trends and risks impacting the WBG, providing strategic communication guidance for high-risk projects and reputational issues. Support planning and coordination across multiple WBG teams of high-level management visits, regional flagship report launches and other high-profile events and initiatives, conferences and seminars, and press briefings and other communications-related activities like speeches for senior management, news releases, web stories, talking points, presentations or other publications, multimedia products, and background documents involving external and/or internal audiences.
Assist the Directors, Managers, Advisors, and other AFW members in representing the region at key global events like COP and UNGA, and in corporate programs and special initiatives.
Mentor and coach junior staff within and across the unit.
Ensure quality control through writing, editing, and reviewing communication products.
Selection Criteria
"Master's degree with 8 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience in a relevant discipline (communications, journalism, international affairs, or other related fields)"
A thorough 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-related risks and opportunities in an international environment.
Experience in communicating complex technical concepts in a clear, compelling and concise manner and constructing messages that are accessible to a range of audiences. Experience in regional integration is appreciated.
Solid analytical skills on international, regional and multilateral political economy and development related issues which impact WBG's work.
Proficiency in written and spoken English and French, and the ability to convey complex ideas in a creative, clear, direct, and lively style in both languages.
Demonstrated experience working in diverse settings and leading a multicultural team with strong diplomatic, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
Capacity to multitask, take initiative, personal ownership, and accountability to meet deadlines, work under pressure, and achieve objectives and deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to function as a team player, within and across teams, and deliver on complex and sometimes parallel tasks on very tight deadlines. Experience working with cross-functional teams.
Experience working in Africa, with a strong country experience; experience working on humanitarian, development and security contexts would be considered a plus.
Proven expertise in reputation risk management and managing large-scale campaign-style media and stakeholder engagement plans, coalition building strategies and key messages to position the World Bank externally by working across various verticals, with a strong emphasis on knowledge management, developing strategic partnerships, and leveraging Bank resources like the Corporate Scorecard to evolve our work and create impact
Competencies
Communication Strategy and Execution in International Development: Capacity to lead the planning, development, and execution of an overall communication strategy by coordinating communication across teams. Leads research efforts to identify and map project stakeholders or intended audiences; leads media and audience outreach, identify audience needs. Works well across multiple teams spread across time zones and geographies to implement communication strategies in diverse, complex and sensitive contexts.
Broad Business Thinking: Capable of distilling an in-depth understanding of the long-term implications of decisions, both for the Western and Central African Region, ECR and for the Bank. Involve key players in identifying operational needs, challenges and immediate solutions. Ensure that decisions are supported by relevant stakeholders and can explain the business case for decisions.
Client Understanding and Advising: Looks at issues from the client's perspective and advocates for clients. Works with others across the VPU to define client needs and develop the best approaches to meet them. Focuses on achieving sustainable results for clients and proposes solutions to mitigate risks.
Content Development and Editing: Takes responsibility for the development of content for dissemination at the regional level as well as at the country level. Can ensure the development of communications products meeting WBG standards on structure, clarity, and persuasiveness.
Reputational Risk and Knowledge Management for Impact: Leverage Bank resources and channels to create impactful cross-sectoral large-scale campaigns, whilst positioning the Bank as a strong financial, technical and knowledge partner within the region, whilst mitigating and managing risk, to maximize audience engagement using innovative communication tools.
Relationship Management, Political Awareness and Diplomacy: Build strategic relationships with critical internal and external constituencies, foster partnerships to strengthen support for development objectives and mitigate reputational risks. Maintain and leverage high-level communication networks and contacts within key constituencies.
Lead and Innovate: Contributes new insights into development challenges and fashions solutions to complex problems. Adapts as circumstances require. Encourages and works with others to identify, incubate and implement relevant solutions.
Collaborate Within Teams and Across Boundaries: Appropriately involves others in decision-making and communicates with key stakeholders with a commitment to a One WBG. Actively seeks and considers diverse ideas and approaches, displaying a sense of mutuality and respect.
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.