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
The Regional Communications Unit within the Communications and Outreach Department (CCO) is responsible for providing communications leadership and support in IFC’s four regions namely: Africa; Asia and the Pacific; Latin America, Caribbean, and Europe; and Middle East, Central Asia, Türkiye, Afghanistan & Pakistan. Given IFC’s decentralized staffing model and the proximity to clients around the world, the regional communications staff perform critical functions related to stakeholder and relationship management to ensure that IFC’s brand and development impact are appropriately communicated to regional audiences, while also facilitating internal engagement for staff, especially between IFC headquarters and county offices.
The CCO manages IFC’s communications and outreach strategy with a focus on the Corporation’s business priorities, including cross cutting themes. The department has three integrated units: Corporate Communications, Regional Communications, and Global Industry and Thematic Communications. These units work closely with IFC’s Risk & Public Affairs team to ensure effective stakeholder engagement and reputation risk management.
The Manager, Regional Communications will work closely and seamlessly with other managers in CCO to support the organization’s overall communications efforts. S/he will lead the communications team in the region, maintain strong working relationships with the Regional and Industry Directors/ Managers/ Country Managers, and coordinate closely with relevant World Bank units to conceive, develop, and implement strategic, proactive, high-impact communications and engagements that showcase business results and raise IFC’s profile in the regions.
The position will be based in Paris, France to optimize coordination with the regional communications teams; ensure closer collaboration with clients; facilitate and maintain strategic communications relationships; and help to position IFC’s Paris Hub especially on the themes of climate change and disruptive tech. This will involve high level networking with relevant influencers and partners, and supporting thought leadership initiatives, in close collaboration with the Economics & Private Sector Development Vice Presidency. The Manager, Regional Communications, will also provide backstopping communications support for high level engagements in Paris.
The Manager, Regional Communications will report to the Director for Communications and Outreach.
Duties and Accountabilities
• Leading and managing a global team focused on communications in the regions and country offices, while closely working with other units in the department to ensure effective delivery of a robust work program.
• Overseeing the development and implementation of proactive communications and outreach strategies for IFC’s regions of operation, showcasing business results, and raising the profile of IFC’s leadership in private sector development.
• Working with the Regional Vice Presidents, identify areas of engagement that will position IFC effectively in the different markets while also reaching new and diverse audiences to support business development and communicate IFC’s development impact.
• Working closely with the Corporate Communications unit to ensure that regional communications strategies have a strong focus on internal engagement, including but not limited to, cascading of corporate messages to regions, support to the change management efforts, advancing the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) agenda, and strengthening overall employee engagement.
• Leading efforts to identify opportunities for proactive, high-impact communications (reports, events, multi-media packages, stories, notes, case studies, blogs, etc.) that capture IFC’s thought leadership in the regions and to identify investment trends and activities that serve as the foundation for outreach and engagement.
• Ensuring consistency and harmonization across industry and thematic communications in the regions, identifying opportunities for cross-cutting approaches, where appropriate.
• Leading efforts to identify and report to IFC senior management on political economy activities that impact IFC’s operations at country and regional level.
• Coordinating closely with IFC’s Partnerships team to raise awareness and enable strategic engagement with key stakeholders around IFC’s strategic priorities especially those that are closely related to the Paris Hub.
• Overseeing the development of communications issue briefs, stakeholder engagement plans, talking points and Q&As, reactive messaging/holding statements, etc. for both internal and external use.
• Managing risk-related issues, in close coordination with the Public Affairs and Risk Management team.
• Contributing to the successful implementation of IFC’s overall Communications and Outreach strategy.
• Coordinating with counterparts across the World Bank Group to ensure consistency of messaging and identifying areas of synergy.
Selection Criteria
• Unquestionable integrity and commitment to the World Bank Group and IFC’s mission and values.
• Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, International Relations, Public Affairs, Marketing, Business/Finance with a minimum of 12 years of experience in corporate communications, international relations, public affairs, political science, or other related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience working across regions in a global context of diverse markets and cultures, and ability to engage effectively in multicultural environments.
• Ability to build effective networks and solid relationships with partner organizations including academic institutions and think tanks.
• Decisiveness and willingness to take responsibility and hold others accountable for results.
• Proven track record on effectively leading and managing teams.
• Professional credibility and ability to work across organizational boundaries in a dynamic and multicultural environment to foster innovation and drive solutions.
• Understanding of IFC’s business model and private sector development issues and clear vision of how effective communications can support operational delivery.
• Big picture thinker with strong interpersonal, diplomatic, and problem-solving skills, while maintaining a sharp eye for details.
• Excellent writing, editing, and research skills and an ability to quickly produce quality, engaging, and crisp documents and presentations.
• Demonstrated experience presenting to, interacting, and building relationships with members of the media, civil society, executive leaders, and a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Solid conceptual and analytical skills, with an ability to think strategically and rapidly synthesize information from varied sources into concise conclusions and recommendations.
• Ability to work under stress and to juggle multiple tasks on tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team, with a constant willingness to support and assist others and to perform whatever tasks are necessary to help the team achieve its goals.
• Meet Bank Group-wide managerial selection criteria including courage of your convictions, leading the team for impact, influencing across boundaries, fostering openness to new ideas, and building talent for the future.
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.
