External Affairs Officer - ECR Infrastructure
Apply NowCompany: The World Bank Group
Location: Washington, DC 20011
Description:
External Affairs Officer - ECR Infrastructure
Job #:
req32770
Organization:
World Bank
Sector:
Communications
Grade:
GF
Term Duration:
4 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment
Location:
Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s):
English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date:
4/21/2025 (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. For more information, 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.
Infrastructure Vice Presidency
Globally, one billion people live more than 2 kilometers from all-weather roads, 685 million people lack electricity, and nearly 4 billion people lack Internet access. Access to basic infrastructure services is critical for creating economic opportunities for the poor. The Infrastructure Vice Presidency (INF) within the World Bank is charged with developing sustainable solutions to help close infrastructure gaps in developing and emerging economies. INF currently consists of four Global Departments: Energy & Extractives; Transport; Urban, Resilience and Land, and Infrastructure Finance. It oversees the Bank's work across energy and transport sectors, urban development, as well as efforts to promote energy transition, low-carbon transportation, livable cities, disaster risk resilience, land management, and quality infrastructure services through public-private partnerships. Infrastructure represents around $110 billion of the Bank's portfolio. For more information: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/infrastructure.
Roles and Responsibilities: External Affairs Officer, ECR Infrastructure
This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing and dynamic team and work across a range of global infrastructure programs on high profile initiatives which are integral to achieving the World Bank's goals. The External Affairs Officer will report to the ECR Manager for Infrastructure (ECRIN).
The External Affairs Officer will work very closely with the Transport and Infrastructure Finance Global Departments. They will also play an important role in coordinating a digital presence and strategy across all ECR Infrastructure channels, in line with the new content development strategy being set by ECRVP.
The External Affairs Officer will oversee:
External Affairs:
Build/nurture a network of contacts with key audiences, including media, civil society, academia, client government agencies, the World Bank Group, and other international organizations, as needed.
Provide strategic advice to the technical team and internal clients on communications matters, leading high-impact communications that help position the World Bank in the infrastructure space, including its project results and knowledge work (including ASAs) with relevant audiences.
Coordination and Harmonization:
Work effectively with the technical colleagues in various Global Departments, especially the Transport and Infrastructure Finance, on identifying subject matter and materials for communications. These can highlight program results, significant publications, impact stories, and the VPU's overall progress.
Work with the Knowledge and Operational Leads in the unit to maximize opportunities to promote and disseminate global products, analytical work, capacity-building initiatives produced by the global programs.
Advance strategic communication in the infrastructure space and ensure the effective delivery of a robust work program across the globe, in coordination with other colleagues.
Work collaboratively and maintain dialogue with operational teams to ensure that communications activities always support business development.
Messaging, Products, Events and Digital Presence:
Conceptualize and supervise the preparation, editing, production, and dissemination of communications products (e.g., feature stories, news releases, op-eds, blog posts, speeches, presentations, briefing notes, online and social media content, etc.) and thought leadership pieces.
Write and/or oversee the preparation of high-profile briefs, talking points, op-eds, presentations, WB annual reports contributions, newsletters, video interviews, Q&As, blogs, project briefs etc., for both internal and external use. Ensure each product meets the World Bank's quality standards.
Oversee planning, coordination, and logistics, often across multiple operational and communications teams, for conferences, webinars, executive missions and speaking engagements, public or broadcast appearances, press briefings, and other communications-related activities involving external and/or internal audiences.
Identify opportunities to advance thought leadership and outreach of the global programs. Provide support for and external events, including promotion, content development, strategic guidance and post-event publicity.
Manage online and social media presence by managing website content, writing/editing text for websites, and posting regular content on LinkedIn and X channels. Ensure timely management of website content and materials in line. Ensure that the team is pursuing new opportunities and following best practices in online media and content development.
Lead the marketing and communications strategy for the annual transport conference, Transforming Transportation, as well as the Infrastructure for Development conference, in coordination with the Senior External Affairs Officer, the relevant technical teams, and our external partner.
Selection Criteria
The successful candidate will have experience in employee engagement and corporate communications, with strong technical skills (writing/editing, project management, communications strategy development, and impact measurement). He/she will have:
Master's degree with 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience, in one or several of the following education streams: communications, journalism, political science, international relations, public affairs, marketing, business/finance. In addition, experience in corporate communications, international relations, public affairs, public policy, or another related field will be a plus.
Exceptional writing and editing skills, with experience of working with technical subject matter and an ability to produce outputs that can be understood by a general but knowledgeable audience. Proven track record of producing clear and compelling written and visual communications and editing documents, stories, etc. for broad external and internal audiences.
Experience in strategic communication planning and branding, especially in a global or multicultural context. Proven ability to design and execute creative communication products and strategies aligned with specific objectives.
Demonstrated success in managing online/social media presence, websites and data platforms. Ability to use digital analytics to measure website, newsletter, and blog performance. Knowledge of CMS tools and experience in graphic design/branding would be an advantage.
Demonstrated experience in high-level convenings, including preparation of materials, pre-event promotion, and post-event knowledge sharing. Excellent organizational skills, proven ability to perform multiple tasks independently, adjust to priorities and achieve results, and meet agreed objectives within sometimes very tight deadlines.
Knowledge of infrastructure sectors, such as transport, infrastructure finance, private capital mobilization and infrastructure development to drive economic growth. Ability to think strategically and rapidly analyze and synthesize diverse information from varied sources; ability to learn, adapt, innovate, and think outside the box as new communications challenges arise.
Experience in sensitive communications and reputation management. High degree of ethics, discretion, tact, and sensitivity in dealing with others and in handling confidential and sensitive information.
Ability to effectively interact with diverse internal and external stakeholders at all levels, demonstrating respect for different points of view and building productive working relationships. Understanding of strategies to build a cohesive workplace culture and demonstrated experience in working in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment/team in a collaborative way.
Core competencies
1. Being Strategic
Understanding world affairs, economic, political, and societal trends and their connection to the World Bank Group context.
Judgment to enhance the reputation of the institution and prioritize initiatives based on strategic and operational priorities.
Ability to develop/deliver authentic messages/content and innovative solutions that align with strategic priorities and resonate with key stakeholders.
2. Driving advocacy
Relationship management skills to strengthen collaboration, mitigate risks, advocate, and deepen support for strategic priorities.
Political intelligence to identify and sustain long-term relationships with key internal and external influencers.
Ability to drive internal and external advocacy and campaign initiatives that build understanding/support for WBG priorities, cut through the noise, and mobilize action and resources.
3. Managing complexity
Ability to convert insights from multiple sources into clear actions and messages, using experience and judgment.
Understanding of issues management; proactive in identifying, monitoring, mitigating, and managing reputational risk.
Sound judgment to provide advice and develop joint strategies on issues of reputation.
Strong understanding of reputational risks that can affect the institution's ability to deliver.
4. Acting as trusted advisor
Trusted advisor to leadership, providing counsel on how to engage staff and build support for the institution's priorities.
Intelligence and insight from networks and relationships (inside and out) to provide relevant perspectives to leaders.
Focus on measuring activity based on delivering outcomes that are aligned with the institution's strategic priorities.
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 #:
req32770
Organization:
World Bank
Sector:
Communications
Grade:
GF
Term Duration:
4 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment
Location:
Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s):
English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date:
4/21/2025 (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. For more information, 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.
Infrastructure Vice Presidency
Globally, one billion people live more than 2 kilometers from all-weather roads, 685 million people lack electricity, and nearly 4 billion people lack Internet access. Access to basic infrastructure services is critical for creating economic opportunities for the poor. The Infrastructure Vice Presidency (INF) within the World Bank is charged with developing sustainable solutions to help close infrastructure gaps in developing and emerging economies. INF currently consists of four Global Departments: Energy & Extractives; Transport; Urban, Resilience and Land, and Infrastructure Finance. It oversees the Bank's work across energy and transport sectors, urban development, as well as efforts to promote energy transition, low-carbon transportation, livable cities, disaster risk resilience, land management, and quality infrastructure services through public-private partnerships. Infrastructure represents around $110 billion of the Bank's portfolio. For more information: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/infrastructure.
Roles and Responsibilities: External Affairs Officer, ECR Infrastructure
This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing and dynamic team and work across a range of global infrastructure programs on high profile initiatives which are integral to achieving the World Bank's goals. The External Affairs Officer will report to the ECR Manager for Infrastructure (ECRIN).
The External Affairs Officer will work very closely with the Transport and Infrastructure Finance Global Departments. They will also play an important role in coordinating a digital presence and strategy across all ECR Infrastructure channels, in line with the new content development strategy being set by ECRVP.
The External Affairs Officer will oversee:
External Affairs:
Build/nurture a network of contacts with key audiences, including media, civil society, academia, client government agencies, the World Bank Group, and other international organizations, as needed.
Provide strategic advice to the technical team and internal clients on communications matters, leading high-impact communications that help position the World Bank in the infrastructure space, including its project results and knowledge work (including ASAs) with relevant audiences.
Coordination and Harmonization:
Work effectively with the technical colleagues in various Global Departments, especially the Transport and Infrastructure Finance, on identifying subject matter and materials for communications. These can highlight program results, significant publications, impact stories, and the VPU's overall progress.
Work with the Knowledge and Operational Leads in the unit to maximize opportunities to promote and disseminate global products, analytical work, capacity-building initiatives produced by the global programs.
Advance strategic communication in the infrastructure space and ensure the effective delivery of a robust work program across the globe, in coordination with other colleagues.
Work collaboratively and maintain dialogue with operational teams to ensure that communications activities always support business development.
Messaging, Products, Events and Digital Presence:
Conceptualize and supervise the preparation, editing, production, and dissemination of communications products (e.g., feature stories, news releases, op-eds, blog posts, speeches, presentations, briefing notes, online and social media content, etc.) and thought leadership pieces.
Write and/or oversee the preparation of high-profile briefs, talking points, op-eds, presentations, WB annual reports contributions, newsletters, video interviews, Q&As, blogs, project briefs etc., for both internal and external use. Ensure each product meets the World Bank's quality standards.
Oversee planning, coordination, and logistics, often across multiple operational and communications teams, for conferences, webinars, executive missions and speaking engagements, public or broadcast appearances, press briefings, and other communications-related activities involving external and/or internal audiences.
Identify opportunities to advance thought leadership and outreach of the global programs. Provide support for and external events, including promotion, content development, strategic guidance and post-event publicity.
Manage online and social media presence by managing website content, writing/editing text for websites, and posting regular content on LinkedIn and X channels. Ensure timely management of website content and materials in line. Ensure that the team is pursuing new opportunities and following best practices in online media and content development.
Lead the marketing and communications strategy for the annual transport conference, Transforming Transportation, as well as the Infrastructure for Development conference, in coordination with the Senior External Affairs Officer, the relevant technical teams, and our external partner.
Selection Criteria
The successful candidate will have experience in employee engagement and corporate communications, with strong technical skills (writing/editing, project management, communications strategy development, and impact measurement). He/she will have:
Master's degree with 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience, in one or several of the following education streams: communications, journalism, political science, international relations, public affairs, marketing, business/finance. In addition, experience in corporate communications, international relations, public affairs, public policy, or another related field will be a plus.
Exceptional writing and editing skills, with experience of working with technical subject matter and an ability to produce outputs that can be understood by a general but knowledgeable audience. Proven track record of producing clear and compelling written and visual communications and editing documents, stories, etc. for broad external and internal audiences.
Experience in strategic communication planning and branding, especially in a global or multicultural context. Proven ability to design and execute creative communication products and strategies aligned with specific objectives.
Demonstrated success in managing online/social media presence, websites and data platforms. Ability to use digital analytics to measure website, newsletter, and blog performance. Knowledge of CMS tools and experience in graphic design/branding would be an advantage.
Demonstrated experience in high-level convenings, including preparation of materials, pre-event promotion, and post-event knowledge sharing. Excellent organizational skills, proven ability to perform multiple tasks independently, adjust to priorities and achieve results, and meet agreed objectives within sometimes very tight deadlines.
Knowledge of infrastructure sectors, such as transport, infrastructure finance, private capital mobilization and infrastructure development to drive economic growth. Ability to think strategically and rapidly analyze and synthesize diverse information from varied sources; ability to learn, adapt, innovate, and think outside the box as new communications challenges arise.
Experience in sensitive communications and reputation management. High degree of ethics, discretion, tact, and sensitivity in dealing with others and in handling confidential and sensitive information.
Ability to effectively interact with diverse internal and external stakeholders at all levels, demonstrating respect for different points of view and building productive working relationships. Understanding of strategies to build a cohesive workplace culture and demonstrated experience in working in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment/team in a collaborative way.
Core competencies
1. Being Strategic
Understanding world affairs, economic, political, and societal trends and their connection to the World Bank Group context.
Judgment to enhance the reputation of the institution and prioritize initiatives based on strategic and operational priorities.
Ability to develop/deliver authentic messages/content and innovative solutions that align with strategic priorities and resonate with key stakeholders.
2. Driving advocacy
Relationship management skills to strengthen collaboration, mitigate risks, advocate, and deepen support for strategic priorities.
Political intelligence to identify and sustain long-term relationships with key internal and external influencers.
Ability to drive internal and external advocacy and campaign initiatives that build understanding/support for WBG priorities, cut through the noise, and mobilize action and resources.
3. Managing complexity
Ability to convert insights from multiple sources into clear actions and messages, using experience and judgment.
Understanding of issues management; proactive in identifying, monitoring, mitigating, and managing reputational risk.
Sound judgment to provide advice and develop joint strategies on issues of reputation.
Strong understanding of reputational risks that can affect the institution's ability to deliver.
4. Acting as trusted advisor
Trusted advisor to leadership, providing counsel on how to engage staff and build support for the institution's priorities.
Intelligence and insight from networks and relationships (inside and out) to provide relevant perspectives to leaders.
Focus on measuring activity based on delivering outcomes that are aligned with the institution's strategic priorities.
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.