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 2022, IFC committed a record $32.8 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 operates in a complex and dynamic environment and faces a range of issues and challenges that can impact its reputation, operations, and stakeholders. Effective issues management is critical to ensure that the organization is prepared to respond to emerging issues and crises, and to protect its reputation and social license to operate.

IFC’s Risk and Issues Management unit is seeking a Communications Officer to help track, analyze and advise on reputational risk issues, especially those related to Environment Social and Governance (ESG) risks. The successful candidate will also have a strong understanding of reputational risk management; engaging with external stakeholders, including civil society; and an appreciation of the role the private sector in development and promoting economic prosperity.

The Risk and Issues Management unit’s main responsibilities include: (1) Risk Management: identify, monitor, and manage corporate reputational risk incidents through collaboration across the institution, (2) Issue Management: anticipate, escalate and develop strategies to manage corporate issues relevant to influential stakeholders; and (3) Transparency: oversee implementation of IFC’s Access to Information Policy and ensuring that the institution is adhering to its transparency commitments.

The Communications Officer for risk serves as a focal point for identifying and tracking reputational risk across IFC’s operations. The position collaborates with communications colleagues in the field and across industries to articulate those risks and identify strategies to mitigate them. Key responsibilities include analyzing reputational risk data, identifying trends and suggesting strategies for addressing those trends. Also important is organizing risk information from across the institution so that it is up-to-date and easily accessible when questions arise.

The centralized risk function brings a birds-eye view of the risks faced by different parts of the institution, helping to keep perspective on risk level and tracking broader institutional concerns or issues. The team also helps prioritize field-based issues to be brought to the attention of management.

The Communications Officer will report to the Lead for Risk and Issues Management within the Communications and Outreach Department and will be based in Washington, DC.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Issue monitoring and analysis:
•  Maintaining a central database or “Watch List” of reputational risk issues.
•  Making sure the data is current and doing periodic analysis of the data to identify trends or institutional weaknesses.
•  Performing social media monitoring of conversations around issues known to be sensitive for the institution.
•  Forging strong relationships with communications colleagues in the regions and industry groups to gather information in a timely manner about risks that arise.
•  Vetting for reputational risk panelists under consideration for events, videos and other material for storytelling efforts.

Corporate issue management:
•  Prioritizing risk issues to bring to the attention of management and working with colleagues to mitigate them.
•  Working with the unit’s leadership to compile a weekly summary of current risks to send to management.
•  Exercising judgment about risk level, diplomacy in interactions on sensitive topics, as well as clear and concise writing and editing skills to highlight relevant facts.
•  Working with regional and industry colleagues, as well as the World Bank’s Issues Management team, when needed, to advise on responses to criticism.

Training:
•  Helping to build common standards of excellence, harmonize formats and provide common understanding across communications and technical teams on reputational risk and issue management.
•  Conducting trainings with communications officers in the field and industry communications officers in DC on how to feed information into the Watch List and use it in their work.

Selection Criteria

•  Master’s degree with a minimum of 5 years of work experience in journalism, communications, international relations or stakeholder engagement.
•  Excellent judgement and keen political sense, paired with an ability to spot and analyze reputational risks.
•  Native level spoken and written English required.
•  Proven experience in presenting complex ideas clearly and comprehensively, both verbally and in writing.
•  Proven editorial skills, including writing, editing, and proofreading.
•  Excellent team player. Known for willingness to assist and support when others on the team are in need.
•  Data analysis skills and experience desirable – working with Excel, STATA, eg.
•  Experience within IFC and knowledge of IFC operations highly desirable.
•  Ability to operate under tight deadlines with accuracy and professionalism. Attention to detail will be considered critical.
•  Self-motivated, with excellent organizational and interpersonal skills and the ability to work with both internal and external constituencies.
•  Sound understanding of IFC’s independent accountability units, especially the CAO.
•  Familiarity with IFC’s Environmental and Social Performance standards and current topics pertinent to international private sector development.
•  Good understanding of the World Bank Group, its policies, work, operations, international development and related global issues.
•  Fluency and/or proficiencies in other languages a plus.

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.