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 http://www.worldbank.org

External and Corporate Relations
Vice-Presidency (ECR)

The mission of External and Corporate Relations (ECR) is
to help deliver financial and political support for the World Bank Group,
strengthen the Bank Group’s role as a global thought leader in development by
enhancing and safeguarding its reputation, and supporting operational teams
to achieve country outcomes. ECR manages corporate communications and global
engagement with key stakeholders, including media, civil society, foundations,
private sector, donor countries, and international organizations, as well as
employee engagement. ECR also manages strategic communications for the World
Bank’s Regions and Global Practices and leads the management of reputation
risk.

The
Latin America and the Caribbean External and Corporate Relations Unit (ECRLC)
is a dynamic and diverse team of communications professionals dedicated to
advancing the World Bank’s mission in the region, enabling environment for
the successful implementation of the Bank’s regional and corporate purposes
of providing development solutions through innovative financial, knowledge
and convening services, customized to client needs. 

The
aim of ECRLC is to improve understanding and support among key audiences
(external and internal) for an agenda that centers on raising the region’s
voice on global issues while supporting, at the national level, economic and
social development that benefits all people, especially the poor. It advances
that agenda by influencing decision makers and opinion builders, by
articulating the region’s issues in clear and actionable terms, and by
building coalitions to pursue those goals.

ECRLC
key audiences include media gatekeepers, government officials, Latin American
academics specializing in development issues, business leaders, civil society
organizations, and internal decision makers within the World Bank.  ECRLC works with regional development and
media partners, as well as with global partnerships that contribute to
elevate LAC’s presence in global issues management.

Responsibilities

• Within the regional communications strategy framework and overall objectives, is responsible for planning, designing, executing, and monitoring and evaluating the impact of sometimes complex communications strategies, activities, and campaigns about the Bank’s work in Latin America and the Caribbean. Also contributes to broader strategy development with regard to the team’s overall work program.
•  Determines the types of information and communications activities that are best suited to addressing issues or problems and identifies relevant information sources. Accordingly, writes and/or oversees the preparation, production and dissemination of both routine and complex outreach products that§  promote the strategic and timely flow of information and key messages about the Bank, its policies and operations to key internal and external audiences.
• Writes and edits regional communications materials including news releases, op-eds/articles, speeches, talking points, Q&As and other briefing materials. Also is responsible for producing multimedia materials for regional and global dissemination through web, broadcast and other outlets.
• Monitors and analyzes current events and public and press opinion with a view to risk management. Advises Unit Manager and other relevant Bank staff and clients on trends, news developments, or changing/unexpected circumstances that may impact the Bank and its work, and helps to determine appropriate strategic responses to address them.
• Oversees planning, coordination, scheduling and logistics, often across multiple teams, for press briefings, major conferences and seminars, public or broadcast appearances, and other communications-related activities sponsored by the Bank. May assign work and provide guidance to others charged with developing various communications products for specific campaigns.
•  Provides communications support and advice to the region’s Sustainable Development Network department, including developing a communication strategy for the team, coordinating events, managing flagship launches and identifying outreach opportunities.

Selection Criteria

• Minimum Years of Relevant Experience: MA degree and a minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience in one or more professional disciplines, or a bachelor’s and 10 years of experience.
• Thorough knowledge of and practical experience in full range of communications approaches, tools and methodologies essential to planning, executing, and monitoring communications strategies – e.g., campaign management, media operations, social marketing, opinion research, audience outreach, message targeting, and so on. Ability to plan and successfully implement a comprehensive communications program in support of defined objectives.
• In-depth knowledge of Latin America and the Caribbean’s social, political and development issues with strong current knowledge of key constituencies, their operations, policies, practices and priorities, particularly as they relate to and work with the Bank;
• Well established network of contacts in both media (global and regional) and among other key constituencies in the region;
• Good understanding of the Bank, its policies and operations; up-to-date knowledge of current development topics and issues in the region, and ability to identify communications-related risks and opportunities in an international environment.
• Proven planning and organizational skills. Strong conceptual and research/analytical skills, with the ability to think strategically and rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources into conclusions and recommendations.
• Exceptional ability to write and edit in both English and Spanish for a wide range of communication products as well as for the web, with experience conveying complex ideas in a clear, direct and lively, (non-academic) style.
• Effective interpersonal skills; proven experience in working as both a leader and a member of team.
• Demonstrated political awareness and ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and to otherwise cultivate effective, productive client relationships/partnerships and ability to work effectively with internal/external partners in a multicultural environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentational skills. Spoken and written fluency required in English and Spanish.

ECRLC is looking for a fully bilingual (Spanish, English) External Affairs Officer with strong experience in strategic communications and stakeholder engagement and excellent writing skills. This is a 1-year Extended Term Consultant position based in Washington, DC.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

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. 

Note: The selected candidate will be offered a one-year appointment, renewable for an additional one year, at the discretion of the World Bank Group, and subject to a lifetime maximum ET Appointment of two years. If an ET appointment ends before a full year, it is considered as a full year toward the lifetime maximum. Former and current ET staff who have completed all or any portion of their second-year ET appointment are not eligible for future ET appointments.