Communications Officer

Job #: req23982

Organization: IFC

Sector: Communications

Grade: GF

Term Duration: 3 years 0 months

Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment

Location: Colombo,Sri Lanka

Required Language(s): English

Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 9/4/2023 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

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 in developing countries. In fiscal year 2023, IFC committed a record US$43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

IFC is seeking a Communications Officer to oversee external and internal communications for IFC in Sri Lanka and Maldives. IFC fosters sustainable economic growth by financing private sector investment, mobilizing capital, and advising businesses and governments on projects that generate returns for investors and provide lasting benefits to communities. The Communications Officer will work in the Asia and Pacific Regional Communications Unit.

The Regional Communication Unit’s objectives include supporting IFC’s operations, strengthening IFC’s brand, and communicating its development impact to internal and external clients to galvanize IFC’s position as the premier development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. Working with other units in the department, Regional Communication also promotes IFC’s thought leadership and a better understanding of the key role of private sector in development, as well as managing reputational risks around IFC’s investments and policies.

The Communications Officer will contribute to developing and implementing the communications strategy that will position IFC in Sri Lanka and Maldives as the leading business and development partner of choice for private sector development in emerging markets.

The position will report to the Senior Communications Officer for South Asia, and will be based in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Roles and Responsibilities

This is an exciting opportunity for a communications professional to work within a dynamic team to implement IFC’s communications strategy in Asia and the Pacific. The successful candidate will have a solid background in communications and experience working in the region.

•  Strategy: Plan, design and execute a communications strategy and activities to promote effective communications with external and internal audiences focused on IFC’s role and impact. Conceptualize and determine the types of information and communications interventions that are best suited.
•  Relationships: Build and manage effective professional relationships with key industry, government, development and civil society groups. Position IFC’s Country Manager and project team leads as spokespersons and thought leaders in the private sector development space. Respond to routine and non-routine inquiries about IFC’s operations to enhance two-way communications and dialogue.
•  Business Development: Use a variety of tools, techniques, and resources to support business development and to strengthen IFC’s brand, including press releases, media pitching, website development, social media, promotional materials, and conferences.
•  Risk Management: Work closely with project teams and IFC clients to identify and mitigate reputational risks, enhance stakeholder engagement efforts, and clearly communicate the long-term development impact and IFC’s value-add in high profile projects.
•  Media Relations: Cultivate relationships with key journalists and secure press coverage for IFC initiatives in local media.
•  Products: Write, produce, and disseminate of both routine and complex communication products (e.g., media packets, news releases, op-eds, brochures, Q&As, presentations, briefing notes, online and social media content, speeches) about IFC operations and impact.
•  Events: Coordinate scheduling and briefings for communications activities (e.g. executive missions and speeches, press conferences, seminars) involving external and/or internal audiences.
•  Technical and advisory support: Advise IFC teams on trends, news, or changing/unexpected circumstances that may impact IFC and its work, and help determine strategic responses. Provide communication support to IFC teams and clients.

Selection Criteria

•  Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, International Relations, Public Affairs, Marketing, Business/Finance with 5 or more years’ experience in corporate communications, international relations, public affairs, political science, or other related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. In addition, a degree in Business Administration and/or working experience in investment operations will be valued.
•  Proven ability to conceptualize, design and implement communications strategies, campaigns or programs.
•  Knowledge of design tools (Adobe InDesign, Photo Shop, Canva), website design, content management, and media and social media monitoring tools (Hootsuite, Talkwalker) is a distinct plus.
•  Knowledge of national and international trends, demonstrated political awareness, and ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences.
•  Self-motivated, creative, excellent organizational skills, proven ability to perform multiple tasks, and ability to work with both internal and external constituencies.
•  Excellent interpersonal skills with a willingness to work in a team environment.
•  Excellent English writing and editing skills.
•  Exceptional ability to write, communicate, operate under pressure and tight deadlines with accuracy and professionalism.
•  Understanding of multilateral development institutions, including the World Bank Group, its policies and operations; as well as current development topics and issues.
•  The candidate should be available to travel to as needed.

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.