Communications Officer
New Delhi, India
JOB DETAIL
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 $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 on a livable planet as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
We are looking to hire a Communications Officer to oversee external and internal communications for IFC in India. 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 right candidate will be highly organized, and a good team player. He/she is expected to travel, as needed to effectively perform his/her role.
The Communications Officer will be an integral member of the Regional Communications Unit. This Unit works closely with Corporate and Industry communications teams to advance business development and communicate IFC’s impact in regions of coverage. Regional Communications Officers engage with IFC’s stakeholders – companies and businesses, development partners, civil society, and others -, to promote projects that show IFC’s leadership and innovation as the premier partner of choice for the private sector in emerging and developing economies. The Regional Communications Unit collaborates regularly with counterparts within the World Bank Group.
Roles and Responsibilities
The position will report to the Senior Communications Officer for South Asia and will be based in New Delhi, India. 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. Responsibilities will include:
• 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 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, and 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.
• Vendor management: Identify, engage, and manage external communications vendors for timely delivery of quality communications products in line with program requirements.
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.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage relationships with senior executives.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with industry subject-matter experts and operational leads, and understand technical aspects related to operations, portfolios, and investments, in order to develop an impactful communications strategy.
• Proven ability to capture national and international trends, case studies, and innovations in communications products in a compelling, easy-to-understand manner.
• Proven ability to think strategically and rapidly analyze diverse information from varied sources and an ability to learn, adapt, and be innovative as new communications challenges arise.
• Self-motivated, creative, excellent organizational skills, proven ability to perform multiple tasks.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a willingness to work in a team environment and the ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences.
• Demonstrated project-management skills, in relation to event organization.
• Excellent English, including writing and editing, skills.
• Knowledge of design tools (Adobe InDesign, PhotoShop, Canva), website design, content management, and media and social media monitoring tools (Hootsuite, Talkwalker) is a distinct plus.
• Exceptional ability to manage projects and 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.
• World Bank Group Core Competencies for all staff: Client orientation; Drive for results; Teamwork of collaboration and inclusion; Knowledge, Learning, and communication; and Business judgment and analytical decision-making.
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.
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